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