ABSTRACT
Zdravetz oil is the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of the big root geranium Geranium macrorrhizum L. The plant, fresh leaves, roots, and infusions may be used for the treatment of stomach disorders, as an aphrodisiac, for the treatment of diarrhea, skin inflammation and for tampons in nose bleeding. The extracts of G. macrorrhizum have been reported to possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial, hypotensive, spasmolytic, astringent, cardiotonic, antioxidant, and sedative actvities. Steam distillation of the aerial parts of Geranium macrorrhizum yields the essential oil which is called zdravetz oil. The oil is used in traditional medicine as both a stimulant and as a carminative, and is also used in limited quantities in cigarette flavorings and is employed in aromatherapy practices. The yield of essential oil from the aerial parts of Geranium macrorrhizum L. generally varies from 0.3 to 0.45 per cent.
