Geranium

Pelargonium Graveolens OR Pelargonium x Asperum

History

There is considerable confusion when it comes to identifying Geraniums. The genus of the plant from which Geranium essential oil comes from is Pelargonium. I will therefore use Geranium in this entry when describing the general variety of plants we have come to know as “Geraniums.”

Geraniums are native to South Africa. Low-maintenance and bursting with color, the Geranium has been used since antiquity for beauty, medicine, and even for food. It is especially appreciated for its long blooming season that starts in spring and can last into the fall. Geraniums are drought-resistant, thriving on sunny climates and moderate watering. They also do very well in pots so long as they are well-drained. But keep in mind that some varieties stop blooming in very hot weather. This condition is known as “heat check.” They resume blooming when temperature goes down. Additionally, they don’t do well in cold, and can only take minor frosts.

Geraniums have been used since antiquity. For example, there is evidence that the ancient Egyptians used Geranium oil as part of their beauty regimens. They were brought to Europe in the 1600s, and have since spread all over the world. There now exists hundreds of Geranium species of different colors and shapes, but the most distinctive feature that most Geranium species have are their heavily scented leaves.

The flowers and the leaves are edible. Use fresh leaves to flavor jelly and iced drinks, use dried leaves in sachets and potpourri. They can flavor sugar, iced tea, and lemonades. Or they can just be eaten fresh. Victorians used to place fresh Geranium leaves and flowers at the dining table both as decorative pieces and to be consumed if desired.

Geraniums were also used for medicinal purposes. Its roots were used by the indigenous people of South Africa to treat respiratory problems, and its essential oil helps alleviate depression, stress, and other maladies. Additionally, some types of Geraniums (especially those that have citrus-like aromas) act as natural insect repellents.

But before you go crazy with the Geraniums, you should know that according to the ASPCA, Geraniums are toxic to dogs and cats. So please keep your geraniums out of the reach of your pets.

Geranium: The Balancer

Geranium essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy and in the perfume industry. It’s beautiful aroma blends well with most other oils and helps to harmonize and balance other scents.

USE: Skin Care | Massage Oil | Diffusion

NOTE: The Geraniums you know and love are probably not Geraniums. They are most likely a plant of the genus Pelargonium. The naming problem occurred in the 1600s when the first Pelargoniums were brought to Europe and were called Geraniums, since they were similar to the true Geranium which is native to the Northern Hemisphere. So the name stuck ever since. To make matters worse, Geranium essential oil actually comes from Pelargoniums. Therefore, I will continue the tradition of botanical confusion and just keep calling them “Geraniums.”

Blends Well With

  • Bergamot
  • Carrot Seed
  • Citronella
  • Fennel
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Marjoram
  • Neroli
  • Blood Orange
  • Palmarosa
  • Patchouli
  • Peppermint
  • Rose
  • [Australian] Sandalwood
  • Ylang Ylang

Key Benefits

  • Aids detox
  • Balances emotions: is both calming and uplifting
  • Cooling: helps reduce hot flashes
  • Mild analgesic
  • Skin and scalp toner: balances secretion of sebum & helps with dandruff
  • Antiseptic 
  • Anti-inflammatory: works especially well on all skin types, reducing redness and acne
  • Astringent
  • Skin renewal: reduces appearance of wrinkles, scars, blemishes
  • Supports women’s health: endometriosis, menopause, etc
  • Eases urinary tract infections
  • Mild diuretic: detox oil
  • Muscle toning: helps skin and muscles from sagging
  • Wound cure: speeds healing, stops bleeding, antiseptic
  • Deters dust mites

Safety

May cause irritation to sensitive skin

Do not ingest, especially if you are taking medication. It could result in negative interactions.

Topical Application

Cramping My Style

Massage oil for cramps. 3% dilution:

  • 3 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Rosemary
  • 2 drops Marjoram
  • 1 drop Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil

 

Nerves and Exhaustion

~2.5% dilution:

  • 3 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Grapefruit
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion

 

Summer Dreams (Massage)

Sleeptime body massage. 3% dilution:

  • 3 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 3 drops Chamomile
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil

 

Prevent Varicose Veins

 4% dilution:

  • 10 drops geranium
  • 10 drops neroli
  • 5 drops cypress
  • 4 tsp (20 mL) carrier oil

Massage up to 2x a day from the ankles up. Avoid massaging over veins if you already have varicose veins

 

Sore throat

2% dilution:

  • 6 drops Geranium
  • 4 drops Myrrh
  • 2 drops Orange
  • 4 tsp (20 mL) carrier oil

Warm oil slightly on a hot spoon. Every two hours, massage 1 tsp on your throat [external application!].

Diffusing Blends

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

  • 4 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Rosemary
  • 2 drops Peppermint

 

Here Comes the Sun

  • 5 drops Geranium
  • 5 drops Orange

 

Miss Melissa

  • 10 drops Leomn
  • 4 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Sandalwood

 

Dream a Little Dream of Me (Sleep time For Her)

  • 5 drops Geranium
  • 5 drops Lavender
  • 5 drops Chamomile

Can also be used as a massage

 

I’m So Tired (Sleep time For Him)

  • 4 drops Geranium
  • 4 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Bergamot
  • 1 drop Sandalwood OR Cedarwood

 

Relax

  • 8 drops Geranium
  • 5 drops Lemon
  • 3 drops Clary Sage
  • 3 drops Bergamot

 

After Workout

  • 10 drops Geranium
  • 3 drops Eucalyptus
  • 3 drops Spearmint

Can also be used topically after your workout & shower. Massage 9 drops of this blend + 2 tsp (10 mL) or carrier.

Women's Health

PMS-Ease

Use just prior to the onset of menstrual cycle. 3% dilution:

  • 4 drops Geranium
  • 4 drops Clary Sage
  • 1 drop Orange
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion

 

PMS-Ease #2

Master blend:

  • 12 drops Mandarin
  • 10 drops Lavender
  • 3 drops geranium

Massage: Add 8 drops of PMS-Ease #2 master blend to 4 tsp (20 mL). Mix well and massage all over your body.

Bath: combine 1 tsp (5 mL) milk and 6 drops of PMS-Ease #2. Mix well. Add to a tub filled with warm water. Swirl water to make sure it’s evenly spread. Soak in bath 30 minutes.

Use blend in both Massage and Bath 8-10 days before your period is due

 

Heavy Menstural Bleeding

3% Dilution:

  • 10 drops Roman Chamomile
  • 10 drops Geranium
  • 10 drops Lemon
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Fractionated Coconut Oil

Massage onto body daily at any time during the cycle. Note: severly heavy flow should be treated by a doctor as this could be a sign of uterine cancer or a fibrous growth.

 

Loss of Periods (Amenorrhea)

3.5% Dilution:

  • 4 drops Yarrow
  • 15 drops Roman Chamomile
  • 11 drops Geranium
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Fractionated Coconut Oil

Massage over abdomen and lower back every day for at least 2 weeks. 

Note: loss of periods often happens due to stress. To treat the root cause (stress) use this blend in conjuntion with relaxation techniques as well as any other of the relaxing diffusion and massage blends here. If stress is not an issue, amenorrhea could have other root causes, in which case see your doctor.

 

Featured in Episode 11

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