Geranium essential oil - known as the poor man's rose

Geranium essential oil - known as the poor man's rose

geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)belongs to the geranium family (Geraniaceae). The plant comes from South Africa and was probably exported to Europe in the 17th century. From there it was hybridized and re-exported to the various French and British colonies around the world. Now geranium oil no longer comes from the smelly hybrid plants that we have on our terraces every year, but from the “rosy geraniums”. Today, geranium is an important oil for blending in the perfume industry, often used as a substitute for rose oil - which is why it is sometimes called the "poor man's rose." Most oil comes from the island of Reunion, east of Madagascar, although it is now grown worldwide.

Traditionally, geranium has been used since ancient times for skin care, dysentery, hemorrhoids, inflammation and excessive menstrual bleeding. It has also been used for diarrhea and stomach ulcers. Today we would find that geranium oil has a calming, uplifting and strengthening effect, particularly on the nervous system. It is a helpful oil for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It is an effective treatment for dysentery or gastroenteritis. The oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and rubbed on the stomach for GI upset. Geranium promotes blood circulation and normal liver function. Geranium oil is best known for its skin conditioning properties and is good for cleansing oily skin. Geranium is particularly helpful when you feel “stuck” and are afraid to move on to the next stage of life. For emotional healing, Geranium is used to promote comfort, adjustment, regeneration, balance, security, calm, stability, and feelings of being soothed, shielded, and mothered.

First and foremost, geranium acts as a general tonic for the body and mind. It is antifungal and particularly helpful for menopausal symptoms. It mixes well with lemon, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, Roman chamomile, peppermint, clove, clary sage, ginger, palmarosa, ylang ylang, sandalwood, mandarin, juniper, cypress, bergamot, fennel, frankincense, orange, jasmine and rose. Geranium oil can be diffused, used in steam inhalation, or applied topically either directly to the body or diluted with a carrier oil or lotion and rubbed onto the body. For safety reasons, geranium is non-toxic, non-irritating and generally non-sensitizing. Would you like to learn more about the healing properties of geranium and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit.