Geranium essential oil
Botanical (and family):
Pelargonium Graveolens.. Family Geraniacea.
Description of plant:
A shrub to 1m high with hairy serrated leaves and small pink flowers. Please note that Geranium oil comes from a species of pelargonium, as opposed to true Geranium.
Extraction:
Steam distillation of the leaves, stalks and flowers.
Charactersitics:
Powerful, green, leafy-rosy with a pronounced fruity-minty undertone and a rich, long-lasting, sweet-rosy dryout.
MIDDLE NOTE
Odour effects:
Highly fragrant, mentally balancing.
Cautions:
May irritate sensitive skins. A hormone system regulator, not to be used at least during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Main chemical constituents:
Citronellyl formate, geranyl formate - 15%
Citral - 5%
Methone - 7%
Guaiazulene, Beta-caryophyllene - 4%
Cis-rose oxide - 2%
Phellandrene, limonene, alpha pinene - 2%
Citronellol, geraniol, linalool - 63%
Properties and indications:
MIND
Quells anxiety and depression and lifts the spirits. Puts the mind back into balance and through its action on the adrenal cortex, reduces stress.
BODY
Because of its balancing effect on the hormonal system, it can be useful with PMT and menopausal problems. Could be helpful with inflammation and congestion of the breasts. Good for congested systems. Tonic action on liver and kidneys helps to clear body of toxins. Helps against jaundice, kidney stones, diabetes and urinary infections. Could guard against fluid retention. Effective in throat and mouth infections. Could ease neuralgia. Has a clearing effect on mucous, mainly of the digestive system.
SKIN
Useful for all skin types , as it balances sebum. May be good for eczema, burns, shingles, herpes, ringworm and chillblains.
Other uses:
A fragrant component in many cosmetic products: soaps, creams and perfumes. Used extensively as a flavouring agent in most major food categories.
