Geranium



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 blends well with most other oils, including Lemon, Grapefruit, Lavender, Rosemary, Jasmine, Bergamot, and Ginger essential oils.

The main constituents of geranium oil, geraniol, 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 geraniums have a strongly constrictive effect, making it anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic; it also serves as a decongestant.

Geranium oil eases premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. With its diuretic action, it combats fluid retention; it may also reduce breast tenderness.

A shrub about 60cm high with serrated, pointed leaves and small pink flowers. Much cultivated in window boxes and tubs. It is an easy plant to grow in a warm climate. In cooler climates it does well indoors.

Common Name:	Geranium, Rose Geranium
Botanical Name:	Pelargonium graveolens
Family:	Geraniaceae
Location:	United States, China, Egypt, Reunion
Extraction:	Steam Distillation
Parts Used:	Leaves
Color and Odor:	The essential oil is light green in color and has a delightfully fresh, sweet, and heavy rose-like aroma.
Background:	Geranium is related to the cranesbill, valued as a medicinal herb. Native to South Africa, commercial production of geranium oil began in the early nineteenth century by the French, but nowadays the major production region is in the former French colony of Bourbon, now called Reunion, and island in the southwest Indian Ocean.
Properties:	Tonic, astringent, mildly analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, nervine, calming, antispasmodic
Planet:	Venus
Element:	Water
Magical Influences:	Happiness, Protection.
Uses:	Urinary System—Tonic effect on the kidneys and a mild diuretic, of value in treating urinary tract infections. Endocrine System—Geranium balances the secretion of hormones and stimulates the lymphatic system and the pancreas. Reproductive System—Very useful in treating menopausal problems such as hot flushes and night sweats and to relieve premenstrual tension. Its draining qualities are useful for engorgement of the breasts. Skin—Geranium is a mild skin tonic. It is a cleansing and refreshing astringent, useful for all skin conditions and for almost any skin type. It balances the production of sebum and is therefore good for excessively dry skin or congested, oily skin. A valuable aid for treatment of cellulite. Geranium is good for all types of wounds. Emotions—Geranium is both calming and refreshing to the psyche at the same time. It is successful in lifting depression and treating anxiety states. It balances the mind and helps us to gain control of our lives again when we are feeling depleted and blue. A mood adjuster.
Aromatherapy Applications:	Insect Repellent: 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 Geranium Oil 3 Drops Clove Oil 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 body 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 Geranium oil with 2 drops of Rosemary oil to enliven your senses. Add some to a tissue and keep it in your purse when you travel. For Beauty: Geranium essential oil can help most skin types because its stimulating action helps boost the regeneration of skin cells and aids in 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. For Swelling or Edema: 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 slighly and rest for 30 min. The oils unblock the lymph nodes and prevent edema. For Fading Scars: 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. For Menstrual Pain and Cramps: A bath with geranium oil provides relief for menstrual pain and cramps. Add 6 drops of geranium oil, 3 drops of Jasmine oil and 2 drops Clary Sage oil to 1 1/2 cups of whole milk and pour it into your bathwater; soak in the tub for at least 30 min. or more. For Fatigue and Apathy: Geranium oil can give you new optimism when you're feeling worn out and apathetic. Evaporate 3 drops each of geranium oil and Bergamot oil, using an aromatic diffuser.
Blends:
URINARY ENDOCRINE REPRODUCTIVE Geranium 6 Geranium 6 Geranium 6 Juniper 4 Sandalwood 3 Neroli 3 Rosemary 3 Clary Sage 3 Lavender 2 SKIN EMOTION Geranium 4 Geranium 5 Rose 3 Grapefruit 4 Bergamot 2 Ylang-Ylang 2
Bibliography:	Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 106-107 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1989 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. pp.90-91 The Complete Guide to Natural Healing Copyright©1999 International Masters Publishers,AB Group 3 Card 7 Aromatherapy.