Latin Name: Pelagronium graveolens
Description
The word that comes to mind is "balance", especially for its emotional effects. It blends well with Clary, Rose, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lavender, and Chamomile, among others. Some varieties are strongly rose scented; range of aromas can vary immensely so always sample before buying. This anti-inflammatory, cleansing oil is extracted by steam distillation of the entire Geranium plant. Used traditionally for all skin types, it has a balancing effect on the hormones and oil secretion of the skin. As a stimulating, diuretic oil, it is also useful in the treatment of cellulite.
Its scent is uplifting, floral, and very pleasant. There are several aromatic pelargoniums. This particular variety grows to about two feet high, has serrated, pointed leaves and small pink flowers. The whole plant is aromatic. It is found on waste land, in hedgerows and on the outskirts of woods. There are several oil producing species such as P. odorantissimium and P. radens, but P. gravelolens is the main one commercially cultivated for its oil.Native to S Africa, widely cultivated in Russia, Egypt, Congo, Japan, Central America and Europe. The three main regions for producing are Reunon, Egypt and Russia. It was used by the ancients as a remedy for wounds and tumours. The essence is clear to light green with a delightful scent. The British plant Geranium robertianum and the American cranesbill G. maculatum are the most widely used types in herbal medicine today. "It is under the domination of Venus, and is commanded to stay blood, where or however flowing: it speedily heals all green wounds, and is effectual in old ulcers. An absolute and concrete are also produced in Moroco.
Geranium blends well with lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper, neroli, bergamot and other citrus oils. The bourbon oil is a greenish-olive liquid with a rosy-sweet, minty scent. The bourbon oil is generally preferred in perfumery work. Geranium has great value in skin care and can be used on almost any type of skin. It is used as a fragrance in all kinds of cosmetic products like soaps, creams, and perfumes. Germanium is extensively employed as a flavouring agent in most major food categories, alcohols and soft drinks. Constituents include citronellol geraniol, linalol, isomenthone, menthone, phellandrene, and sabinene.
