Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is extracted from the leaves and stalks of the Geranium plant. This flowering annual plant is a member of the Geraniaceae plant family. Geranium is indigenous to South Africa, Egypt, Madagascar and Morocco. It slowly spreads to few other European countries like France, Italy and Spain. This genus has a wide range of plants of about 700 varieties and the sad fact is that only 10 varieties of this plant contribute to the supply of essential oils. Geranium plant is a hairy perennial shrub which grows up to a maximum height of 3 ft. Geranium leaves appear in different sizes, shapes and textures, all of which depends on the cultivator and the species. Few leaves have a fine cut just like the ferns while others are deeply cut like oak leaves. There are certain leaves that are curled, straight, crinkled, robust, furry or sticky in nature. Geranium leaves are pointed and also vary in color ranging from light green to dark green and grayish-green at times. The flowers of this plant are generally produced in open clusters. Geranium flowers appear in white, pink and lavender colors. These flowers have five petals, of which the lower 3 petals are larger than the upper 2 petals.
Geranium oil is extracted from the leaves and stalks of this plant. The oil is extracted by steam distillation method. Geranium oil is often colorless and has a watery viscosity. This oil has a floral fragrance with a minty aroma. The oils extracted from few other varieties of Geranium might have a slight aroma of apple or rose.
Latin name: Pelargonium odorantissimum
Alternative names: Stork’s Bill, Geraniums, Sweet-scented Geranium, Pelargonium.
Geranium plants grow well in fertile, well-drained and well-rotted soils. This plant can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical climatic conditions. Generally, Geranium plants are cultivated either by sowing the seeds or by stem cutting. It requires full sun and cool conditions for its fertile growth but can also tolerate drought conditions. Heavy rain can damage the growth of this plant. Geranium oil contains certain essential chemical components like Geraniol, Alpha Pinene, Citronellol, Geranyl Butyrate, Myrcene, Menthone, Geranyl Acetate, Limonene and Linalool. This oil has tonic, vulnerary, cytophylactic, astringent, cicatrisant, styptic, haemostatic, vermifuge, diuretic and deodorant properties.
Uses: Geranium oil has the efficiency to balance the production of sebum in the skin. It helps in keeping the skin healthy and supple. With its healing properties, this oil is used in healing wounds and burns. Geranium oil can also stimulate the functions of the adrenal cortex, hormone system, lymphatic system and the nervous system. It aids in balancing the human mind and the inbuilt emotions.
