Geranium

Species name: Geranium essential oil is extracted via steam distillation, from the plant Pelargonium odorantissimum, of the Geraniaceae family.

The essential oil of Geranium is almost clear, but can have a very pale green tint. It is thin and watery in texture.

Geranium plants are native to South Africa, but were popular in Europe as early as the 17th century.

Out of the many hundred varieties of geranium oil, there are approximately ten that are suitable for distillation into essential oils.

A perennial plant, geraniums bloom in a wide variety of colors and are popular house plants.  One reason for their popularity has been the antiquated belief that geraniums could ward off evil spirits. 

Geraniums have a pungent odor when the leaves are pinched or bruised, and the smell was believed to be offensive to the marauding spirits.

Home Remedies using Geranium Essential Oil:

Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil:

Geranium essential oil is said to have properties that calm the mind and emotions.  It is also believed to stimulate the adrenal cortex and lymphatic systems in the body, while balancing hormones to help regulate menstrual cycles. 

It is an effective skin toner, alleviating excessive oils, enhancing natural elasticity, and promoting healing.

Therapeutically, geranium oil is, among many properties, astringent, balancing, reduces water retention, deodorizing, reduces blood flow, and can be used to treat acne, speed healing of contusions and bruises, soothes and shrinks swollen, inflamed hemorrhoids, and acts as a insect repellent for lice and mosquitoes. 

It is good to get rid of ringworms, promotes circulation, and is said to be effective against nerve pain.  Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, and many other uses.

The therapeutic uses for geranium oil are as an astringent, deodorant, to stem the flow of blood from wounds, have a balancing effect, and are a good tonic.

Geranium oil can be used to help improve moods, and balance the mind as well as the skin.  It is particularly good as an astringent for those who have combination skin, such as skin that is oily in the “T-zone” and otherwise dry areas. 

It helps in allaying anxiety and relieving stress, and balances the hormones, making it effective to use during the menstrual cycle and menopause.

Side Effects of Geranium Essential Oil:

Geranium oil has few side effects.  It isn’t considered toxic, and for most people does not provoke allergic reactions, but should be preceded by a patch test before use on skin, and should not be used if you’re pregnant.