As we approach those carefree summer days, aromatic geranium is our chosen oil of the month.
Geranium oil has a beautiful floral scent and is distilled from the geranium leaves and flowers. It can help restore balance to your skin and emotions by uplifting your mood.
Geranium is also known as crane’s bill, can be found all over the world and is native to the temperate climate of South Africa. From single to double bloom, flowering with delicate hues of red, white, pink, purple and blue, the varieties of Geranium emit scents of peppermint, lemon, rose, orange, pineapple, and nutmeg. The supporting foliage is typically green, but there are varieties with red, yellow and orange leaves.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil is distilled from the fragrant green parts of the pelargonium, especially the leaves. The plant must be freshly cut just before the flowers open. One kg of Geranium oil requires 300-500 kg of plants to produce this luxury product. The beautiful aroma of rose geranium is similar to rose oil, which also contains geraniol and citronellol. Geranium is often used to falsify the more expensive rose oil.
When buying essential geranium oil, be careful of oil that has been falsified with artificial esters. These varieties of so-called “geranium oil” are of a different quality and will not give the same results in therapy, as the authentic product.
Uses of Geranium Oil
Geranium essential oil can be used as a tonic and even to reduce the appearance of scars and spots on the skin. It has been used as an ingredient in rose oil for perfumes. The rose scented leaves can be used to flavour cakes, jellies, and vinegars and even make tea.
It can act as an antiseptic, help with fatigue and convalescence. It’s well-known for its treatment of skin disorders, such as eczema and athlete’s foot and can help to heal cuts, bruises, and burns.
Complementary oils
Geranium blends beautifully with lemon, bergamot, and cedarwood.