Health benefits of Lemon Scented Geranium

The formal name for Lemon-Scented Geranium is Pelargonium crispum. It is a member of the Geraniaceae family, which is also called the Geranium family. It belongs to the subgenus Pelargonium, along with Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium capitatum, and Pelargonium tomentosum. South Africa is where the plant comes from. It can be found in South Western Cape from Worcester to Bredasdorp. Some of the popular common names of the plants are Crisped Leaf Pelargonium, Lemon Ginger Geranium, Finger Bowl Geranium, Lemon Geranium, Lemon Pop Geranium, Lemon Glow Geranium, Lemon-Scented Geranium, Variegated Lemon- Scented Pelargonium, Lemon Frost Geranium, Lemon Mist Geranium, Lemonade Geranium, Lemon Sherbet Geranium, Curled Leaved Cranesbill, Lemon Drop Geranium, Lemon Popcorn Geranium and Lemon- Scented Leaved Geranium.

The word “Pelargonium” is the genus name for geraniums, which are a group of ornamental plants. The word “Pelargonium” comes from “pelargos,” which in Greek means “stork.” The plants got this name because the long, thin fruit looked like a stork’s beak. “Crispum” comes from the Latin language and means “curled” or “crispy.” It is a term that is used to describe plants with leaves that have edges that are wavy or curled. It is taken from the wild and used as food, medicine, and a source of things by the people who live there. The leaves of this type of geranium are what make it stand out. When you gently rub or crush the leaves, they give off a wonderful lemon scent. This makes it a great plant for any yard.

Plant Description

Lemon-Scented Geranium is an evergreen bush that stands straight and has many branches. It grows between 1 and 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters) tall. The plant grows on the rough lower slopes of hills and mountains. The plant does best in well-drained, neutral to alkaline, light-textured soil in full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. Even though it is often called a geranium, lemon-scented geranium is actually a part of the Pelargonium genus and not a true geranium. Cranesbills are another name for true geraniums. The lemon-scented geranium is known for its strong lemon smell, as the name suggests. When the leaves are touched or brushed, they give off a pleasant citrusy smell. Because they smell good and look nice, lemon-scented geraniums are often used as ornamental plants in parks and other outdoor spaces. Geraniums that smell like lemon can also be grown as houseplants, giving the room a refreshing lemon taste.

Lemon Scented Geranium Facts

Appropriate growing environment for Lemon-Scented Geranium

Lemon-scented geraniums, also known as lemon-scented pelargoniums, are lovely plants that produce a delightful lemon fragrance when their leaves are crushed. To create an appropriate growing environment for these plants, consider the following factors:

• Light: Geraniums that smell like lemon do best in bright, indirect light. They need at least four to six hours of sunshine a day. Place them near a south- or west-facing window inside or in a spot outside that gets limited light.
• Temperature: The best temperature for these geraniums is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). They don’t like the cold, so it’s best to bring them inside during the winter if you live in a colder area.
• Humidity: Geraniums that smell like lemon like it when the humidity is between mild and high. If the air inside is too dry, you could use a fan or put a tray of water next to the plant to add moisture.
• Soil: Geraniums that smell like lemons need dirt that drains well. To make sure the dirt drains well, mix it with perlite or sand. The best soil has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
• Watering: Before you water again, let the top inch of the dirt dry out. Root rot can happen if you water a plant too much, so make sure the pot has holes for draining and never let the plant sit in water. During the winter, water less, but don’t let the soil dry out totally.
• Fertilization: During the growth season (spring and summer), give the lemon-scented geraniums a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every four to six weeks. Don’t fertilize your plants in the winter, when growth is slower.
• Pruning: Pinch back the growing tips often to make the plant grow bushier and keep it in a compact shape. Pruning will also help make more leaves that smell like lemons.
• Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which are common plant bugs. Use natural ways or insecticidal soap to get rid of any pests right away. Make sure there is good air flow around the plant to keep it from getting fungal diseases.
• Container: Geraniums that smell like lemon can be grown in pots both inside and outside. Choose a pot with drainage holes that is slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant to make room for it to grow.
• Propagation: Geraniums that smell like lemon can be grown from stem cuttings during the growing season. The cuts should be put in a medium that drains well, like perlite or vermiculite, and kept moist until roots form.

Roots

The roots of the Lemon-Scented Geranium are fibrous, which means they are made up of many thin, branching roots instead of a single, big taproot. This kind of root system makes it easy for the plant to find water and nutrients in a bigger area of soil. Fine root hairs that look like threads are on the surface of the smaller roots. These root hairs make the root system’s surface area much bigger and help the plant take in water and minerals from the dirt. The tips of the roots that are growing are what cause the roots to grow longer and push through the dirt. These root tips are fragile, so they are covered by a root cap that helps the roots grow deeper into the dirt.

Plants like Lemon-Scented Geranium can form root clusters with the help of bacteria that fix nitrogen. These patches have bacteria that change nitrogen in the air into a form that plants can use. This adds nitrogen to the soil. Lemon-Scented Geranium has a root system that can spread out quite far. This makes the plant more stable and helps it get water and nutrients from a bigger area of the soil. The leaves and stems of Lemon-Scented Geranium are where most of the smelly chemicals are found that make the plant smell like lemons. The smell of the plant doesn’t come from the roots themselves.

Stem

The stem of the Lemon-Scented Geranium is herbaceous and not hard. Herbaceous plants don’t make wood, so their stems are soft and green instead of woody like trees and bushes. The Lemon-Scented Geranium’s stem is usually green and smooth, but some types may have tiny hairs on it. Depending on the variety, the color of the stems can be a little different. The stem has parts that are called nodes and internodes. Nodes are places on the plant where leaves, buds, and branches grow. The spaces between the nodes are called internodes.

The apical meristem is the part of the stem that grows at the tip. It is in charge of the stem growing longer and making new leaves and buds. There are small lateral buds between the leaf petioles and the stem. These little buds could turn into new branches or flowers.

Bark

Lemon-Scented Geranium is an herbaceous plant with a stem that isn’t made of wood, so it doesn’t have bark like trees and bushes. Instead, its stem is smooth and green, and there is no bark on the outside of it. The stem is made up of softer tissues like the epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissues, but it doesn’t have the woody secondary growth that trees and bushes have. The skin is the part of the stem that is on the outside. It is made up of a single layer of cells that guard the tissues underneath. Some types of Lemon-Scented Geranium have fine hairs on the skin, which can make the stem look a little fuzzy.

Under the skin is a part of the stem called the cortex. It is made up of many layers of cells called parenchyma that store food and water for the plant. The vascular bundles can be found in the cortex. These are groups of specialized cells that move water, nutrients, and photosynthates (such as sugars) around the plant. The bands of blood vessels are all over the place. Unlike woody plants, which have a layer of secondary growth called the cambium, the Lemon-Scented Geranium does not grow again. This means that it doesn’t get new layers of wood and bark over time, and its stem stays green and doesn’t get woody.

Leaves

Most leaves are palmately lobed, which means that their lobes spread out from a center point like fingers on a hand. The number of lobes can be different, but usually there are five. This gives the leaf a round or circle shape. Most of the time, the ends of the leaves are cut or toothed. Depending on the type of plant, these cuts can be small or more noticeable. The leaves are a little fuzzy or velvety, which is something that many Pelargonium types have in common. The tiny hairs that cover the top and bottom of the leaf are what give it this fuzzy look.

The color of the leaves can change based on things like how much sunshine they get, what’s in the soil, and how old they are. Most of the time, the leaves are a bright green color, but sometimes they can be a darker green. Some types may have orange tints on the undersides of their leaves. Lemon-Scented On the stems of geraniums, the leaves are alternated. This means that each leaf grows from a different place on the stem, going from one side to the other. The leaves of each plant can be different sizes, but in general they are between medium and big. Adult leaves can be anywhere from 2 to 4 inches across. The veins on the leaves are easy to see. They go from the middle of the leaf out to the ends of the lobes. These lines carry water, nutrients, and sugars all over the leaf. The lemon smell of the plant comes mostly from the leaves. On the top of the leaf, there are special glands that hold the aromatic oils that give the lemon its smell. When these glands are broken or moved, the nice lemon smell comes out.

Flowers

The flowers of the Lemon-Scented Geranium grow in groups called inflorescences. The group of flowers is called a “cyme,” and it is made up of several separate flowers. Usually, long, thin stems hold these groups up above the leaves. Each flower has five petals and radial symmetry, which means that it can be cut in half by various planes that pass through its center. The flower looks like a small cup or saucer from the top down. The flowers can be different colors based on the type, but most of the time they are pale pink, lavender, or white. Some types of plants can have darker or brighter colors.

Each flower has five wide, slightly rounded petals that give it a saucer-like shape. The petals might feel soft, and their tips might be smooth or have a small ruffle. Five sepals, which are modified leaves, cover the flower bud before it opens. They are at the base of the petals. The sepals are usually green and a bit smaller than the petals, but in some types they can also have a reddish tint. Inside the flower is a group of stamens, which are the male reproductive parts. The pollen-making anthers are at the ends of these thin, long structures called stamens. There is a single pistil, which is the female reproductive part, in the middle of the flower. The stigma, style, and ovary are all parts of the pistil. The stigma is where pollen grows, and the style joins the stigma to the ovary, which holds the ovules (potential seeds). As its name suggests, Lemon-Scented Geranium is known for its lovely lemon smell. However, the flowers are not the main source of this scent. Instead, the lemony smell comes mostly from the leaves when you crush or brush them.

Fruits

The fruit is a dry pill that has already opened. “Dehiscent” means that when the seeds are ready, the capsule splits open to let them out. Most seed capsules are oval or long, and their size can change based on the type of plant and how it grows. It is usually small, with lengths between a few millimeters and a centimeter. Depending on the species or type, the surface of the capsule may be smooth or have a few bumps. When the capsules are young, they are often green and blend in with the rest of the plant’s leaves. As they age and get ready to drop their seeds, they can turn brown or a darker color. Capsule has several sections, and each one holds a seed. The number of cells can change from plant to plant.

When the seeds are ready to be spread, the seed sacks open along their seams or walls and let the seeds out into the environment. This is an important part of how seeds get spread because it lets the wind, water, or animals spread the seeds. The seeds can grow into new Lemon-Scented Geranium plants if they find the right circumstances.

Seeds

Lemon-Scented Most of the time, geranium seeds are small and oval-shaped. Most of the time, they are very small and only a few millimeters long. Each seed has a tough outer covering called the seed coat or testa that keeps it safe. The seed coat is thin, but it is strong enough to protect the fragile baby inside. Most Lemon-Scented Geranium seeds have a dark brown or black covering. The dark color is common in many plant species and serves a number of uses, such as absorbing heat when the plant is first starting to grow. When the seed sprouts, it will turn into a new plant. There are two cotyledons, which are the first leaves of the geranium plant’s baby, inside the seed coat. These cotyledons store nutrients that the young plant uses to grow until it can make its own food through photosynthesis. The embryo is the very first part of a young plant. It is made up of the cotyledons, the embryonic stem (hypocotyl), and the embryonic root (radicle).

History

The history of Lemon-Scented Geranium goes back to the 17th century, when European travellers and botanists started finding and collecting different kinds of plants from all over the world. During their travels through South Africa, they found this fragrant plant and took it back to Europe with them.

In Europe, the Lemon-Scented Geranium became famous as an ornamental plant because it smells nice and looks nice. It was very popular as a potted plant and grew to be a favorite in parks and greenhouses. Over time, botanists and gardeners also learned to value its medicinal and fragrant traits.

The lemon-like smell of the Lemon-Scented Geranium comes from a substance called citronellol, which is found in the essential oil made from the plant’s leaves and flowers. This oil was used in ancient medicine, perfumery, and even cooking as a way to add flavor.

Over the ages, the popularity of Lemon-Scented Geranium kept growing all over the world. As colonial powers spread out, the plant was brought to other parts of the world, like Asia and the Americas. This made its global impact even stronger.

Lemon-Scented Geranium is still a popular plant today, not just for its smell but also because it can be used in massage, herbal medicine, and cooking. The essential oil is used in soaps, lotions, and candles and the leaves are sometimes used as a culinary herb to give dishes and drink a light lemon flavor.

Today, Lemon-Scented Geranium is grown in many places around the world for both its smell and the possibility that it could be used as a medicine. It has a long and interesting past as a fragrant and useful plant that continues to charm gardeners, people who like herbs, and people who like the smell of things.

Varieties of Lemon-Scented Geranium

Lemon-scented geraniums are a delightful group of plants known for their refreshing lemon fragrance. These geraniums are often cultivated for their aromatic leaves and are commonly used in various culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications. Several varieties of lemon-scented geraniums exist, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are some popular varieties in detail:

• Pelargonium crispum (Lemon Crispum): This type has leaves that look like small fern leaves because they are highly serrated and have a crisp feel. Because the bright green leaves smell strongly of lemon, they are often used in cooking. It is often used to give desserts, drinks, and other foods a lemony taste. Lemon Crispum is used in cooking, but it is also used to get essential oil and as a natural bug repellent.
• Pelargonium citronellum (Citronella): Even though this plant is often called “Citronella,” it is not the real citronella that is used to keep bugs away. But it still smells like lemons, which is nice. People grow it in gardens and other outdoor places because they think it keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. People often plant it near places where people sit or near doors to keep bugs away.
• Pelargonium ‘Mabel Grey’ (Lemon Fancy): The parent plants of this breed are Pelargonium crispum and Pelargonium capitatum. The leaves of ‘Mabel Grey’ are big, soft, fuzzy, and smell strongly of lemon. Some recipes for baking and desserts call for the leaves to be added to sugar or used to make scented sugar. It looks nice and smells like citrus, which makes it a popular choice for decorative reasons.
• Pelargonium ‘Prince of Orange’ (Orange Fizz): Even though ‘Prince of Orange’ is not a true lemon-scented geranium, it is worth mentioning because it has a strong orange smell with hints of lemon. The bright orange color and deeply cut leaves of the plant’s foliage make it a beautiful addition to any yard or room.
• Pelargonium ‘Lady Plymouth’ (Variegated Lemon): This unique type stands out because its leaves are beautiful and have different colours. The leaves smell like lemons and have cream or white borders around the edges. “Lady Plymouth” is often grown for its ornamental value. It adds a touch of elegance to yard borders and pots.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Queen’: This variety is known for having a strong lemon scent and growing in a compact way. The leaves are a bright green color and feel a little fuzzy. Because of its strong lemon smell, “Lemon Queen” is often used in potpourris, sachets, and scented candles.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Balm’: This type, which is also called “Lemon Melissa,” has a lovely lemon smell with a hint of mint. The leaves look like those of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) because they are bright green, wrinkly, and have deep lobes. The smell is both energizing and soothing, which is why it is often used in plant teas and aromatherapy.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Fizz’: This type has small, tight leaves that smell strongly of lemon. Because it grows in a drooping way, it is often grown in pots or baskets that hang from the ceiling. “Lemon Fizz” is popular because it looks nice and gives off a lemony scent. It is a great choice for decks and patios.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Snowflake’: “Lemon Snowflake” is a unique type with leaves that have a white edge and smell like lemons. The leaves are often used in cooking to flavor sugar or to make scented oils and vinegars. This type is very popular because of how pretty it looks and how good it smells.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Joy’: As its name suggests, ‘Lemon Joy’ smells like a happy lemon. The leaves are shiny and bright green, and the plant grows in a tight, thick way. This type is perfect for both cooking and decorating gardens and window boxes.
• Pelargonium ‘Mint-scented Lemon’: This type smells like a wonderful mix of lemon and mint, which is the best of both worlds. The leaves are green and smell a little bit like mint. Their taste is refreshing, so they can be used to flavor teas and sweets.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Rose’: ‘Lemon Rose’ is a unique variety that smells like lemons with a hint of rose. It stands out for its complex flavor. The leaves have a lot of lobes, and the plant as a whole looks charming and pretty.
• Pelargonium ‘Lime’: Even though this type of geranium doesn’t smell exactly like lemons, it is worth mentioning because it smells like limes, which are closely related to lemons. The leaves are bright green and smell like citrus. They can be used in the same ways as those with a lemon flavor.
• Pelargonium ‘Prince Rupert’: This type stands out because it grows in a tight cluster and has deeply cut crinkled leaves. When you crush the leaves, you can smell a strong lemon scent. “Prince Rupert” is a great plant to use in pots or as a border plant in flower beds.
• Pelargonium ‘Mabel Grey’: This variety has small, gray-green leaves that smell like lemons. The leaves are deeply cut and have a fuzzy feel, which makes the plant look different. “Mabel Grey” is a cute addition to herb gardens or pots with a variety of plants.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Fancy’: “Lemon Fancy” is a pretty type with leaves that are different colors and smell like lemons. The light green leaves have creamy-white edges that add a splash of color to the yard. This type looks beautiful in hanging baskets or pots on patios and porches.
• Pelargonium ‘Lemon Crispum’: “Lemon Crispum” is a more delicate variety with leaves that are cut in a way that makes them look like fronds. The leaves smell like lemon and look soft and fluffy. This makes them a nice addition to rock gardens or as a ground cover.
• Pelargonium ‘Variegatum’: As the name says, this type is known for having leaves with different colors. The leaves smell like lemon and have patterns of green and cream, which add a touch of elegance to any yard.
• Pelargonium ‘Candy Dancer’: As the name says, this type is known for having leaves with different colors. The leaves smell like lemon and have patterns of green and cream, which add a touch of elegance to any yard.

Health benefits of Lemon-Scented Geranium

Lemon-Scented Geranium is a plant that is cherished not only for its pleasant lemony fragrance but also for its potential health benefits. While some of these benefits have been observed through traditional and anecdotal use, it’s essential to remember that scientific research is still limited, and more studies are needed to establish definitive health claims. Below are some of the potential health benefits of Lemon-Scented Geranium:

1. Aromatherapy and Mood Enhancement

Lemon-Scented Geranium is often used in aromatherapy because its lemon smell is refreshing and makes people feel good. If you inhale the smell of its leaves or use its essential oil in diffusers, it may help you feel less stressed and anxious and more relaxed. Aromatic properties are thought to make people feel better, which can be good for their mental health.

2. Antimicrobial Properties

In study, Lemon-Scented Geranium has been shown to have some antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial and antifungal qualities of the essential oil taken from the plant’s leaves could help stop the growth of some bacteria and fungi. But it’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t replace regular antibiotic treatments.

3. Digestive Support

Lemon-Scented Geranium has been used to help digestion in traditional treatment. People think that eating the leaves or drinking tea made from the leaves may help with stomach problems like indigestion, bloating, and cramping. But these claims need more scientific proof to back them up.

4. Skin Care

The healing and tightening effects of Lemon-Scented Geranium essential oil are why it is used in skin care products. People think that it can help soothe sensitive skin, make it less red, and make conditions like acne better. The oil may also help shrink pores and stop making too much oil because it is astringent.

5. Insect Repellent

People think that the plant’s strong lemon smell keeps bugs away on its own. People think that putting Lemon-Scented Geraniums in pots inside or planting them in the yard can keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. But it might not work as well as bug repellents made just for that purpose, and you should still be careful in places where insects carry diseases.

6. Antioxidant Properties

Lemon-Scented Geranium has chemicals in it that could act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they get rid of dangerous free radicals in the body. This helps protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

7. Respiratory Support

Lemon-Scented Geranium may be good for the health of your lungs because it smells good. If you breathe in the pleasant smell of lemon through steam inhalation or aromatherapy, it may help calm your respiratory system and ease congestion or light respiratory discomfort.

8. Stress Reduction and Sleep Aid

Lemon-Scented Geranium may help people feel less stressed and sleep better because of its pleasant smell. Some people think that putting its essential oil in a diffuser in the bedroom or using it as part of a relaxation practice before bed can help them feel calmer and sleep better.

9. Muscle Relaxation

Geranium essential oil with a lemon scent may help relax muscles and could be used in massage mixes. If you massage the oil into tight muscles, it might help loosen them up and make you feel more relaxed.

10. Natural Deodorant

Lemon-Scented Geranium may work as a natural deodorant because it smells like lemons. Some people put the essential oil on their skin to help cover up body odor and give off a nice scent.

11. Support for Menstrual Discomfort

Lemon-Scented Geranium has been used in traditional medicine to help ease mild menstrual pain. People think that its calming benefits and possible ability to relax muscles may help during menstruation.

12. Mental Clarity and Focus

Some people use Lemon-Scented Geranium essential oil in their meditation or mindfulness techniques. The scent may help you think more clearly, pay more attention, and concentrate better.

13. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Some studies show that some of the chemicals in Lemon-Scented Geranium may help reduce inflammation. But more study is needed to confirm and fully understand these effects.

14. Hair and Scalp Health

Geranium essential oil with a lemon scent is sometimes used in hair care items because it smells nice and might be good for the scalp. It might help soothe an itchy head and help keep hair healthy in general.

15. Calming Nervous System

Lemon-Scented Geranium may be able to calm the nervous system because it smells good. If you smell its soothing scent or use its essential oil in baths or massage mixes, it might help calm you down and make you feel more relaxed.

16. Support for Mild Respiratory Issues

People think that Lemon-Scented Geranium has mild expectorant effects, which means it may help loosen and get rid of mucus in the lungs. This property might help with minor respiratory problems like a cough or a stuffy nose.

17. Antispasmodic Properties

Some old practices say that Lemon-Scented Geranium may have antispasmodic effects, which can help ease muscle spasms and cramps. The essential oil could be put on the skin or used in a massage to help relax muscles that are tight or aching.

18. Mood Elevation and Emotional Balance

In massage, Lemon-Scented Geranium is often used to make people feel better and help them keep their emotions in check. It might help fight sadness or light depression if you smell it and it makes you feel happy.

19. Oral Health

Geranium with a lemon scent has been used in traditional medicine to help keep teeth healthy. Gargling with a tea made from the plant’s leaves could help soothe a sore throat and ease pain in the mouth.

20. Wound Healing

Lemon-Scented Geranium has been put on wounds and small cuts in some cultures because it may have antiseptic and wound-healing qualities. But for correct wound care, it’s important to talk to a medical professional.

Culinary uses of Lemon-Scented Geranium

Lemon-scented geraniums, with their delightful citrus fragrance, have been used for culinary purposes for centuries. The leaves of these geraniums contain essential oils with a lemony aroma and taste, making them a unique and flavorful addition to various dishes and beverages. Here are some culinary uses of lemon-scented geranium:

• Herbal Teas: Geranium leaves that smell like lemon can be steeped in hot water to make a soothing, fragrant plant tea. Just put a few fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a few minutes, and you’ll have a refreshing tea that smells like lemons and tastes mildly citrusy.
• Flavoring Syrups: Simple syrups can be made with the leaves of geranium that smells like lemon. Add a handful of fresh leaves to a mixture of sugar and water; heat it until the sugar melts, and then strain out the leaves. The resulting sauce can be used to sweeten drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails and give them a hint of lemon.
• Desserts and Baked Goods: You can add a faint lemon flavor to desserts and baked goods by finely chopping or grinding the leaves. They go well in cakes, cookies, scones, and custards. You can also put the leaves in cream or milk to make ice cream or panna cotta that tastes like lemon.
• Fruit Salads: A light citrus note can be added to fruit salads by tossing in a few torn or chopped lemon-scented geranium leaves. It goes well with berries, melons, and stone fruits in particular.
• Marinades and Sauces: Geranium leaves that smell like lemon can be used to flavor marinades for meat, chicken, or seafood. They make the dish smell like lemons and give it a light flavor. The leaves can also be used to add a unique flavor to stews, dressings, and vinaigrettes.
• Herbal Butter: Mixing finely chopped, lemon-scented geranium leaves with softened butter makes a fragrant herb butter that can be used to flavor veggies, meats cooked on the grill, or just spread on bread and crackers.
• Jams and Preserves: By adding a few lemon-scented geranium leaves to homemade jams and jellies, you can give them a hint of lemon flavor that makes the spread taste better overall.
• Herb-infused Oils: By letting lemon-scented geranium leaves soak in olive oil or neutral oil, you can make oils that smell like lemon. Let the leaves soak in the oil for a few days, and then remove them with a strainer. The resulting oil can be used to dress salads, drizzled over veggies that have been grilled, or added to other dishes to give them a hint of lemon flavor.
• Lemon-Scented Rice: While the rice is cooking, add a few washed and broken geranium leaves that smell like lemon to the water. The leaves will add a gentle lemon smell and taste to the rice. Don’t forget to take off the leaves before you serve.
• Lemon-Scented Sugar: Put some granulated sugar in a jar and add some washed and dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon. Let it sit for about a week so the sugar can soak up the lemony flavor. The sugar with the lemon smell can then be used to sweeten desserts, drinks, or fruits.
• Lemon-Scented Vinegar: In the same way that herbs can be added to oils, lemon-scented geranium leaves can be soaked in white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to make lemon-scented vinegar. After a few days, strain out the leaves, and you’ll have tangy vinegar with a hint of lemon that’s great for salad dressings or canning.
• Lemon-Scented Ice Cubes: Put clean, dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon in an ice cube tray and fill it with water. You can put the ice cubes in drinks like iced tea or lemonade to give them a light lemon flavor as they melt.
• Lemon-Scented Soup and Broths: While soups, stews, or broths are cooking, add a couple of washed and crushed lemon-scented geranium leaves. The leaves will give the drink a hint of lemon flavor, which will make the dish taste better overall.
• Lemon-Scented Dressings: Mix lemon-scented geranium leaves that have been washed and dried with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, and mustard to make sauces that smell like lemons. Use this dressing to make salads taste better or as a marinade for veggies and meats you want to grill.
• Lemon-Scented Smoothies: Add a few washed and chopped geranium leaves that smell like lemon to your favorite fruit smoothie recipe for a refreshing change. The leaves will give the drink a unique lemon flavor that will go well with the sweetness of the fruit.

Different uses of Lemon-Scented Geranium

Lemon-scented geraniums, with their wonderful citrus aroma, have a wide range of uses beyond culinary applications. Here are different ways you can make the most of these fragrant plants:

• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be done with the essential oils found in geranium leaves that smell like lemon. With their refreshing lemon smell, the crushed leaves or a few drops of essential oil from these geraniums can be added to diffusers, potpourri, or homemade scented candles.
• Natural Insect Repellent: Geraniums that smell like lemon have citronella oil in them, which keeps insects away. Mosquitoes and other annoying bugs can be scared away by putting potted geraniums around outdoor sitting areas or rubbing crushed leaves on the skin.
• Skincare and Beauty Products: Geranium essential oil or dried leaves that smell like lemon can be used to make your own skin care items. They can be added to oils, lotions, and creams to give them a nice smell and possibly help the skin in ways like being antibacterial and antioxidant.
• Potpourri and Sachets: Geranium leaves that smell like lemon can be used in potpourri or made into sachets. You can put these scented arrangements in drawers, closets, or rooms to give them a natural lemon smell.
• Herbal Baths: Adding a handful of dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon to a warm bath makes for a relaxing and fragrant plant bath. The smell can help calm you down and make you feel less stressed.
• Home Freshener Spray: Geranium essential oil, which smells like lemon, can be mixed with water or alcohol to make a natural room spray. This can be used to freshen the air in any room or to lightly spray clothes and linens.
• Craft and Decorative Uses: Geranium leaves that smell like lemon can be used in many craft projects. You can use them to make wreaths, press them into your own paper, or use them to decorate gift bags.
• Flavored Sugar and Salt: Mix dry, ground geranium leaves that smell like lemon with sugar or salt to make unique seasonings. You can put lemon-scented sugar or salt on fruits, bake with it, or use it to season savory foods.
• Herbal Remedies: Geraniums that smell like lemon have been used for centuries in traditional plant medicines to treat minor illnesses. But it’s important to be careful and get help from an expert before using any herb as medicine.
• Culinary Garnish: Fresh geranium leaves that smell like lemon can be used to decorate both sweet and savory meals. Their bright green color and lemony smell can make desserts, salads, main dishes, and even drinks look and taste better.
• Natural Air Freshener: Put a few fresh, lemon-scented geranium leaves in a bowl or small pot and place them around the house to clean the air naturally. As the leaves give off their lemony smell, they will help get rid of smells and keep your home feeling nice.
• Lemon-Scented Sugar Scrub: Mix finely chopped, lemon-scented geranium leaves with sugar and a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil, to make your own sugar scrub. This scrub can be used in a bath or shower to remove dead skin and wake up the face.
• Homemade Soap: Use dried and ground geranium leaves that smell like lemon in soap recipes. The leaves not only give the room a nice smell, but they can also help remove dead skin cells from the face.
• Fragrant Pillows and Sleep Aids: Place dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon in small cloth bags and put them under your pillow or near your bed. The scent may help people relax and get a better night’s sleep.
• Herbal Infused Honey: Put some fresh geranium leaves that smell like lemon in a jar of honey and let them sit for a week or two. The honey can be poured over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or used to sweeten tea with a delicious lemon twist.
• Lemon-Scented Bath Bombs: Geranium leaves that smell like lemon can be dried and ground to make bath bombs. The lemon scent from these bath bombs will help you relax while you soak in the tub.
• Lemon-Scented Candles: Add a few drops of lemon-scented geranium essential oil to melted wax to make your own scented candles. When lit, these candles will give off a lovely lemon scent.
• Lemon-Scented Beverages: You can put fresh or dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon in drinks like iced tea, sparkling water, or lemonade. When the leaves are mixed or used as a garnish, they smell and taste like lemons.
• Lemon-Scented Bath Oil: To make luxurious bath oil, you can mix dried geranium leaves with carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. If you put this oil in your bath, it will smell nice and help you rest.
• Lemon-Scented Sachet for Luggage: Make small bags with dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon to keep in your luggage while you travel. During your trip, the scented sachets will help keep your things smelling fresh.
• Lemon-Scented Facial Steam: Put a few fresh geranium leaves that smell like lemon in a bowl of hot water and use it to steam your face. The lemony scent will be carried by the steam and make your skin feel cool and refreshed.
• Lemon-Scented Vinegar Cleaning Solution: Put some geranium leaves that smell like lemon and some white vinegar in a glass jar. Let it sit for a few weeks. When you take out the leaves, you’ll have a natural, fragrant vinegar cleaning solution that can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs around the house.
• Potpourri in Wardrobes: Put dried geranium leaves that smell like lemon in small muslin bags or cheesecloth pouches and put them in your closet or boxes. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh and keep pests away.
• Scented Bath Salts: Mix dried; ground geranium leaves that smell like lemon with Epsom salts or sea salt to make bath salts with a scent. Add a few tablespoons to your bathwater for a relaxed and fragrant soak.

Side effect of Lemon-Scented Geranium

Lemon-scented geranium is a popular plant often used for its pleasant lemon fragrance. While it is generally considered safe and has various culinary and aroma therapeutic uses, like many plants, it may have some potential side effects for certain individuals:

• Skin Irritation: Some people, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies, may get a rash, redness, or irritation on their skin from coming into direct touch with the plant’s leaves or essential oil. Before putting the essential oil on your skin, it’s best to do a patch test.
• Photosensitivity: Some people may become more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity) if they use geranium essential oil with a lemon smell. This could cause sunburn or other skin reactions if it was put on the face and then exposed to sunlight. After using the essential oil, it is best to stay out of the sun.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to lemon-scented geranium, just like they might be allergic to any other plant or essential oil. Some allergic responses are mild, like sneezing and itching. Others are more serious, like having trouble breathing or anaphylaxis. If you think you might have a reaction, stop using it right away and see a doctor if you need to.
• Digestive Issues: Some people may get stomach upset, feel sick, or have trouble digesting if they eat a lot of lemon-scented geranium leaves or essential oil.
• Interaction with Medications: As with any herbal product, lemon-scented geranium may interact with some medicines. Before using this plant as medicine, it’s best to talk to a doctor or nurse if you are taking any medicines, especially for specific health problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or nursing should be careful when using geranium items with a lemon scent. Since there isn’t much study on its safety during these times, it’s best to either not use it or talk to a doctor before you do.

References:

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pelargonium+crispum

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/PELCI

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/tro-13900436

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelargonium_crispum

http://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001064208

https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Pelargonium+crispum

https://pza.sanbi.org/pelargonium-crispum

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