Geraniums originated in Africa and were introduced to many Southern European countries in the 17 th century.Althoughthere are now over 700 varieties of geranium there are only two that are mainly used in the production of aromatherapy oils. These are pelargonium graveolens and pelargonium odorantissimum.
The plant has long been known to have healing properties, it is known to have been used by the Egyptians to treat open wounds, bleeding and soothe the pain of fractured bones. In many European countries it has been traditional to grow it outside your home to make you safe from evil spirits.
Having a delicate floral smell similar to a rose, geranium is often used in perfumery production and skin preparations.
The flowers, leaves and stalks are steam distilled to produce an essential oil which blends well with many other oils including basil, bergamot, fennel, cypress, eucalyptus, neroli, juniper, pine, ylang-ylang, patchouli, lavender, myrtle, rosemary and sandalwood making it one of the most versatile of oils, used for blending, that aromatherapists can use.
As well as its delicate floral quality, which makes it sought after to produce many delicate fragrances, geranium oil is renowned for its balancing effect on both mind and body and is widely used to ease tension, anxiety and other stress related conditions. A wide variety of skin conditions can benefit from the use of the oil which has the ability to stabilise the production of the skins natural oils. This makes it ideal for either dry or oily skin, easing bruising, burns, greasy hair and in the treatment of eczema and acne. Some respiratory infections such as coughs and catarrh are helped by using geranium oil and it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe piles
Having the ability to blend with many other oils, geranium essential oil is ideal for use as a skin and hair treatment, for use in baths, as a massage oil, in perfumes and is ideal as a room fragrancer.
David Bates is a complementary therapy specialist from the UK ; he has an interest in several natural therapy sites including:
» left by Susan Thom(8,705) Susan Thom (216 days 13 hours ago.)
hi david,
thank you for a well written, interesting article. i am adding it to my favorites, and will get some geranium next chance i get.
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 View other articles written by David Bates(63)
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