Geranium oil

Geranium oil is extracted from the pelargonium plant, which is not actually a geranium, although both belong to the geranium family. All pelargoniums were originally mistakenly called geraniums when they were first introduced to Europe due to their resemblance, and so they have been called geraniums ever since, although they were officially separated into two different genera in 1789. The name comes from the Greek word geranos, which translates as “crane,” as the flowers resembled a crane’s beak to the ancient Greeks. Geranium oil is sweet and floral, reminiscent of rose, but with a more citrusy and green scent, and is often used as a substitute for the more expensive rose oil. The plant is thought to symbolize friendship, ingenuity, nobility, meetings, love, as well as melancholy and sadness. The geranium flower has long been considered both a funeral flower and a wedding flower. By the way, in the Victorian era it was also a symbol of stupidity. Nowadays, geranium is very popular as a summer plant in hanging baskets, containers, on windowsills and is considered a flower of happiness, luck and positivity.

Geranium / Pelargonium. Origin and characteristics

Native to Africa, pelargonium is now found throughout the world and has more than 700 cultivated species, although not all of them are fragrant, and only a few of them produce sufficient amounts of oil. The basis of our oil is Pelargonium graveolens or Pelargonium asperum, perennial shrubs growing up to 1 meter in height. Geranium gives off a scent when the leaves are touched and it is the leaves that are mainly used to extract the oil. The leaves are cut before the flowers bloom and the oil is extracted by steam distillation. It takes approximately 300-500 kg of leaves to produce just 1 kg of oil. The oil has been used by the Egyptians since ancient times for beautiful and glowing skin. The Hottentots and Zulus of South Africa used the plant for medicinal purposes and in 1897 a local healer successfully cured an Englishman of tuberculosis with it. The cure was brought to England, known as the “cure that cured Stevenson”, and was used to treat a further 800 patients. Centuries ago, the plant was primarily used for protection against negative influences and was placed around the home to ward off evil spirits, a practice that continues in some cultures today. Geranium has long been used to balance hormones and improve mood, to relieve anxiety and fatigue, and as an insecticide. The main chemical constituents of geranium oil include eugenol, geranic acid, citronellol, geraniol, linalool, citronellyl formate, citral, myrtenol, terpineol, metone, and sabinene. There is scientific evidence that the oil is useful for several ailments.

Geranium Oil and Its Benefits

Geranium oil has many uses and health benefits, being analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant, decongestant, healing, antispasmodic, insect repellent, deodorant, astringent, sedative, relaxant, antidepressant, and balance. Although this essential oil is known to be hypoallergenic, non-toxic and non-sensitizing, it should not be applied directly to the skin but should be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, almond or olive oil.

Geranium Oil for Skin

Regardless of skin type, geranium oil can help balance hormones and the skin’s pH level, as well as help treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, excess sebum and acne. A 2013 study found that geranium oil is effective in preventing and treating inflammatory skin conditions. Geranium oil regulates sebum production and therefore the level of fat and moisture in the epidermis, restoring the skin’s water-fat balance and leaving it feeling youthful. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a great ally in the fight against acne, in cleansing and soothing the skin and in the process of renewing scars. Geranium oil is a universal helper for aging skin, it is a powerful astringent that tightens the epidermis, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and tightening sagging skin. It is also an antioxidant, slowing down the natural aging of the skin. In addition, it has powerful cell regeneration properties, increases collagen production, improves elasticity, improves skin tone and maintains its smoothness and softness, which allows the skin to look younger.

Applications

Daily use – add a few drops to your regular moisturizer.

For dermatitis or acne – add 3 drops of geranium oil to 1 teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil and massage the affected area twice a day.

For aging skin – apply a serum of 5 drops of geranium oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of coconut or jojoba oil twice a week.

For the face – to brighten the skin, open the pores and remove impurities – add a couple of drops to a bowl of hot water and gently steam the face.

Geranium Oil for Dark Spots and Under Eye Circles

Geranium oil helps to evenly distribute melanin, thereby helping to balance pigmentation. It is also effective in reducing dark circles under the eyes. Steaming your face improves blood circulation and removes dark circles.

How to Use

Mix three drops of geranium oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and gently pat your fingers around the under eye circle, being careful not to get it in your eyes, or massage the pigmented area.

To create facial steam, add a couple of drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and gently steam your face.

Geranium Oil for Massage and Pain Relief

Geranium oil, when mixed with a carrier oil and used for massage, is known to reduce swelling and remove excess fluid, as well as tighten the skin. It improves muscle tone by stimulating muscle contraction. Geranium oil also reduces muscle pain and cramps, nerve pain, and significantly reduces pain after an attack of shingles. In addition, it reduces inflammation and pain from arthritis or injury. Studies have shown that “geranium oil is well tolerated and relieves pain in minutes.” Another study conducted in 2013 confirmed that geranium oil can reduce inflammation. Adding geranium oil to a bath has also been shown to help with swelling of the legs and feet. Whether it is a massage or a bath, the wonderful aroma will allow both body and mind to relax at the same time.

How to use

Add three drops to a hot bath, sit back and relax.

Mix three drops of geranium oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and gently massage onto skin, concentrating on painful areas.

Geranium oil for scars, stretch marks, varicose veins and cellulite

Geranium oil is known to have properties that speed up the healing and disappearance of scars, dark spots and stretch marks. It has regenerating properties that help stimulate the renewal of collagen, elastin and skin cells, as well as astringent properties that tone the skin, thereby helping to strengthen the skin and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes. Traditionally used in Libya to firm up aging veins, geranium oil is also a cure for varicose veins in many cultures due to its tonic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help with the pain of any swelling. Due to its ability to remove excess fluid, puffiness and dead skin cells, improving skin tone and elasticity, and promoting cell regeneration, geranium oil is effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite by firming the skin and making the fat cells underneath less visible.

Uses

Mix five drops of geranium oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and gently massage onto the affected area.

Geranium Oil for Hair

Healthy hair requires a healthy scalp, and for centuries, geranium oil has been used to stimulate hair growth, restore the pH of the scalp, regulate sebum production and thus eliminate dryness or excess oil. Nourishing the scalp with this oil will make hair softer, stronger and healthier.

Uses

Mix three drops of geranium oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into the scalp before shampooing. Or add a few drops to your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Geranium Oil for the Respiratory Tract

The extracts in geranium oil have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and expectorant properties and help relieve and treat symptoms of respiratory illnesses, including the flu, colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis. A 2013 scientific review confirmed its effectiveness for both adults and children.

Uses

Add a few drops to an inhalation diffuser and use once or twice daily. For full benefits, add 1 drop to a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to the throat and under the nostrils.

Geranium Oil for Feet

Geranium oil is great for foot care because it has antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and deodorizing properties. It moisturizes dry, hardened and cracked skin. It treats athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, cuts and abrasions, and neutralizes odor.

Uses

Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet in it. You can also add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage the soles, nails and other affected areas. For best results, it is recommended to do this twice a day.

Geranium Oil and Aromatherapy

With its soft, floral aroma, geranium oil is uplifting to the heart and soul, inspiring and energizing, promoting a sense of positivity, restoring confidence, and helping to focus. It alleviates depression, anxiety, anger, confusion, mood swings, irritability, sadness, and helps to overcome overwhelming emotions. It is often recommended for those suffering from grief, emotional trauma, mental fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness, as well as those experiencing general fatigue and recovery. In general, it promotes a general sense of relaxation and well-being, and helps with sleep disorders.

Geranium Oil for Women

Sometimes referred to as “woman oil,” geranium oil is very beneficial for women suffering from menopausal and PMS symptoms. A study of women going through menopause found that inhaling the aroma can help stimulate the secretion of estrogen in the saliva, which helps balance hormones and eliminate symptoms associated with decreased estrogen levels, such as mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and pain. A further study looking at the effects of weekly geranium oil massages on the abdomen, arms, and back of menopausal women for eight weeks confirmed an improvement in symptoms. Due to its ability to regulate hormone levels, geranium oil is also very beneficial for relieving symptoms of PMS, depression, and anger, restoring mental and metabolic balance, improving circulation, relieving cramps, and reducing bloating. Research on geranium oil for PMS symptoms through inhalation and massage is also very encouraging.

Uses

Put one drop on a tissue and inhale for immediate relief.

Add a few drops to an inhalation diffuser.

Add a few drops to a carrier oil and gently massage onto your stomach, arms, and back, or onto pulse points.

Add a few drops to your bath to relax your body and mind.

Geranium Oil for Anxiety and Depression

The pleasant aroma of geranium oil immediately improves your mood and balances your mind and emotions, relieves depression and anxiety, improves mental focus, and helps build confidence. It is a proven anxiolytic and antidepressant that affects serotonin and brain chemistry. Geranium oil promotes a sense of positivity, uplifts the mood, reduces sadness and anger, and helps to cope with overwhelming emotions, so it is recommended for recovery from trauma and grief. Studies have shown that its aroma can reduce anxiety in pregnant women during childbirth, and therapeutic massage reduces depression during menopause. It can also help prevent and reduce postpartum depression.

Uses

Put one drop on an inhalation pad for immediate stress relief.

Add a few drops to an inhalation diffuser.

Add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply to wrists, inner elbows, and throat to utilize the oil’s therapeutic properties throughout the day.

Add a few drops to a warm bath to relax your body and mind.

Energy Booster

If you’re feeling particularly run down, perhaps because you have to rush off right after work, or need a pick-me-up before work, or just feeling mentally tired and you still have work or school to do, then geranium oil can help. By mentally uplifting your mood and improving your circulation, it can give you the energy boost you need, as well as improving your cognitive function.

Uses

Add five drops to a carrier oil and gently massage into your sinus area, temples, back of the neck, back of your hands, and clockwise into your solar plexus (located in your abdominal area above your belly button where your diaphragm is), then rest quietly for five minutes to feel completely refreshed and energized.

Add a few drops to a diffuser in the room where you need to continue working or studying.

Geranium Oil for Sleep

Depression, stress, and anxiety often go hand in hand with sleep problems. But did you know that the part of the brain that controls sleep also controls our sense of smell? The sweet, floral scent of geranium oil is well known for its calming, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties, and this scent improves your night’s sleep by helping you relax, fall asleep easier, and sleep more soundly.

How to Use– Add a few drops to your pillow or sheets.

Geranium Oil as an Insect Repellent and Bites

Geranium oil is known to naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects, and can be easily turned into a chemical-free protective spray. It also helps reduce inflammation, itching, and pain from insect bites, and prevents infection.

How to Use

To make your own insect repellent spray, simply add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water.

Add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage all over your body.

At night, put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and place it next to your bed to repel unwanted visitors.

For bites, add three drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to the affected area as often as needed.