USES OF SCENT LEAF
The perennial plant Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is widely distributed in the tropics of Africa and Asia. It belongs to the family labiatae and it is the most abundant of the genus Ocimum. It is a perennial plant that is woody at the base. It has an average height of 1-3m high. The leaves are broad and narrowly ovate, usually 5-13cm long and 3-9cm wide. It is a scented shrub with lime-green fuzzy leaves.
CONSTITUENTS OF O. GRATISSIMUM(Scent leaf)
Photochemical evaluation of this plant has shown that it is rich in alkaloid, tannis, phytates, flavonoids and oligosaccharides. It has tolerable cyanogenic content. All scented geraniums have fragrant leaves and the essential oils have been used in numerous commercial products over the years.
Scented geraniums are easy to grow and thrive in warm temperatures which has enhanced their popularity over the last 200 years. Scented geraniums can grow just about anywhere and they thrive in temperatures between 65 and70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants need 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day, be it through a window or sitting out in the yard. Scented geraniums cannot survive temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and when cultivating in cold regions the plant should be brought indoors. Geraniums grow well in slightly acidic soil with adequate drainage. For growing indoors, the scented geranium should be potted in soil layered upon a small amount of gravel to allow for sufficient drainage. The planted pot should be placed upon a saucer to prevent water damage to counters, table tops, and windowsills. When planted outdoors the scented geranium should be placed in an area that receives plenty of sun and water.
When it comes to choosing a type of scented geranium there are many choices. Lemon, rose, cinnamon, peppermint, ginger, coconut, strawberry, orange, and pineapple are just a few of the more common scents to choose from. Fresh or dried leaves can be used in a number of ways.
For the most intense flavour pick leaves off the plant shortly after it blooms. To dry the leaves lay them flat on a tray lined with a paper towel for a day or two until dry. For quick drying, spread the leaves flat on a cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes. When the leaves are dry store them in an airtight container in a cool location, but not in the refrigerator.
Culinary Uses of Scented Geranium
Nutritional importance of this plant centers on it’ s usefulness as a seasoning because of its aromatic flavour .
Scented geraniums can be used to flavour just about anything in the kitchen. From beverages to baked goods, scented geraniums can be used to add flavour without the use of artificial substances. For example cinnamon geranium can make a wonderful cinnamon sugar without the actual cinnamon. To flavour sugar layer leaves and sugar alternately and store in an airtight container. In about 1 week the sugar will smell and taste like cinnamon and makes a nice treat of oatmeal, chai tea, and cookies.
The dried leaves of a scented geranium can also make wonderful flavoured teas. Simply steep a couple of teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup of hot water or add a few leaves to your pot. You may also grind up the leaves and use them for instant tea or as a spice. To flavour baked goods line your pan or cookie sheet with a thin layer or scented geranium leaves, either fresh or dried and bake on top of them. After baking remove the leaves and the flavour remains. Scented geranium leaves can also be used to flavour sangria, fruit punch, lemonade and sorbet. To make geranium jelly add a few scented leaves to a standard apple jelly recipe.
Medicinal Uses of Scented Geranium
In folk medicine, Ocimum gratissimum is extensively used throughout West Africa as a febrifuge, anti- malarial and anti- convulsant. The crushed leaf juice is used in the treatment of convulsion, stomach pain and catarrh. Oil from the leaves have been found to posses antiseptics, antibacterial and antifungal activities.
In the coastal area of Nigeria, the plant is used in the treatment of epilepsy, high fever and diarrhoea while in the savannah areas decoctions of the leaves are used to treat mental illness. Ocimum gratissimum is used by the Ibos of southern Nigeria in the management of the baby’s cord. It is believed to keep the baby’s cord and wound surface sterile. It is used in the treatment of fungal infections, fever, cold and catarrh .
Clinical trials in creams formulated against dermatological disease have yielded favorable result .
Drinking tea made from scented geraniums can have a calming effect similar to chamomile and may be able to reduce stress and anxiety. Scented geranium tea can be used to clean the face and is thought to help with pimples and acne because of its antibacterial properties.
Drop a few leaves of scented geranium or essential oil of geranium into a bottle of witch hazel and use as a toner on problematic skin. Dried leaves of scented geranium can be added to bathwater as well. When ingested scented geranium can also help with stomach aches, diarrhoea, and headaches. Scented geraniums may help to reduce the pains associated with arthritis.
Perfume and Fragrance Crafting
Insecticide and deodorant sprays can also be made using the essential oil of scented geraniums. The essential oil of scented geraniums can be used to deodorize your home and pet (keep out of eyes and mouth). Dried geranium leaves can also be added to potpourri and sachets. Instead of moth balls try dried geranium leaves to repel insects in closets, dressers, and attics. The essential oil of scented geraniums has also been used in perfumes, insect repellents, astringents, and in aromatherapy oils where hot-water infusions of the leaves are used to improve completion. Scented geraniums offer perfume makers an opportunity to mimic some of the more exotic scents often only available as artificial fragrances. To create a unique infused oil or alcohol tincture, fill a jar with scented geranium leaves and cover them with olive or sweet almond oil, or an alcohol base of 100-proof vodka. After two weeks, strain the mixture. For a recipe that calls for either an alcohol or carrier oil additive, the geranium-leaf creations can be used in candles, soaps, lotions, bath oils and bath fizzes. Especially in soaps and bath salts, crumbled dried leaves of the various geraniums often make charming additions.
Tea Time Treats
The leaves of scented geraniums can be used to make fragrant teas that have many of the health and mood benefits listed above. Additionally, jelly makers use the petals and leaves of the plants to create lovely jewel-toned herbal jellies. The petals also can be used to garnish fruit and green salads.
Baking
Whether you 're making a double-layer sponge cake, a pound cake or raising-nut bread, scented geranium leaves can add an old fashioned flavour. After greasing the bottom of the pan, line the bottom with 10 to 20 scented geranium leaves. After the cake is baked, invert the pan, remove the geranium leaves, and decorate the cake. To add even more depth of flavour , infuse a cream with the additional geranium leaves before whipping. Pair geranium flavours with the cake recipe in ways you find most inspiring nutmeg-scented geranium with banana-walnut bread, and so on.
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