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15 Jul 2008

Geranium Oil

Geranium oil is distilled from rose-scented pelargoniums (P.graveolens, P.odoratissimum, P.radens and P.capitatum). Unlike their cousins with their showy, colorful blooms, they have insignificant rose-pink or mauve flowers. Geraniums are native to South Africa.

The plants are cultivated and distilled in the Reunion Islands (the superior Bourbon geranium oil), Egypt, Russia and to a lesser extent, China. The oil extracted from the leaves, stalks and flowers, is a greenish color with a strong, rosy perfume with a hint of mint. Research has shown the oil to have antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and diuretic properties.

Geranium oil is favored by aromatherapists as it is excellent for many types of skin problems. It is well known for it's balancing effect on the body by both it's mood elevating and stress reducing aroma. It is also added to massage oils to reduce the symptoms of PMS, like fluid retention and added to mouthwashes for gum infections and sore throats. The scent of this oil is helpful for meditation because while calming, it is not sedating.

Perfumers find the oil valuable as it is less expensive, is a good substitute for rose absolute, and also blends exceptionally well with other perfumed oils. The oil is excellent for soap making as it is unaffected by the soap's alkaline properties. It is also very popular for making homemade preparations.

Warning: Do not use on over sensitive skin and do not use during first 3 months of pregnancy.

Keeping a rose-geranium plant in the home is also worthwhile. Brushing the leaves lightly with your hand will release the oil and give a wonderful aroma. The flowers can be added to salads and the leaves shredded and used as flavoring in jellies and vinegars. When baking, coat the bottom of a pound cake pan with vegetable spray then spread the rose geranium leaves over the bottom, pour batter over them and bake the cake.

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Rose Geranium Skin Freshener
From RecipeGoldmine
This restores the acid layer in the skin that helps protect against bacteria.

1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tsp rose geranium oil

Mix all ingredients. Keep in a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Apply over face and throat with a clean cotton pad.

Nail Growth Oil
From i-ERM

1/4 cup almond oil
2 tsp apricot kernel oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops rose essential oil

Mix the ingredients together and store in a dark colored bottle. To use, massage the base of your nails every day with this oil to encourage healthy growth. The oil can also be used as part of a manicure. Soak the nails for at least 10 minutes after you have thoroughly cleaned them.

Bruise Soother
From GreenChronical

3 drops geranium essential oil
2 tsps / 10ml sweet almond oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops sweet marjoram essential oil

Mix oils together and apply to affected area.

Facial Lotion for Dry and Mature Skin
From Suite101

1 tsp jojoba oil
1 tsp calendula infusion oil
1 tsp sesame oil
6 drops sandalwood essential oil
4 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil

Blend the carrier oils and the essential oils in a clean one-ounce amber glass bottle. Mix thoroughly. Label. Apply 4-6 drops on moistened skin. Use as needed.

Herbal Tick Repellent for Dogs
From Care2 Posted by Annie B. Bond
I tested the essential oil that is recommended for ticks, Rose Geranium, by putting a few drops—no more!—on our dogs’ collars, to see if it would repel ticks. Lo and behold, we went from 20 ticks a day on each dog to none. ~ Annie

2 tbsps vegetable or nut oil (almond oil contains sulfur, a repellent in its own right)
10 to 25 drops rose geranium essential oil

Combine the ingredients in a glass jar; shake to blend.
Make: 2 tablespoons with a shelf life of about six months.
NOTE: Don’t use these essential oils around cats.

Rose Geranium Sugar
1 cup sugar
8 rose geranium leaves

Mix sugar and leaves together and store tightly covered for at least one week. Remove leaves when ready to use. A lovely sweetener for iced tea or your breakfast oatmeal.

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19 comments:

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

I don't know why I am always so surprised at the wonderful powers of nature. I am going to get a geranium plant.

Mystery Ranch said...

Hi friend,
I see that you are frequently visiting my blogs. Thank you. I feel like we know eachother. I LOVE Rose Geranium oil. It's one of my favorites. Thank you for all the recipes using it. How do I link to your blog. I'm still learning how all this works. One thing at a time.

Jackie said...

By commenting you actually create a back link mystery ranch. If you need to know when there is an update you can do it in various ways like signing up for the RSS feed or adding me as a favorite on Technorati Etc etc

Don't worry we all battle a bit when we get going. After two years there is tons I don't know yet about blogs :)

Anonymous said...

You always have the best information jackie. kudos to you.

cheers!

Anonymous said...

I always use natural oils for my burner like jasmin and lavender scent..it's really nice home fragrance and relaxing.

Marion said...

I've discovered rose geranium also repels mosquitoes, if fresh leaves are rubbed on skin.

They are terrific plants, very tough and strong. Another favourite, thank you, Jackie!

DebbieDana said...

I love oils too! And I prefer to use them (homemade) on my body especially my face!

very nice tips and information you got here!

Anonymous said...

Hi, this year i've planted catnip in my garden, at first i planted it for my cat, but then I read that it can be used for people for many uses. one of them is to make a tea, it was very good. I read that catnip is in the family of mint, they do look similar, and i also have various mints that i make tea with, but catnip is good to soothe a bad stomach or headache.

Nicole said...

Great recipes as usual! I love geranium oil! It is one of my favorites!

Lucky Girl said...

It's nice to know that this will repel ticks. Does it have any effect on fleas or mosquitos?

Anonymous said...

Lots of herb recipes here..That's really great info.

eastcoastlife said...

I didn't know it's so useful! I'm going to get a geranium plant too.

Thanks Jackie for trying to vote for me. The IC number = identification number, or passport number or driving license number. :)

Jackie said...

Yes Lucky Girl useful for most insects including mozzies and fleas.

Sandra Evertson said...

Great blog,you share so much good info!
Sandra

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking now to have a Geranium plant. Can it survive during winter season? I'm so sad with all my plants and flowers drying coz of the cold weather.

Anonymous said...

Very good information here. I will be back!

Waterrose said...

What great information. Now I need to find a geranium plant...it will have to definitely live indoors, otherwise it will be gone fast.

Jackie said...

Joy it depends what kind of winters you have. If in a very cold area you can plant them in containers and bring them in wintertime or like me keeping them inside all the time , not because of the cold but to brush against them to smell their perfume.

Unknown said...

I have found good information about Organic Geranium Oil there have number of informaiton on this blogspot.this oils is good for health ,this is important to each other , according to me this is anti- oils. this ouls onramlly use in Pelargoniums were used in South African cultures as a traditional medicine for healing wounds, because this is best as per his/her.
Thanks & Regards
Organic Geranium Oil