Botanical name: Pelargonium graveolens
A native of South Africa, Geranium came to Europe in the late eighteenth century but the main producing areas are now the Algeria, Egypt and Morocco. The oil is extracted from the leaves and green stems which are harvested during early flowering, when the leaves develop their rosy scent so prized in perfumery. The oil is green or amber in colour with a sweet, green, floral smell. It has a number of uses and benefits in particular for womens health.
KEY ACTIONS – Balancing, cooling and moistening
EMOTIONAL – Restores balance: calms without sedating. Useful for treating restlessness and anxiety as well as palpitations and panic attacks.
WOMEN’S HEALTH – Relieves menopausal symptoms including hot flushes.
DIGESTION – Dilute 1-2 drops in 5mls of carrier oil and massage over the abdomen in a clockwise direction for the relief of diarrhoea, gastric pain or constipation with dryness.
SKIN – Balancing for all skin types. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory it helps control acne. Cooling and moistening for dry, inflamed skin.
BLENDS WELL WITH – Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Black pepper and Neroli.
HOW DO I USE IT? – Massage, diffusers, baths, compresses.
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to skin. Suitable oils include olive, almond, sunflower, coconut, using the ratio of 2-3 drops in 10mls of oil. When using in a bath, a useful tip is to mix 6 drops of essential oil with creamy milk and disperse in the bath. This avoids the risk of essential oil floating on top of the water and coming into direct contact with the skin, when it can cause skin irritation.
RECOMMENDED BODY OILS – Mayfield’s range of hand blended body oils includes two with Geranium. De-stress, a beautifully scented oil where Geranium is blended with Bergamot and Ylang Ylang, known for their relaxing properties. The other Body Oil is the deeply nourishing Rejuvenating Oil. Here the addition of Neroli and Frankincense create an exquisite floral scent with spicy undertones.
SAFETY
If you have diabetes, seek medical advice before using Geranium to ensure it will not interact with your medication.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like a consultation and a personal blend to be used in a treatment, contact Mayfield Therapy.