Geranium flowers

Geranium or crane, which in Soviet times flaunted in pots on almost every windowsill, belongs to the genus of plants of their Geraniev family. Geranium flowers, as well as its leaves, are distinguished by a rather pleasant aroma and attractive appearance, due to which this plant is still popular around the world.

Interestingly, geranium flowers are not only beautiful, but also quite edible, so they are often used in cooking. For example, they make delicious pastilles with leaves, stems and flowers of geranium, prepare ice cream and cook jam. In addition, geranium is also used when baking bread, biscuits and buns. And on the basis of this plant, aromatic tea is brewed and other delicious and healthy drinks are made.

In candied form, not only geranium flowers, but also its leaves are unusually tasty. It is thanks to the aromatic properties of geranium that fragrant sugar and syrup, cheesecakes and jelly are made from it. Geranium sprig and baked pork are not complete, and when making melon sherbets, geranium leaves are also often added, which have the aroma of lemon or lime. Caramelized pears acquire an incomparable aroma thanks to the leaves and colors of geranium.

Types of geranium

Today, about 400 species of geranium are known, which are dispersed around the world. In addition, even its own variety of this plant is bred for almost every geranium species, the distinctive feature of which is the color along with the size of the leaves and inflorescences.

There are also wild species of geranium, including marsh geranium, meadow geranium, forest geranium and field geranium. All of them (in particular meadow geranium) find their application in the field of medicine and cosmetology.

Composition of geranium

Geranium contains such valuable substances for human health as gallic acid, starch, gum, sugars, pectins and tannins. Due to their presence, drugs made on the basis of geranium are distinguished by anti-inflammatory and astringent effects, preventing the release of liquid.

The benefits of geranium

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of geranium for the human body, because this plant has antimicrobial, cleansing and refreshing effects. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases (eczema and lichen), as well as stomatitis, wounds, tongue infections and facial neuralgia. And geranium oil cleans the nasal mucosa and protects against colds.

In addition, the benefits of geranium for the gastrointestinal tract are known. For example, the decoction of this plant is often used for the therapy of chronic and acute inflammation of the intestines, for gastritis. Such a natural medicine is able to relieve pain with a duodenal peptic ulcer.