If there was a prize for ‘most common plants for window boxes’, geranium could get the gong. Its prolific, hardy nature and cheery, colourful blooms make it an easy inclusion in gardens and planters.
The geranium variety used for essential oils is Pelargonium graveolens. The oil is steam distilled from its flowers and leaves, and it has a delicious rose-like fragrance. For this reason, it has long been very popular in the perfume industry as a more cost-effective substitute for rose oil.
If you zoned out during chemistry at school, hang in there for a sec while we look at two of the key constituents in geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and authentic Bulgarian rose (Rosa damascena) because it’s really pretty neat !
Constituent Pelargonium graveolens Rosa damascena
citronellol 25-36% 24-50%
geraniol 10-18% 10-22%
(Percentages approximate and vary in top quality oils from batch to batch, such is the beauty Mother Nature. Source: Essential Oils Desk Reference, Life Science Publishing)
While each oil has its own vibrational energy unique to itself, you can see from these constituents why they have a lot of similar benefits. Both are used extensively in skin care and fragrance. Geranium essential oil is often used in place of rose because it’s more economical. By the way, Rosa damascena has different constituents from ‘Moroccan’ rose (Rosa centifolia) so its scent and properties are not the same.
Both Pelargonium graveolens and Rosa damascena oils can bring a lovely radiant glow to the skin with their nurturing, revitalising properties. Geranium has a slight astringency that can also help with cleansing and polishing the pores.
When it comes to skin care, authentic geranium essential oil can be a lovely substitute for Lavandula angustifolia, and you can use them in tandem or interchange them for variety. I know some oilers who say lavender reminds them too much of drawer liners and potpourri sachets for one’s underwear drawer, so it’s a great alternative if you’re sitting there saying, “Hey, that sounds like me!”
Geranium has been known to deter head lice, too, so if you’re looking for something to bolster up the kids’ shampoo and conditioner, you can add it into your arsenal. You’ll find more tips and a recipe here.
When it comes to feelings, geranium is nurturing, balancing and soothing – similar to its effects in skin care. If you feel as if the rug is going to be pulled out from under you at any time, which can be especially challenging if you have a sense of abandonment, isolation or fragile self-esteem, geranium can be comforting and help with a sense of security.
When it comes to ‘achey breaky hearts’, humble geranium essential oil won’t put them back together again, but inhaling it often and rubbing a drop or two over your heart (diluted as needed) can bring reassuring comfort with its sweet, warm fragrance. If you’re heading over to lend a friend your shoulder to cry on, put a drop of geranium oil there first to help dry their tears.
Young Living includes geranium essential oil in much of its beautiful natural skin care range, and you’ll also find it in many of their especially formulated essential oil blends, including Acceptance™, Awaken™, Harmony™, Joy™, and Release™.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
How do you use it?
Geranium oil can be diffused and inhaled directly from the bottle. Apply on location and chakra points as desired and dilute as needed. You can add a few drops to a handful of shower gel for a relaxing bath or likewise for a massage.
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to genuine quality and purity and only the best can be considered for this purpose. As always, please follow the labels and the usual guidelines for safe use of authentic essential oils.
Not all oils are created equal. Quality varies immensely, so please ensure you are choosing a brand with complete transparency from seed to seal, such as Young Living. Discover why we love them so much in this short video.
