Geranium Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

So you think you know Geranium?  Sure, it is a gorgeous flower, but the history and amazing properties of this plant will astound you.  Known as a perennial shrub popular in gardens for its beautiful pinky-white blooms, Geranium has a sweet-smelling floral scent that likens it to that of rose, making it extremely popular in the perfume industry.  Though over 200 different types of Geranium exist, only a select few are used for essential oils.  dōTERRA uses a whole-plant steam distillation method for extraction, and it takes A LOT of Geranium plants to produce a small amount of essential oil.

HISTORY OF GERANIUM

Native to South Africa, dōTERRA sources its Geranium from Mauritius, a small island off the west coast of Madagascar, where they ensure that the plant is cut before the flowers open in order to extract the highest quality of essential oil.  Historically, the Egyptians used Geranium to keep their complexions flawless and believed it to fight against tumors.  Eventually the plant made its way to Europe in the Victorian era where it was commonly found as a combo-centerpiece-and-breath-freshener.  Because the leaves and flowers are both edible, Geranium can be used in everything from jams and jellies to cakes and teas.  It also found a great home in the perfume industry as a popular middle note for a wide variety of scent concoctions.  Its scent is so similar to that of rose that it often takes a professional to distinguish the two.

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME…

One of the main constituents of Geranium is geraniol, which is also found in Rose essential oil.  Both in the perfume and essential oil industry, Geranium oil has often been used as a substitute for the more expensive rose oil.  Not only can the Geranium be subbed for rose, but it can also be heavily diluted with a carrier oil.  This is yet another reason why you want to stick with dōTERRA’s CPTG essential oils so you know exactly what you are getting.  In the perfume industry, they use “fragrance oils” which are most definitely NOT the same thing as an essential oil.  In fact, even something touted as “natural fragrance” is most likely a synthetic knock-off.

CALMING AND SOOTHING

The Egyptians were right on track with using Geranium to support their complexions.  Not only does the oil help to combat the effects of acne, but it also is a great supplement to your skin care routine.  You are going to be getting a double-duty fix – not only will it help to calm and soothe any skin irritations, but it will also help to balance your emotions and calm your nerves.  Simply adding a few drops of Geranium essential oil to your normal moisturizer will do wonders for your complexion.

Feeling like you need a deeper skin solution or something to release feelings of stress?  Why not try a steam facial?  Add boiling water to a large bowl and add a few drops of Geranium essential oil.  Tip your head over the bowl and allow the steam to penetrate your pores while the aroma relaxes your nerves.  For an extra punch, you can even make a tent with a towel to trap in all of that steamy goodness.

And between you and me, many people have found that Geranium essential oil is also helpful for soothing skin irritations due to hemorrhoids.

DIFFUSING

Another great way to utilize the properties of Geranium essential oil is by diffusing it.  Its stress-relieving properties can help you to balance your emotions and embody peace and hope once again.  Scientific studies have also shown that Geranium can have a calming effect for women during labor…and probably for everyone else in the room as well!

It can be diffused by itself, or combined with other essential oils, especially citrus, for some awesome blends.  Try these:

HEALTHY HAIR

All of my friends cannot stop talking about how great Geranium has been for their hair!  Just adding a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner can tame the mane and give you shiny, luxurious locks.  It can also help to protect your hair from damage from styling, especially if you are a flat-iron fan.

Try this awesome Heat Protectant Spray on dry hair before using your iron:

• 1 tsp. dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 1 Tbsp. sweet almond oil
• 2 Tbsp. dōTERRA Salon Essential Smoothing Conditioner (or your favorite conditioner)
• 1 c. distilled water
• 5 drops Clary Sage essential oil
• 5 drops Geranium essential oil

Add half of the water to a small spray bottle, and then add the rest of the ingredients.  Top off with the remainder of the water and shake well.  All it takes is one spritz worked into your hair for an amazing protectant.

MASSAGE MAGIC

Looking to up your romantic game?  Look no farther than Geranium essential oil.  Combine a few drops with a tablespoon of dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a sensual massage experience.  Applying the same recipe post-shower will leave your skin feeling smooth and will give your skin a healthy glow.  And don’t forget those underarms!  Not only will it help to rejuvenate your skin, but it will also provide you with an all-natural deodorant effect.  Sweet!

BUGS BE GONE!

Bonus!  Geranium is also an all-natural bug repellant, so diffuse and use without worry.  For an extra punch, add some peppermint for an amazing bug-be-gone blend or put some in a 2 oz. spray bottle with distilled water for an on-the-go spritz free of harsh chemicals.

Not just a pretty flower, Geranium’s amazing scent and calming properties makes it a must-have item for your EO repertoire.  If you would like more information on how you can get your own Geranium, send me a message!

If you know you are ready to get started with dōTERRA essential oils, you can sign up with me immediately here.