2015: For years we have sourced Geranium oil from Egypt. Political upheaval has made sourcing essential oils from Egypt almost impossible. We searched and sampled to find an oil that was aromatically and therapeutically the match for our “old standard”...and finally found it in this organically produced specimen from South Africa.
This Pelargonium smells much softer and less sharply green than any I’ve sampled. It’s a lovely softly floral as well as green scent. A “woman’s oil,” Geranium seems to have a hormonal balancing effect and traditionally has been used (blended with Clary Sage) to alleviate problems associated with menopause and menstruation. Gunther writes that Geranium gives adrenal cortex support when ovarian estrogen decreases at menopause.
It also acts as a diuretic. It can lower blood sugar, and should be avoided if you are hypoglycemic.
The word that comes to mind when I think of Geranium is “balance,” physically, and especially for its emotional effects Geranium (and Rose Geranium) are valuable skin care oils. They are helpful for bruises, cuts, ulcers, broken capillaries, dermatitis, and are anti-inflammatory. It is believed to balance sebum making it the oil of choice for combination skin) and to keep the skin smooth and supple. Also known as Geranium Bourbon.
Educator and author Madeleine Kerkhof-Knapp Hayes says this is the most versatile essential oil for skincare. Powerful anti-fungal, star at wound healing, effective against Staph, Strep, and MRSA. Use for infected wound. Calming to the nervous system, use it in blends for scarring in nerve-rich areas. Safe at up to an 8% dilution (although I would patch test first, geraniol is a component of the "Fragrance Blend" used in allergy patch testing.) Use for ear infections in an inhaler.
SAFETY: Robert Tisserand advises: low risk of skin sensitization, may interact with diabetic, antianxiety, opiod, analgesic, anticancer, HIV treatment and other medications as well as nicotine.
GC/MS Analysis:
May 2010
Batch No. EG-N0016941
Batch No. SA-B446017
Batch No. SA-B446018
Test Analysis courtesy of Essential Oil Awareness, an essential oil consumer testing group.
Geranium blends well with Clary Sage, Rose, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lavender, and Chamomile, among others. The only oils I don’t like in combination with it are the citrus oils. They seem to “sharpen” it too much for my taste.
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