Geranium
Oil

It is a strong smelling oil with a
floral aroma and a hint of mint, and when extracted from the Odorantissimum
plant has a slight apple undertone, whereas the Graveolens oil has a rosier
aroma.

This
fresh essential oil has a firm place in aromatherapy, as it helps to balance the
mind and emotions, while stimulating the adrenal cortex and balancing the
hormonal system and stimulating the lymphatic system. On the other hand, it
balances the production of sebum in the skin, while keeping it supple and
helping with the healing of wounds.

Oil
properties

The oil is mostly colorless, but can
have a slight light green color to it. It has a watery
viscosity.

Origin of Geranium
Oil

The plants originated from South Africa,
as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to
European countries such as Italy, Spain and France in the 17th
century.

There are about 700 different varieties
of the plant, yet only 10 supply essential oil in viable quantities, as the
normal garden geranium produce far too little oil for
extraction.

It is a hairy perennial shrub, often
used in hedgerows, and stands up to about one meter high (3 feet) with pointed
leaves, serrated at the edges and it has pinkish-white flowers. In early times
geraniums were planted around the house to keep evil sprits at
bay.

Extraction

The leaves and stalks are used
for extraction, and the oil is obtained through steam
distillation.

Chemical
Composition

The essential oil is composed of various
chemical constituents and includes a-pinene, myrcene, limonene, menthone,
linalool, geranyl acetate, citronellol, geraniol and geranyl
butyrate.

Precautions

Geranium oil does not cause any
side effects, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing,
yet can cause sensitivity in some people and due to the fact that it balances
the hormonal system, it might not be a good idea to use it during
pregnancy.

Therapeutic
Properties

The therapeutic properties of geranium
oil are astringent, haemostatic, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, diuretic,
deodorant, haemostatic, styptic, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary.