Pelargonium graveolens: a plant with aromatic & healing properties on your balcony and garden
The Pelargonium graveolens is a perennial, herbaceous, evergreen plant that is very common in yards, gardens and balconies. This is because it is easy to plant, durable and does not need as frequent watering as other plants – what is needed is frequent contact with the sun.
Her origin is from South Africa and she is related to the geranium – a careful look at her appearance leaves us in no doubt. Its leaves are ‘lacy’ while in spring and summer it shows very beautiful purple (but also white) flowers.
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The great asset of the Pelargonium graveolens is the intense aroma that its leaves emit – as long as we rub them a little and their wonderful aroma fills our senses.
Basic tips:
– It is pruned much like geranium: with a small pruner we remove the diseased twigs and dried leaves to rejuvenate.
– No daily watering required. In the pot, we should water it ‘well’, about 2 times a week.
– It is very easy to plant: we simply remove a branch that has no flowers on it and with a stone we ‘press’ its lower edge a little and plant it in the pot or soil.
– It is considered an ideal plant for hanging pots. It grows very fast and its branches with the lacy leaves hang down creating a very beautiful image.
– The most common uses of Pelargonium graveolens are in the preparation of liqueurs, in spoon sweets and in Turkish delights.
– It is considered to have healing properties as an herb
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Thus, the decoction of Pelargonium graveolens is considered to have relaxing properties, it helps to relieve nausea and migraines.
Finally, the Pelargonium graveolens can also act as an excellent natural insect repellent.
To make it, put 50 grams of Pelargonium graveolens in half a liter of 40. Alcohol and leave it in a dark place for 10-12 days – until the leaves melt. Then strain with a strainer and in case the aroma is very strong, just add a little distilled water. When our natural insect repellent is ready, we drop a few drops on windows, windowsills and lamps – before lighting them.
Images via: Pinterest
