Excellent Aromatherapy Guide

Gernanium

(Pelargonium gravolens)

Family : Geranuaceae

Description : Geranium is an aromatic, perenial, hairy plant with serrated leaves and flowers varying from light pink through to deep rose, magenta or red. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowers, leaves and stalks.

Countries of origin : Reunion, China, Eqypt, South Africa, Morocco

Characteristics : Geranium has light, lemon-fresh, green herbal top notes and soft, rosy, sweet floral understones. It blends well with many other essential oils, especially bergamot, lavender, basil, rosemary, black pepper, rose, neroli sandalwood, rosewood, juniper, lemon, patchouli, jasmine and orange.

Main Therapeutic properties : Anti-depressant, antiseptic, astringent, cicatizant, deodorant, diuretic, haemostatic, tonic, vulnerary.

Geranium is the great balancer of essential oils, due to it being an adrenal cortex stimulant, and it helps to regulate hormones and moods alike. One of the most uselful essential oils to detoxify the lymphatic system and helo ekminate cellulite, geranium is often included in lymphatic drainage massage blends. It also helps heal wounds quickly, and makes a good deodorant, both for personal hygiene and for freshening rooms. Overall, geranium is balancing, upifting and refreshing.

Because geranium smells a little like rose – but is much cheaper – it is used in the perfume industry to ‘extend’ rose. The lovely floral gragrance makes geranium a valuable skin-care essential oil, and it is helpful in balancing sebum production.

Geranium is especially good for menstrual problems as it balances the hormones. This quality, combined with its anti-depressant and uplifting qualities, means that geranium might be heloful in massage blends for those women who have difficulty becoming pregnant. It is also useful for those undergoing the menopause.

Psychologically, geranium creates a sense of security and comfort, and is gentyly uplifting and balancing. It is reputed to strengthen the flow of subtle energy, or chi, and is one of the most valuable essential oils in treating anxiety associated with nervous debility. It is useful in mood perfumes to bring about a balanced harmony and to counteract excessive mood swings.

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