About Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) L'Hér.
Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) L'Hér. is a small, spreading plant that grows no more than 30 cm high and 60 cm wide. It produces small pale pink flowers, and its leaves are waxy, green, and ovate in shape. Depending on local climate, it is grown both as a houseplant and as an outdoor perennial, and it has a number of additional uses. This species is valued for its astringent, tonic, and antiseptic properties. Taken internally, it is used to treat debility, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhage; applied externally, it is used to treat skin complaints, injuries, neuralgia, and throat infections. Its essential oil, which carries a pleasant apple aroma, is used in aromatherapy. It is also said to balance the hormonal system and menstrual flow, and to cleanse the body of toxins. In Cyprus, the leaves of Pelargonium odoratissimum are used to add flavor to cake and pastry syrups. The plant is also sometimes preserved and eaten as a traditional spoon sweet, called glyko tou koutaliou.
