Pelargonium graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m by 0.8 m. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). It cannot grow in the shade .It prefers dry or moist soil. The oil is steam distilled from the leaves, and has a leafy rose scent. The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes a-pinene, myrcene, limonene, menthone, linalool, geranylacetate, citronellol, geraniol and geranyl butyrate. Geranium Essential Oil hasa sweet, floral fragrance.
Geranium oil is used for easing pain, relieving fatigue and nervous exhaustion, lessening fluidretention, controlling bleeding. It is used internally in the treatment of pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsillitis and poor circulation. Externally, it is used to treat acne, haemorrhoids, bruises, ring worm and lice, and is also applied locally to cervical cancer. It is used for skin problems, eczema and athlete's foot, and for respiratory tract health, circulatory system health, cold sores, cellulite, digestive mucous, frost bite ,headaches, sore throat. It stimulates the adrenal cortex and balances the hormonal system and stimulates 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, burns, cuts, dermatitis, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema and neuralgia. It also helps speed up the reproduction of skin cells. It is used for hepatitis and fatty liver, fungal infections ,diabetes, psoriasis, hair, itchy skin, viral (herpes, shingles), gallbladder, digestion, insomnia, fluid retention, bruises, for general energizing. It dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.
It is used for lifting melancholy, fighting depression, stress, anxiety and tension, helps in diminishing fears of abandonment, love and commitment. May release negative emotions and memories. It is a mood balancer. Geranium helps balance hormones and calms. Geranium oil can be used in blended massage oil, as a constituent in a blended base cream, in shampoo, and as an insect/ mosquito repellant. It is also used in perfumery and skin care, as a food flavouring, and in aromatherapy,in burners and vaporizers,. It is used to treat fungal ear infections in animals, and to deter ticks and flies in dogs.
It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, stimulant, antiseptic, astringent, sedative,relaxant, anti-depressant, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, diuretic, deodorant,haemostatic, styptic, tonic, vermifuge and vulnerary, anti-tumoral,anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic and aphrodisiac.
Geranium oil blends well with Angelica, Basil, Bergamot, Carrot seed, Cedarwood, Citronella, Clarys age, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lime, Neroli, Orange and Rosemary oils