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Sweet, useful rose geranium

Margaret Roberts focuses on the useful attributes of Rose Geranium in
her popular book, 'Edible and Medicinal Flowers'.

THE great Pelargonium genus originates in South Africa, and all species are wonderfully fragrant. They were introduced into England in the mid-17th Century and from there spread throughout Europe. The scent of the leaves ranges from rose to peppermint, pine to spice, nutmeg to citrus, and chocolate to apple, and just lightly crushing a leaf will release the glorious fragrance. Today pelargoniums are widespread throughout the world and are valued as both pot and bedding plants.
Medicinal uses
Rose geranium leaves and flowers are anti-depressant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, fungicidal and deodorant. In my work as a physiotherapist, I made a massage cream for aching muscles, stiff necks and arthritic aches and pains using geranium. To this day I am never without a jar or two.
Rose geranium massage cream:
In a double boiler combine one cup of rose geranium leaves and flowers with one cup of boiling water, one cinnamon stick, six crushed cardamom pods, six crushed cloves and two teaspoons of anise seeds. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool for 10 minutes and strain. Discard the leaves and spices, add one tablespoon almond oil, one teaspoon vitamin E oil and six drops of rose-geranium essential oil. Mix well and pour into sterilised screw-top jars. The tiny, exquisitely marked flowers have the same taste and fragrance as the leaves and can be made into soothing, calming teas and drinks that help to lessen the onslaught of the frenetic pace at which so many of us live. A cup of rose-scented geranium tea made with a quarter of a cup of fresh leaves, and flowers too if you like, steeped in one cup of boiling water for five minutes, then strained and sipped slowly, will calm and relax you.
Rose geranium wash:
This is excellent for oily and problem skins. Tie a big handful of rose-scented geranium leaves and flowers in a bunch with an elastic band, pour two litres of boiling water over it and, holding the bunch by its stems, swish it around in the water for a few minutes. Leave the bunch in the water to cool until pleasantly warm. Then, after cleaning the face with a good cold cream, wash it with this scented lotion as a final rinse.
Cultivation
Growing scented geraniums is easy. Cuttings broken off and rooted in wet sand strike remarkably easily and this can be done at any time of the year, except during the coldest months. Plant them in a sunny position with a little compost in the early stages and keep them protected until they are sturdy. They require no more than a weekly watering once they are established. Cut the plants back at the end of the growing season to prevent them from becoming straggly and untidy, and make a mass of cuttings for new plants with the clippings.

Recipes for Rose-scented Geranium Mousse, Rose-scented Geranium Filo Baskets, and Rose-scented Geranium Mashed Potatoes appear in "Edible and Medicinal Flowers", which is published and distributed by Random House Struik.