Bienvenue Ar’home readers,
Introducing, Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
Astringent and invigorating, the essential oil of Geranium Bourbon is also remarkable for its purifying effects thanks to being rich in monoterpenols (one of the two types of hydrocarbons that make up essential oils, #science!). It is also widely appreciated for its fabulously fine and flowery smell.
Family: Geraniaceae
Origin: Madagascar
Extraction: Steam distilled
Plant part: Flowering top
Aroma: Floral, rosy
Note: Middle
Odour intensity: Strong
Cultivation: Organically grown, certified organic
Ar’home System Classification:
Reproductive I assign each of the essential oils we stock to a system within the body (e.g. reproductive, respiratory, endocrine etc.). Geranium has properties as a hormone regulator, it helps with fluid retention and menstrual irregularity and its major chemical constituents are monoterpenes and esters. Monoterpenes are present in almost all essential oils – they enhance the therapeutic values of other components and are the balancing portion of the oil. Esters result from the reaction of an alcohol with an acid and they are the most relaxing, calming and balancing of all the essential oil constituents. These components help us understand Geraniums’s properties and how we use it safely and effectively.
Properties
Antibacterial; astringent; estrogenic; hemostatic; cicatrisant; cytophylactic; diuretic; tonic.
Getting to know Geranium EO a little better
Our geranium essential oil is extracted from the plant Pelargonium graveolens, of the Geraniaceae family. This uplifting oil has a great all-over balancing effect on the mind, and this uplifting property also extends to the effect it has on the skin – where it helps to create balance between oily and dry skin. Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, as a mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia. It is known to help “sort out” emotions – relieving feelings of stress and anxiety, and also working on the adrenal cortex, which has a balancing effect on the endocrine (hormone) system.
Safety 101 when using Geranium Essential Oil
Maximum dermal limit: 17.5% is the maximum dermal use level recommended. All of the Essential oils we use contain ‘sensitisers’ (something that causes your skin to become sensitive or hypersensitive) at different levels. Aromatherapists or formulators need to find out which sensitisers are in the oils we purchase (why we have to ask for the MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet – from suppliers) and we then calculate their total in the essential oil blends we create to make sure these safety standards are met. The EU Cosmetics Regulations currently require that 26 allergens / sensitisers are declared on your cosmetics label if they are present in any concentration.
Drug interaction: Caution is advised if you are taking diabetes medication.
Estrogen interaction: Geranium essential oil is known to cause facilitated salivary estrogen secretion in perimenopausal women.
Contraindications: Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in children under 3 years old.
Merci, à bientôt,
Sandra