Susan's Herb Snips

from Susan's Collection of Herbal Lore


A Year-Round Valentine

This year, surprise your valentine with an appealing rose-scented pelargonium (widely known as scented geraniums) purchased from your local nursery. These easy-to-grow plants are delightful in a winter window-sill garden, where their leaves perfume the air with the scent of roses, and transplant easily to the outdoor garden in summer. Favorite varieties include Attar of Roses, Lady Plymouth, and Silver-Leaf Rose. Use the leaves to make an all-purpose vinegar. Steep five-six fresh leaves in cider vinegar for two weeks, strain and use in dressings and sauces. Such vinegars have also been used as a headache remedy: wring out a washcloth in the scented vinegar and place it on the forehead. Or add two tablespoons to a cup of warm water for a fragrant rose-scented hair rinse. The dried leaves are also delightful in potpourris, sachets, and herbal baths.


Copyright 2001 Susan Wittig Albert. All rights reserved.