Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Overview

Geranium may also be referred to as Rose geranium, Sweet scented geranium, Old fashion rose geranium, and Rose-scent geranium, geranium - South Africa, Pelargonium asperum, Pelargonium X asperum. It is typically processed in Mediterranean region using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the leaves.

Summary

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of flowering annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as the cranesbills. It is found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region. The long, palmately cleft leaves are broadly circular in form. The flowers have 5 petals and are colored white, pink, purple or blue, often with distinctive veining. Geraniums will grow in any soil as long as it is not waterlogged. Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, by seed, or by division in autumn or spring.

Geranium Essential Oil rightfully holds a beautiful reputation as an essential oil that is especially well suited for women. It's supportive to the reproductive system, menstrual cycle and during the course of menopause. Its benefits, however, don't just end there. It's a wonderful essential oil for use in balancing the skin's production of sebum and in helping with acne. Geranium Essential Oil is astringent, and it can also be helpful with hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Refer to the Uses selection below for more benefits and uses.

  • Great for soothing burns and patches of sore skin.
  • Speeds the healing of bruises.
  • Aids blood flow.
  • Helps to balance the production (or over-production) or sebum.
  • Uplifts and balances the mind.
  • Wounds, acne, bruises, minor burns, dermatitis, eczema, ulcers, hemorrhoids, head lice, ringworm, sebum balacing, urinary and liver tonic.
Geranium Essential Oil

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Floral Fresh Fruity Green Herbaceous Sensual Slightly citrus Sweet

  • Common Name(s): Rose geranium, Sweet scented geranium, Old fashion rose geranium, and Rose-scent geranium, geranium - South Africa, Pelargonium asperum, Pelargonium X asperum

  • Synonyms(s) for Pelargonium graveolens: Geraniospermum terebintaceum, Geranium graveolens, Hoarea intermixta, Pelargonium asperum, Pelargonium intermedium, Pelargonium terebintaceum

  • Botanical Family: Geraniaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Pelargonium
  • Chemical Family: Esters, Monoterpenols
  • Major Compounds: Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalol, Citronellyl formate, Isomenthone, 10-epi-Gamma-Eudesmol, Geranyl Formate
  • Perfumery Note: Middle
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Very Strong
  • Color: Clear to Pale Yellow/Green
  • Countries of Production: Mediterranean region
  • Indigenous Country: South Africa
  • Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
  • Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
  • Part Typically Used: Leaves
  • Shelf Life: 5 years
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan
  • Not Pregnancy Safe Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
  • Not Child Safe Not recommend or safe for children

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:

Anxiety Autoimmune Diseases Bruises Cellulite Circulatory Disorders Deodorant Depression Eczema Emotional Crisis Endometriosis Fatigue Feet : Tired & Aching Frigidity / Impotence Gynaecological Conditions Hair : Damaged Head Lice Hemorrhoids Infertility Insect Repellents Insomnia Menopausal Symptoms Menstruation : Cramp ( Dysmenorrhea ) Menstruation : Excess ( Menorrhagia ) Neuralgia Premenstrual Syndrome Reynaud's disease Ringworm Scar Tissue Sebum Balancing Sedative Sinusitis Skin : Dermatitis Skin : Dry Skin : Oily Spots ( Acne ) Stress Stretch Marks Sun Burn : Mild Ulcers Varicose Veins Wounds

Benefits of Geranium:

Female reproductive disorders, menstrual cramps, infertility, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, circulatory disorders, Reynaud's disease, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, neuralgia, nervous skin disorders, depression, fatigue, emotional crisis, stress-related conditions.

Therapeutic Benefits of Geranium:

Analgesic Anti-anxiety Anti-bacterial Anti-depressant Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-septic Anti-spasmodic Anti-viral Cicatrisant Deodorant Diuretic Haemostatic Hormone Balancer Insect Repellent Sedative Styptic Tonic Vermifuge

Other Uses for Geranium:

  • Use Geranium oil in an aromatherapy steam facial to beautify skin.
  • Add a drop to your moisturizer for a smoothing effect.
  • Geranium essential oil is great for both dry and oily hair. Apply a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle, or make your own deep hair conditioner.
  • Diffuse Geranium oil aromatically for a calming effect.

Aromatherapy Hair Care

Blends

Geranium Blends:

Angelica Root

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Geranium:

Don't use rose geranium oil during pregnancy.

Tisserand and Young caution that a drug interaction may occur if using drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. They indicate that the Geranium Oil possesses a low risk of skin sensitization and recommend a dermal maximum of 17.5%. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 293.]

Safety Precautions for Geranium:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Energetics and Chakras Qualites of Geranium:

2nd Chakra - Relationships 6th Chakra - Perspective Balancing Clarity Creation Energy Protective Purifying Uplifting

Articles

Geranium Articles or Publications:

Garlic Essential Oil
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