Geranium

Oil properties: The oil is mostly colorless but can have a slight light green color to it, and has a watery viscosity.
The geranium oil we sell is extracted from the plant Pelargonium odorantissimum.

Origin of geranium oil: 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, since like the normal garden geranium produce far too little oil for extraction.
It is a hairy perennial shrub, often used in hedgerows, and stand up to about one meter high (3 feet) with pointed leaves, serrated at the edges and has pinkish-white flowers. In early times geraniums were planted around the house to help 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 the following: Geraniol, Geranic, Citronellol, Citronellyl Formate, Linalol (Linalool), Euganol, Myrtenol, Terpineol, Citral, Methone and Sabinene.

Precautions: Geranium oil is not indicated to 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 in pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of geranium oil include the following: as an astringent, haemostatic, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, tonic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic and anti-infectious.

Uses: Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following: acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, 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 and this extends to the skin - where it helps to create balance between oily and dry skin, emotions - where it helps to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, and the hormone system. The strong smell is particularly good to ward off mosquitoes and head lice and is good to relieve fluid retention and help fight cellulite.

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 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 base cream: As a constituent in a blended base cream, geranium essential oil can be used for eczema, repelling insects, shingles, burns and scalds, cellulite, ringworm, bruises and engorgement of the breasts.

Diluted in base shampoo: Geranium oil can also be diluted in shampoo to help with head lice.

Aromatherapy Oils