Type of plant: Fast-growing, self-rooting perennial plant growing to 2 feet high with pink flowers
Part used: Leaves and stems
Method of extraction: Steam distillation
Data: Often called Bulgarian geranium or geranium Robert because the plant is in the Robertium subgenus of the genus Geranium. The plant is also called bigroot geranium or rock cranesbill, as it grows in rocky, shaded areas and is found on almost all of Bulgaria’s mountain ranges. Zdravetz is known as a health bringer in Bulgaria, where it has long been part of the traditional herbal healing system.
Principal place of production: Bulgaria
When buying look for: A crystalline consistency of light-green to dark-green color with a warm, green, spicy, herbaceous, floral aroma. Crystallizes when cold and becomes liquid when warm.
Therapeutic properties: Antidepressant, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, sedative, stimulating
Therapeutic uses: Menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, infertility, insomnia, nervous depression, fatigue, skin conditions — irritation, soreness, problematic skin
Blends well with: Basil linalol, basil tulsi, bay laurel, carrot seed, chamomile german, clary sage, cypress, hyssop decumbens, juniper berry, lavandin, lavender, lavender (spike), marjoram (sweet), myrtle, oregano, rosemary, sage (Greek), thyme linalol, valerian, yarrow
Precautionary advice: No contraindications known