Oil of the Month Geranium | The Cleansing Oil

Geranium Essential Oil is one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy. This is mainly due to its beautiful deep and floral, sweet aroma, but Geranium essential oil also has a multitude of therapeutic properties that make it invaluable in any therapist’s oil box.

Geranium oil is extracted from the stems, leaves and flowers of the geranium plant. Is there a difference between geranium oil and rose geranium oil? If you are confused about the difference between rose geranium oil vs. geranium oil, both oils come from the Pelargonium graveolens plant, but they are derived from different varieties. Rose geranium has the botanical name Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum while geranium oil is simply known as Pelargonium graveolens. The two oils are extremely similar in terms of active components and benefits, but some people prefer the scent of one oil over the other. For me, I prefer the ordinary, straightforward, normal Geranium!

Main uses of Geranium essential oil on the skin

Because of its qualities as an astringent and all-round healer, Geranium essential oil is a highly effective anti-ageing ingredient. Not only does Geranium oil tone and protect your skin, tightening your epidermis to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, and it also has potent cellular regeneration properties. With a revived epidermis, your skin will look more radiant and healthier.

Geranium essential oil is highly soothing when applied to the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can purify and soothe skin and also give radiance to the complexion.

Geranium essential oil also has powerful effects when it comes to balancing hormones, so can also effectively help the skin by regulating sebum production. Whether your skin is dry or oily, it helps to regulate the moisture and oil levels in your epidermis to leave your skin re-balanced and rejuvenated.

About Geranium Essential Oil & The Plant

Geranium's Latin Name is Pelargonium graveolens - The word ‘Geranium’ derives from the Greek geranos, which means ‘crane’; the bird whose beak inspired the name thanks to its similarity to the plant’s fruit. Deriving from the dry climes of Egypt, the Geranium plant is now grown around the world, including Europe and the Isle de Bourbon, because of its use in medicine and cosmetics.

Geranium's are form the plant family Geraniaceae, we gain the essential oil by steam distillation of the flowering tops of the plant.

There are hundreds of different types of geranium. Pelargonium geranium is a strongly scented leaf geranium, which varies in size according to its growing conditions. Sometimes there are pinky-purple flowers present. The resultant oil from Pelargonium graveolens is a greenish-yellow liquid with an earthy, sweet, cloying aroma

Geranium Essential Oil Traditional Uses

Traditionally Geranium essential oil was used to help shrink haemorrhoids, slow menorrhagia (blood loss) and for healing ulcers. Ancient Egyptians used Geranium against cancerous tumours and growths, usually using it with Clove oil. Centuries ago, and still in some cultures today, Geraniums were placed around the house to keep evil spirits at bay, and the Native Americans historically used Geranium roots to make a tonic to refresh and tone the skin.

Geranium Essential Oil Properties

The properties of Geranium essential oil are many and varied. This versatile essential oil is anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant and relaxing. It is most often used for childhood ailments (chickenpox, mumps, measles, common cold), but is also useful in other viral situations, such as herpes or shingles. Helping breast congestion, fluid retention and cellulite, as well as menopausal and menstrual problems, this oil is popular with most women. The oil also helps athletes’ foot, eczema and dry skin, being regenerative and moisturising. Personally, I love it best in skincare. Geranium essential oil is ‘adaptogenic’ meaning that it adapts to the skin it is on and helps to balance it. so whether you have oily skin, dry skin or combination skin, Geranium is the perfect choice to add into your skincare routine. Penny Price Aromatherapy uses Geranium essential oil extensively in its luxury skincare range Illuminous.

What Does Geranium Essential Oil Blend Well With?

Geranium essential oil has quite a powerful aroma. As described above, it is sweet, deep and floral with an undertone of earth and grass. It is better blended with light-smelling essential oils such as Lemon, Bergamot, Palmarosa, Lavender and Ho essential oils if you want to preserve the deepness.

Geranium Essential Oil Contra-iIndications

No known contra-indications for Geranium essential oil are recorded for general, everyday use, but hypersensitive individuals should not use the essential oil directly on the skin.

The main chemical constituents of Geranium essential oil are mainly alcohols (<65%), esters (15%), aldehydes (<10%) which makes it a very safe and useful essential oil for all age groups and all levels of health.

Blended withGeranium Essential Oil

Penny Price Aromatherapy has several blends including Geranium essential oil. Three of these products are Nurture Women, Nurture Weight and Unwind Rollerball.

Geranium is part of this blend as it is known to be balancing to the hormonal system and also to adapt to the situation it finds itself in to promote wellness. The combination of essential oils chosen covers a range of conditions from the absence of menstruation to heavy, painful periods and menopausal symptoms while helping to balance the hormonal system. With Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium and Lavender Essential Oils, this blend is very cleansing and balancing for the hormonal system, promoting wellness and reducing anxiety for mind, body and spirit.

Geranium essential oil is excellent for cleansing the body, so of course it is great for the removal of toxins. Blended with Geranium, Fennel, Rosemary and Patchouli Essential Oils, specially selected for their diuretic and cleansing properties, this wonderful product is also available in lotion form with the perfect addition of hyaluronic acid to tighten and tone. Used regularly, this blend will reduce the unsightly dimples associated with cellulite and reduce fluid retention, giving a wonderful smooth feel and look to the skin.

Unwind and relax with this wonderful little rollerball packed with aromatic and balancing Geranium essential oil. - For when things become overwhelming, this relaxing blend combines 100% natural pure essential oils with a carrier, to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and helps to calm the mind. Unwind is a blend of essential oils which with Geranium, include Lavender, Juniper and Ho essential oils. Roll on the relaxation!

Let’s Make Recipes with Geranium Essential Oil!
You may like to try some of my recipes as below, and if you do, please do give us feedback on how they worked – we love hearing from you!

Peaceful Vaporiser Blend

To stay relaxed and calm, use the recipe below. In a 10ml dropper bottle use:

5ml Geranium essential oil
2 ml Lavender essential oil
2ml Ylang Ylang essential oil
1ml Bergamot essential oil

Blend all the oils well in the bottle and push in the dropper cap. Use up to 8 drops at a time in a vaporiser.

Cleansing Lotion Blend

For a gentle cleansing lotion that will help to detoxify your skin during the day, moisturise and balance, use the recipe below. In a 100ml pump bottle use:

75ml white blending lotion
24ml aloe Vera gel
10 drops Geranium essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Palmarosa essential oil

Blend all the oils well in the bottle and attach the pump cap. Dampen your face with a warm flannel to open the pores. Pump 2-3 pumps of lotion into the palm of one hand, press both palms together and spread the cleanser over the face, massaging into the skin. Remove with a clean, wet and warm flannel.

Cleansing Facial Spritz Blend

For a beautiful spritz that will help to detoxify your skin during the day, moisturise and balance, use the recipe below. In a 100ml spray bottle use:

50ml boiled water (cooled)
49ml aloe Vera gel
10 drops Geranium essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Palmarosa essential oil

Blend all the oils well in the bottle and attach the spray cap. Spritz whenever your face feels dry and after the cleansing lotion has been used.

Detoxifying Bath Foam

This is a really relaxing way to end the day that will also help you to reduce your cellulite and fluid retention! Also a lovely morning bath for after the night on the tiles. In a 100ml bottle with pump top blend the following recipe:

99ml Bath Foam Base
15 drops Geranium essential oil
8 drops Patchouli essential oil
7 drops Rosemary essential oil

Put the bath foam into a small bowl and add the essential oils. Stir really well and then, using a funnel, put the blend into the bottle and apply the lid. This can take some time so be patient! Use a desert spoonful in each bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Not only a beautiful plant in your garden, the uplifting and rebalancing Geranium Oil can be adopted to help renew your skin, mind, and body, with its ability to lift spirits, balance the mind and bring joy and happiness to your day.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog. We love to hear from you so do give us feedback on the blog and the recipes, and how they have worked for you or your clients. All the products mentioned are available from www.penny-price.com or you can phone your order through or get advice on 01455 251020. If you are interested in training with us, please call, or email Lizzie on courses@penny-price.com. Thank you for reading! Penny Price X