Its fragrance and beauty were what made the geranium so enthralling when it was first discovered by western explorers in South Africa, but this versatile plant was well known among traditional healers for its therapeutic properties as well. Medicine men of the region used a paste from crushed geranium leaves to treat wounds and abscesses and reduce bleeding, while its roots were used to treat fever. In Victorian England, the plant was used as potpourri and to flavour foods and beverages, and today, it is coming back in favour and finding its way into potpourri, aromatherapy blends and even chocolates!