Geranium (Pelargonium) Essence

Description

GERANIUM (Pelargonium spp)

Family: Geraniaceae

Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the leaves.

Fragrance:: Sweet, floral, rose-like.

Volatility: Middle note.

General description and habitat:

Strictly speaking these plants should be referred to as pelargonium. The true geranium is the herb Robert, or Crane’s Bill, which has no therapeutic properties. Pelargoniums originate from South Africa. Only a few of more than 200 species are grown for essential oils : P. graveolens, P. roseum, P. odoratissimum, P. capitatum and P. radula.

Major producing areas include: China, India, Corsica, France, Italy, NorthAfrica, Russia and Spain. The best oils come from Re’union and from Egypt. Climate and soil is most important for good quality oil.

Principal constituents:

Geraniol, borneol, citronellol, linalool, terpineol, esters, ketones, phenols.

History

History and folk use:

No real reference to geranium until 1819 when Recluz, the French chemist distilled the first oil from the leaves.

Properties & Uses

General properties:

Vulnerary, tonic, antiseptic, haemostatic, uplifting, warming, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, relaxing.

Primary Uses:

Lymphatic Congestion	Mononucleosis
Skin disorders	Urinary disorders
Viral infections

Secondary Uses:

Anorexia,	Anxiety,
Bulimia,	Depression,
Diarrhea,	Dry Skin,
Bleeding,	Bruises,
Eczema,	Gall Bladder,
Hemorrhoid,	Inflamed Skin,
Insect Repellent,	Kidney Infections/Stones,
Liver,	Menopause,
Menstrual Problems,	Mood Swings,
Neuralgia,	Oversensitivity,
PMS,	Psoriasis,
Sore Throat,	Tonsillitis,
Ulcers,	Viral Infections,
Water Retention.

Contraindications

Beware of falsified oils which will not produce the right results and may irritate.