Geranium / Pelargonium graveolens Information

NAME
Geranium


LATIN NAME
Pelargonium graveolens

ORIGIN
Native to South Africa, now widely cultivated in many countries.

PARTS USED
Aerial parts, leaves, stalks and flowers.


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Geranium has a cooling, calming and astringent quality. It is known to be a good hormone balancer, helping to relieve symptoms of PMS, menstrual pain, tender breasts and water retention. Geranium is also thought to be strengthening to the adrenal cortex, helping to combat stress and bring back calm and balance. Geranium is also anti-inflamatory, so it is useful in the case of swollen joints, stiffness and pain. On an emotional level Geranium is nurturing and uplifting and can promote a sense of inner peace and well being. It is excellent for calming the spirit after grief, upset, shock or pain. The essential oil of Geranium can be used in the bath, or vapourised in an oil burner. It can be added to a massage oil or cream and applied to the skin. See How to use Essential Oils

ESSENTIAL OIL NOTE
Middle note

BLENDS WELL WITH
Mandarin, Neroli, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Roman Chamomile, Frankinsence, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rose & Lavender.

AROMA
A green, floral and herbaceous


FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Geranium has been apart of traditional African medicine for many years. Geraniums became popular in Europe in the 1800s when the French discovered Geraniums potential in perfumery.


CONSTITUENTS
Citronellol, geraniol, linalool,citronellyl formate, geranyl formate, citral, guaiazulene, B-caryophyllene, phellandrene, limonene, a-pinene.


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Use 6-8 drops of essential oil in a bath and 10 -18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. See Essential Oil Dosage Chart


PRECAUTIONS
None known. Can be used in safely in pregnancy. Avoid use with sensitive skin.