Geranium

Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens

Botany and Origins: There is actually a great deal of confusion over the origins of geranium. This is not surprising considering that there are over 250 natural species of Pelargonium, hundreds of hybrids and thousands of cultivars. It is a perennial, shrubby, hairy plant, up to 1m high with fragrant leaves. Geraniums originate from South Africa. They were introduced to Europe in the 17th century and hybridised. Some of those scented-leaf hybrids were distributed around the world and later grown for geranium oil production. The first geranium plants grown for the French perfume industry were planted in Algeria in 1847 and in the 1880s extensive plantations were established on Reunion. Geranium oil is also produced in other parts of the world such as China and Egypt. The Chinese geranium is very similar to Bourbon, while Egypt geranium is quite different. Other Pelargonium species grown in gardens for their fragrant leaves include Pelargonium citriodorum (citron-scented), Pelargonium fragrans (nutmeg-scented) and Pelargonium tomentosum (peppermint-scented).

Method of Extraction: Geranium oil is steam distilled from the leaves and branches.

Cultivation: Conventional

Historical and Traditional Uses: The first reference to geranium is in Dioscorides' Materia Medica, as geranion from the Greek geranos, a crane, because of the shape of the long beaked fruit. The plant and its fragrant leaves were used by the Romans. Geranium oil is widely used as a fragrance component in all kinds of cosmetic products such as soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. Its main medicinal use in the past was the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. This is possibly due to the antispasmodic action on smooth muscle.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Geranium oil has been reported to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities in vitro.

Indications:

• Detoxification: It is a diuretic and has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It is beneficial for treating cellulite, fluid retention and oedema of the ankles.
• Integumentary System: Geranium oil has excellent astringent and haemostatic properties which make it useful for treating wounds and bruises. It is recommended for its anti-inflammatory properties for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and is used for treating acne. It has cytophylactic properties and is recommended for the treatment of burns and wounds.
• Nervous System: It is an excellent regulating effect on the nervous system and may be used in a bath, massage or vaporiser to relieve stress, nervous tension, depression, headaches and anxiety. The action of geranium oil on the nervous system is sedative and uplifting.
• Reproductive System: Geranium oil is a stimulant of the adrenal cortex, whose hormones are essentially regulating and balancing. This is why geranium oil is recommended for conditions where fluctuating hormones are a problem. In particular, geranium oil may be used to relieve premenstrual tension and menopause.
• Skin Care: It is popular in skin care, not only for its delightful aroma, but for its action in balancing the production of sebum. This makes it valuable for skin that is either dry, oily or combination skin.

Safety: Geranium oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising. However, cases of dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals have been documented.

Country of Origin: Egypt

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)