The Emotional,Physical and Health Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil, derived from the Latin name Pelagonium Graveolens, is a remarkably popular plant used in various aromatherapy practices, and found in a wide range of aromatherapy products.

Originally found in South Africa, Madagascar, Egypt, and Morocco, geranium oil was introduced to European countries in the 17^th century.

Of the many species of geranium altogether, and those with a more rose-like scent are most frequently used commerically, in perfume, scents, and aromatherapy products.

While there are over 700 different species of geranium plants, only 10 of the species provide essential oils.

Various types of the geranium species can produce different forms of essential oils. For example, geranium essential oil is extracted from a different species of plant than the similar sounding rose geranium oil.

Geranium aromatherapy soap is popular with cooks and chefs, as it both treats the skin gently, and also banishes strong odours such as onion or garlic.

Exuding a strong floral scent paired with a subtle mint-like aroma, geranium oil offers many potential health benefits.

Historically, the geranium plant was grown around one's house in order to ward away evil spirits. As time progressed, geranium plant oil was used to help alleviate feelings of stress and tension.

Today, research has revealed that geranium oil actually stimulates the body's adrenal cortex, which does in fact help to balance the mind, stress, emotions, and other tension-related issues.

Studies show that Egyptians and Romans used geranium essential oil for its healing powers, as these cultures would apply geranium oil to open wounds.

Investigations have also found that various cultures in ancient Africa used geranium plant oil to treat tumors and cholera.

Other cultures used geranium oil for physical and beauty advantages, including the use of geranium to enhance the appearance and health of one's skin and hair. Still other regions used geranium oil for reproductive and respiratory health.

Adding to the aforementioned perks, geranium plant oil has also been shown to balance the skin's production of sebum. As a result, geranium oil can help the skin heal wounds more efficiently, while simultaneously encouraging the body's skin to maintain a suppler and softer feeling.

In addition, geranium oil can also alleviate skin irritations and issues, such as:

• Helps treat acne

• Reduces bruising

• Alleviates burns, cuts, eczema, and / or dermatitis

• Alleviates hemorrhoids

• Helps treat lice, ringworm, and / or edema

• Reduces breast engorgement

• Reduces and helps treat neuralgia

Beyond physical, emotional, and skin-related perks, geranium oil can also be used to treat tonsillitis, alleviate symptoms of a sore throat, and ward off mosquitoes!

In aromatherapy products and massage, geranium oil is used for an array of purposes.

Specifically, as the geranium herb is able to stimulate the adrenal cortex, people seeking the benefits of geranium oil in aromatherapy can enjoy mental and emotional benefits, such as:

• Balanced mind / thoughts

• Balanced emotional response / emotional levels / feelings

• Decreased feelings of tension and frustration

• Increased feelings of calmness and peacefulness

• Balance of the body's hormonal system

• Stimulation of the body's lymphatic system

• Alleviation of PMS-related symptoms / side effects

• Improvement the body's circulation

• Overall uplifting / mood enhancing effects

Adding to the general health and wellness perks, geranium oil provides individuals with specific therapeutic properties:

• Deodorant

• Tonic

• Astringent

• Cicatrisant

• Cytophylactic

• Diuretic

• Styptic

• Vermifuge

• Flunerary

• Haemostatic

While there are many different ways to use geranium oil, people commonly use the oil through the following efforts:

• Adding geranium oil to warm baths for relaxation

• Adding geranium oil to cool baths for revitalization and increased vigor

• Using geranium oil for aromatherapy massage, either on its own or in aromatherapy blends

• Using aromatherapy products such as bath oil or body lotion which include the oil
  

• Combining geranium with jasmine in order to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic systems

• Using geranium lozenges to alleviate discomfort caused by a cold, flu, tonsillitis, or other illness

Although studies confirm that geranium oil does not cause any harmful side effects in most people, women who are pregnant or nursing may want to avoid using this oil.

Specifically, since geranium essential oil helps to balance the body's hormonal system, pregnant women may experience side-effects from using this essential oil.

Individuals who are not pregnant or nursing, on the other hand, should be able to use geranium oil without any concerns, as the geranium herb is non-toxic, does not irritate, and is generally non-sensitising.