Geranium Essential Oil

Latin Name: Pelargonium Graveolens Plant Part Used: Leaves, Stems, and Flowers Origin: Egypt Extraction Method: Steam Distillation Geranium essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of the Pelargonium odoratissimum (apple geranium) plant. It has a strong smell with a floral aroma and hints of mint and apple. The main feature of this oil is its ability to balance and uplift, and it is used for both mind and body to relieve a myriad of ailments. Geranium essential oil helps balance oily and dry skin, and also causes the balance of the mind, relieving stress and anxiety. It is said to work on the adrenal cortex, which has a balancing effect on the hormonal system. Geranium oil has been used to treat acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress, and neuralgia. Its strong smell repels mosquitoes. Add a few drops to shampoo to get rid of lice. These geraniums were believed to keep spirits away (as did mosquitoes!), so they were planted around houses as hedges. The plants originated in South Africa, Réunion, Madagascar, Egypt, and Morocco and were introduced to European countries in the 17th century. Although there are around 700 varieties of the plant, only 10 supply essential oil in viable amounts. Varieties planted in gardens generally produce very little oil to use for extraction.