The story of geranium oil dates back to ancient Egyptian times, when it was an essential element in beauty products, widely appreciated for its ability to improve skin complexion and texture.
However, the current popularity of the plant has its roots firmly set in the soil of the Western Cape, South Africa. It was here that it was discovered when the first settlers set foot ashore on the Cape of Storms, later the Cape of Good Hope. During the 17th century, British colonialists shipped the plant to England because they wanted it to adorn British gardens too. The plant gradually spread across Europe.
A milestone moment for geraniums was in 1786, when Thomas Jefferson took geraniums from France to America. Then, the true attraction of geraniums gained momentum as they started to bloom in American gardens across the States. Geraniums tend to become family heirlooms as cuttings are often passed on from one generation to the next.
On a spiritual level, the plant is associated with peace, joy, love, and fertility; ironically, it is a far more romantic plant than the typical red rose.
Fun Facts About Geraniums:
Perhaps you’ve been prowling the shelves of your local health store and saw that some labels state geranium oil while others refer to it as rose geranium and wondered what the difference was. Rose geraniums are merely a different species but still belong to the Pelargonium botanical family. This plant is often called scented geraniums and has more floral notes. As it has the same beneficial features as geranium oil, rose geranium, with its rosy tones, is often a preferred ingredient in beauty products. The scent is a wonderful aid in bringing about a sense of greater calm and can even alleviate depression.
Geraniums are loaded with symbolic meaning. It is widely believed that white geraniums drive away snakes, while pink geraniums are perfect whenever you need to cast a love spell. While I don’t know how effective geraniums will be in either case, there is a lot of truth nestled in the symbolic meaning behind red geraniums. In an ancient tradition, red geraniums were used for protection and were often planted at the front door. Whether geraniums will keep your home free from intruders, I don’t know, but it is an amazing antiseptic and can protect you against infections.
Extraction and Profile
The leaves, stems, and flowers are left to wilt for two days before being steam distilled to gather the supercharged oil used to treat many health concerns, both physical and on a deeper level. Geranium oil is typically yellow but may have a greenish tone and has a rosy, sweet, yet herbaceous scent. It offers a subtle aroma that nurtures the soul while calming the mind and body.
Benefits in Abundance!
There is nothing special about the geranium plant at first sight; many may even describe it as mundane. However, its medicinal and beauty benefits make up for its aesthetic simplicity and far exceed expectations:
- Smoother visual appeal: Geranium oil is a trusted ingredient in skin products due to its anti-aging properties. It draws moisture into the skin, leaving it smoother and more radiant. Add two drops of geranium oil to your face lotion and apply it twice daily. Within two weeks, wrinkles start to smooth out.
- Relaxed muscles: Mix five drops of geranium oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into sore muscles. It not only soothes stiffness but can also reduce cramps.
- Immune system booster: Geranium oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties provide a protective barrier against at least 24 types of bacteria and fungi. Add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply all over your body to boost your immune system.
- Wound treatment: Due to its infection-fighting abilities, add two drops of geranium oil to coconut oil to clean cuts and wounds, forming a protective layer over the open wound.
- Combat athlete’s foot: Add geranium oil to a foot bath and soak your feet for a couple of minutes twice daily to eliminate athlete’s foot.
- Diuretic properties: Geranium oil aids kidneys in releasing toxins, heavy metals, sodium, and other pollutants through increased urination.
- Natural preservative: Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties make geranium oil a natural choice for food producers to protect produce from spoilage.
- Relaxation: Similar to rose oil, geranium oil’s analgesic properties aid in relaxation, pain relief, and anxiety soothing as its scent triggers a chemical reaction in the brain, supporting overall relaxation.
- Nerve pain relief: Geranium oil fights nerve pain effectively. Mix a few drops with carrier oil and apply to affected areas for quick relief.
- Anti-inflammatory: Studies show geranium oil effectively fights inflammation without harsh side effects. Apply directly to inflamed skin.
- Combat candida: Geranium oil suppresses candida growth. Dilute for safe vaginal application.
- Repel insects: Mix geranium oil with water in a spray bottle to repel insects or treat insect bites.
It’s easy to be impressed by these benefits, but always prioritize safety. While geranium oil is generally well-tolerated, remember to dilute it properly and never ingest it orally.
