Geranium oil is extracted from the green leaves of the geranium (pelargonium graveolens), which grows primarily in Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco. Even though there are approximately 700 varieties of geranium, only about 10 supply the valuable essential oil, which is obtained by distilling the leaves and shoots with steam. The oil, with its fresh, rosy, citrusy scent, stimulates the senses. It can renew your energy when you feel exhausted and calm you when you feel angry or irritable. Geranium oil also helps balance the hormones, making it a good option for women who are troubled by menopausal symptoms. Because of its cleansing and antiseptic properties, the oil has proved valuable in healing wounds and fighting infections. Many cosmetic lotions contain geranium oil, as it soothes irritated skin and helps control acne. Geranium oil belnds well with most other oils including lemon, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, jasmine, bergamot and ginger essential oils.
Insect repellant
Geranium oil is especially well suited to warding off insects, particularly mosquitoes. The following mixture used in an aromatic diffuser provides for perfect insect free evenings.
5 drops of geranium oil
3 drops clove oil
Therapeutic Effect
The main constituents of geranium oil, gereniol, linalool and citronellol, have strong cleansing and antiviral effects. They also help maintain healthy skin. It is used in bath preparations, as well as for facials, hair rinses and compresses. The tannins found in geranium have a strongly constrictive effect, making it anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic; it also serves as a decongestant.
To help insect bites
Geranium can help with the aggravation of swollen, itching mosquito bites. Simply dilute 2 drops of pure geranium oil in 1 ounce of witch hazel. Dab on the affected area with a cotton ball. This will help the swelling go down.
For acne
Geranium is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. After daily cleansing, dab a little of geranium-witch hazel dilution on individual pimples with a cotton ball.
To feel good
If plants could speak, the message from the geranium would be, "don't do a thing, let yourself be pampered". The pleasant scent of geranium, when mixed with rose oil is ideal for making a ody oil combination to pamper yourself in a bath, with a facial or in a hair rinse. The oil relaxes the body and softens the skin.
For concentration problems
You can begin to feel more in control of your hectic life and decrease absentmindedness by inhaling the scent of geranium oil. The clear, light scent will aid you in organizing your thoughts and improving your memory. You can also mix 2 drops of rosemary oil to enliven your senses. Add some to a tissue and keep it in your purse when you travel.
Extra Tip
Geranium oil eases premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. With its diuretic action, it combats fluid retention; it may also reduce breast tenderness.
Used for relieving dry and sensitive skin, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, depression, acne, nervous tension, insect bites and swelling in the legs.
For beauty
Geranium essential oil can help most skin types because its stimulating action helps boost the regeneration of skin cells and aids the healing of acne and blemishes. Diluted, it also helps control excessive oiliness of the skin and soothe dry, sensitive skin. The geranium oil will give your skin a healthy glow, making it appear more youthful and radiant.
Applications
External Use
- To reduce swelling in the legs, rub them with a mixture of 3 tbsp. of sweet almond oil, 8 drops of geranium oil and 5 drops of lemon oil. After applying the mixture, elevate your legs slightly and rest for 30 min. the oil unblock the lymph nodes and prevent edema.
- To help fade scars, use geranium oil mixed with neroli oil. Mix 5 drops of geranium oil and 3 drops of neroli oil into 3 tbsp. of odorless, enriched skin cream. Massage this cream daily into scar tissue to keep it supple.
- A bottle of geranium oil provides relief for menstrual pain and cramps. Add 6 drops of geranium oil, 3 drops of jasmine oil and 2 drops of clary-sage oil to 1 ½ cups of whole milk and pour it into your bathwater; soak in the tub for at least 30 min. or more.
- Geranium oil can give you a new optimism when you're feeling worn out and apathetic. Evaporate 3 drops of geranium and bergamot oil, using an aromatic diffuser.
