Arbaroriza, a popular herb with a unique aroma and healing properties. What do you know about this beautiful herb and its health benefits?

Read the article below and find out what arbaroriza offers and how we can consume it.

“Inside the carved caskets there were always, in tulle bags, herbs dried lemon leaves, ambergris, thyme…. and the stored clothes were fragrant.

 

“Kazantzakis “Captain Michael”

Picture: Ava – Leigh

What is arbaroriza?

Its name comes from the Italian words ‘erba + roza’ which mean ‘pink grass’. Its scientific name is Pelargonium graveolens, meaning Pelargonium the heavy-flowered, and it belongs to the same family as geranium and pelargonium. It is an evergreen perennial plant with purple-pink flowers, native to South Africa. It is cultivated in Algeria, Egypt, Kenya and Morocco, while in Greece, it is grown mainly in coastal areas of the Peloponnese and on the islands.

The smell is found in the leaves of the plant where the elements that give it its medicinal properties are found. You can find many varieties divided into categories according to their scent. In Greece you will find varieties that are reminiscent of mint, lemon, rose and many others. The arborosa in northern Greece, you will also find it as miszitsicheck or moschophyllo, names that have to do with its beautiful fragrance. Mainly in Crete it is used to decorate the pots in our yards, perfuming our homes.

Its varied benefits.

Arbaroriza is considered a plant beneficial for our health and well-being. A herbal tea or a few drops of the plant’s oil is enough to stimulate the body, the nervous system and reduce stress levels. Besides, for many years arbaroriza has been an integral part of aromatherapy. Moreover, it is one of the most active insect repellent plants that we can plant in our garden.

As for its use in the kitchen, it is used to flavour spoon sweets and doughnuts, and it is no coincidence that it is also known as ‘doughnut weed’. Its essential oil is used in confectionery, perfumery and distilleries.

Let’s look at the benefits of arbaroriza for our health:

The leaves of arbaroriza contain several active ingredients such as citronellol, geraniol and linoleol, compounds that contribute to its characteristic aroma.

Anxiolytic Properties

Since ancient times, people have used the leaves of this herb to make tea, due to its notable effects on the body and mind. More specifically, it could stimulate the senses and at the same time relax. Thanks to the wide variety of organic compounds it contains, it helps to balance the hormones responsible for stress, while keeping the endocrine system healthy. A popular drink with soothing properties, it helps to stimulate the nervous system.

Natural insect repellent

One of the main properties of the plant is that it acts as a natural insect repellent. Planting it outside your home will rid you of mosquitoes and insects without the use of chemicals. At the same time, you can mix arbaroriza oil with water and spray it on your body. This will keep the insects away and you will have a pleasant aroma.

The essential oil of arbaroriza

Arborosa, widely known in traditional medicine and aromatherapy, plays an important role because of its essential oil. Traditionally, many people believe that this oil promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety and has antimicrobial properties.

Picture tc397

Tea with arbaroriza

A few leaves are enough to lift your mood.

Make a herbal tea with dried arbaroriza leaves from tofillo and let its aromas relax you and take you on a journey. You can enjoy it plain or add flavorings such as cinnamon or cloves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in the modern – stressful life – arbaroriza can be an extremely interesting plant. Enjoy this unique herb and experience for yourself its benefits and effects on your body.

Find all our healing herbs here.