Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

geranium (Pelargonium roseum)

Character Adaptable; strong when pure, sweetens with dilution.

Geranium, or Rose Geranium is distilled from the fragrant leaves of the pelargonium, a herbaceous plant with pink flowers. The oil is often obtained from France, Madagascar, and Morocco and other warm climates. Geranium was once used as a general healing herb for wounds, fractures, cholera, etc. The oil has beneficial effects on most skin conditions and stimulates the lymphatic system. Is widely used in soaps and perfumes. It is one of the balancing oils; harmonising extreme conditions, both physical and emotional.

Arom Sweet, fruity, rose-like.

Properties Analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, balancing, diuretic, harmonising, insecticide, tonic, vasoconstrictor.

Physical conditions

Circulatory system A tonic, helps relieve fluid retention and lymphatic congestion

Eliminatory system A tonic for the liver and kidneys

Hormonal system Regulatory, useful for PMT, painful breasts, irregular or heavy periods, menopausal symptoms

Hair and scalp Balances sebum; helps clear head lice

Nervous system Eases neuralgia and fatigue

Skin Good for all types of skin condition including dermatitis, blotches and eczema, and in skin lotions.

*N.B. may irritate some skins; path-test first.

Mental/emotional conditions Anti-depressant. Quells acute fright, when totally rigid with fear; escalating anxiety when an emergency arises. Balances extreme moods.

Other uses None at present.

Applications Bath. Face oil/lotion. Facial steaming. Hair oil/rinse. Inhalation. Massage. Mouthwash. Room fragrance.

Blends well with Most oils, particularly Cedarwood, Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary.