Certainly! Here's a full-page overview of Geranium, covering its types, cultivation, medicinal and culinary uses, and precautions.

🌺 Geranium ( Pelargonium) – Full Overview, Medicinal & Culinary Uses Pelargonium grandiflorum 'Bella Donna' (Mixed) 1L - Coolings Garden Centre

🌿 Description

Often grown for its colorful blooms and fragrant leaves, Geranium (particularly the Pelargonium genus) is one of the most beloved flowering plants for gardens and pots. While the term “geranium” is commonly used for both Pelargonium and true geraniums (Geranium spp.), it's the Pelargonium species—especially Pelargonium graveolens (rose-scented geranium)—that are prized for culinary and medicinal uses.

Common Names: Scented Geranium, Rose Geranium, Garden Geranium
Botanical Name: Pelargonium spp. (not to be confused with Geranium spp.)

🌱 Indoor and Outdoor Use

Indoors: Geraniums can thrive in containers with good air circulation and bright sunlight. Great for sunny windowsills or balconies.
Outdoors: Perfect for beds, borders, hanging baskets, and container gardens in zones 9–11; grown as annuals in cooler climates.

🌿 Medicinal Uses of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Rose-scented geraniums have been used in folk medicine, aromatherapy, and natural skincare due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties.

💧 Essential Oil

Extracted from the leaves and stems.
Used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
Applied topically (diluted) to treat acne, eczema, minor wounds, and insect bites.

🌿 Herbal Applications

Infusions/teas made from dried or fresh leaves may help with:

Digestive discomfort
Mild anxiety
Menstrual cramps
(Always consult a professional before internal use.)

🍽️ Culinary Uses

Only scented-leaf varieties of Pelargonium are edible and used in culinary practices.

✔️ Edible Uses:

Leaves used to flavor sugar, jams, jellies, cakes, and herbal teas.
Can be layered in sugar jars to infuse scent (e.g., rose, lemon, mint).
Used in baking to line cake pans or as garnish.
Popular in Middle Eastern and North African herbal traditions.

🌸 Summary

Geranium (Pelargonium) is more than a garden beauty—it’s a versatile plant used in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and even cooking. Especially the scented-leaf types like Pelargonium graveolens offer safe and fragrant opportunities for natural healing and culinary enhancement. With proper use and care, geraniums bring a delightful blend of beauty, fragrance, and utility to homes and gardens alike.