Description

Geranium essential oil is extracted from the plant Pelargonium odorantissimum, of the Geraniaceae family and is extracted from a different plant than its cousin rose geranium essential oil – as this more expensive oil is extracted from Pelargonium graveolens.

It is a strong smelling oil with a floral aroma and a hint of mint, and when extracted from the Odorantissimum plant has a slight apple undertone, whereas the Graveolens oil has a rosier aroma.

This fresh essential oil has a firm place in aromatherapy, as it helps to balance the mind and emotions, while stimulating the adrenal cortex and balancing the hormonal system and stimulating the lymphatic system. On the other hand, it balances the production of sebum in the skin, while keeping it supple and helping with the healing of wounds.

Oil properties

The oil is mostly colorless, but can have a slight light green color to it. It has a watery viscosity.

Origin of Geranium

The plants originated from South Africa, as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to European countries such as Italy, Spain and France in the 17th century.

There are about 700 different varieties of the plant, yet only 10 supply essential oil in viable quantities, as the normal garden geranium produce far too little oil for extraction.

It is a hairy perennial shrub, often used in hedgerows, and stands up to about one meter high (3 feet) with pointed leaves, serrated at the edges and it has pinkish-white flowers. In early times geraniums were planted around the house to keep evil sprits at bay.

Extraction

The leaves and stalks are used for extraction, and the oil is obtained through steam distillation.

Chemical composition

The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes a-pinene, myrcene, limonene, menthone, linalool, geranyl acetate, citronellol, geraniol and geranyl butyrate.

Precautions

Geranium oil does not cause any side effects, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, yet can cause sensitivity in some people and due to the fact that it balances the hormonal system, it might not be a good idea to use it during pregnancy.

Therapeutic Properties

The therapeutic properties of geranium oil are astringent, haemostatic, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, diuretic, deodorant, haemostatic, styptic, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary.

Uses

Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, as a mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia.

Summary

This uplifting oil has a great all-over balancing effect on the mind and this uplifting property also extends to the effect it has on the skin – where it helps to create balance between oily and dry skin. It helps to sort out emotions – where it helps to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, and also works on the adrenal cortex, which has a balancing effect on the hormone system.

The strong smell is particularly good to ward off mosquitoes and head lice.

• Burners and vaporizers
  • In vapor therapy geranium oil can be used to help relieve stress, mild depression, PMS, anxiety and tension, menopausal problems and for general energizing.
• Blended massage oil or in the bath
  • Geranium oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in a bath to assist with PMS, depression, stress, anxiety and tension, fluid retention, edema, eczema, shingles, cellulite, bruises, insect repellent, ringworm, hemorrhoids and menstrual irregularities.
• Blended in cream or lotion
  • As a constituent in a blended base cream, geranium oil can be used for eczema, repelling insects, shingles, burns and scalds, cellulite, ringworm, bruises and engorgement of the breasts.
  • It will help to balance the oil production of the skin and help keep it supple, while the cicatrisant properties ensure that it is helpful in wound healing, including burns, wounds and ulcers.
• Diluted in shampoo
  • Geranium oil can also be diluted in shampoo to help with head lice.

More information about Geranium Oil