Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil has a rich history and is derived from the Pelargonium graveolens plant.
Historical Significance
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Ancient Egypt: Geraniums are believed to have originated in South Africa, but their use can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used geranium for various purposes, such as in perfumes, skincare, and for its aromatic properties.
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Greek and Roman Civilizations: Both the Greeks and Romans appreciated the aromatic qualities of geranium. They often used it in fragrances and as a decorative plant in gardens.
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Medieval Europe: Geraniums gained popularity in Europe during the 17th century when they were introduced to the continent. They were cultivated in gardens for their aromatic leaves and beautiful flowers.
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Plant Description
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Scientific Name: Geranium essential oil is extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, often confused with the true geranium, which is a different species altogether.
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Appearance: The Pelargonium graveolens plant is a perennial shrub that typically grows up to 3 feet in height. It has distinctive five-petaled flowers that can vary in color from pink and lavender to white. The leaves are usually deeply lobed and aromatic.
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Aroma: The leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant emit a characteristic strong, floral, and slightly sweet scent, which is the source of the essential oil's pleasant fragrance.
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Cultivation: Geraniums are widely cultivated in various regions with temperate climates, including Europe, North America, and North Africa. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer sunny to partially shaded locations.
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Extraction: Geranium essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Pelargonium graveolens plant. The oil contains various chemical compounds, such as citronellol, geraniol, and linalool, which contribute to its fragrance and therapeutic properties.
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Traditional Uses: Before the development of essential oil extraction methods, geranium leaves were often used in herbal remedies and potpourri for their aromatic qualities. The oil itself gained popularity for its fragrance and potential therapeutic benefits in more recent centuries.
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In summary, geranium essential oil has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations, with the Pelargonium graveolens plant being appreciated for its aromatic leaves and flowers. Its cultivation and use have evolved over time, and today, geranium oil is valued for its distinct fragrance and potential health benefits.
Take a Closer Look
BOTANICAL NAME
Pelargonium graveolens
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Herbacious, Green, Floral, Sweet, Dry
BOTANICAL FAMILY
Gerniaceae
PLANT PART
Whole plant
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
BENEFITS OF GERANIUM OIL
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Skin Health: Geranium oil may help balance skin oil production, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: may regulate many important pathways relevant to healthy inflammatory response.
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Skin Health: Geranium oil may support the natural healing process of minor cuts, wounds, and skin abrasions.
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Antioxidant: Due to its potential antioxidant properties, geranium oil may help protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
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Astringent: It is thought to have a mild astringent effect, which can help in toning and tightening the skin.
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Blemish Control: Some individuals use geranium oil to address mild acne issues, as it may help regulate sebum production.
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Hair Health: Geranium oil might contribute to healthier hair by promoting a balanced scalp and hair growth.
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Repellent: It is believed that geranium oil may act as a natural insect repellent, helping to deter mosquitoes and other insects.
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Muscle Relaxation: When diluted and used in massage, geranium oil may provide a soothing and relaxing effect on muscles.
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Menstrual Comfort: Some women use geranium oil for its potential ability to alleviate discomfort associated with menstrual cycles.
RECOMMENDED USES
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Use in an aromatherapy steam facial to beautify skin.
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Add a drop to your moisturizer to help balance oil production.
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Geranium is great for both dry and oily hair. Apply a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle, or make your own deep hair conditioner.
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Diffuse aromatically to help relieve occasional stress and tension.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
10 ways to use geranium oil
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Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add a few drops of geranium oil to an essential oil diffuser to fill your living space with its pleasant aroma. It can help create a calming and uplifting atmosphere.
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Topical Application: Dilute geranium oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and apply it to your skin. This can be done for skincare purposes or to enjoy its fragrance throughout the day.
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Facial Steam: Add a few drops of geranium oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam to open up your pores and refresh your skin.
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Body Lotion: Mix a few drops of geranium oil into your favorite body lotion or cream to enhance its moisturizing properties and add a pleasant scent.
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Bath Soak: Incorporate a few drops of geranium oil into your bathwater for a relaxing and aromatic bath experience. Ensure that the oil is well-diluted with a carrier oil or bath salts to prevent skin irritation.
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Massage Oil: Blend geranium oil with a carrier oil and use it for a soothing and aromatic massage to relax muscles and improve skin texture.
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Haircare: Add a drop or two of geranium oil to your shampoo or conditioner to promote healthy hair and a balanced scalp. Make sure to mix it thoroughly.
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Natural Perfume: Dab a diluted solution of geranium oil on your wrists, neck, or behind your ears as a natural and long-lasting perfume.
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Room Spray: Create a homemade room spray by mixing geranium oil with water in a spray bottle. Use it to freshen up your living space or linens.
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DIY Skincare: Incorporate geranium oil into your DIY skincare recipes, such as homemade facial serums, creams, or masks. Ensure proper dilution and suitability for your skin type.
diy recipes with geranium oil
Soothing Floral Roll-On Perfume
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Ingredients:
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10 drops of geranium essential oil
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5 drops of lavender essential oil
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5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
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10 drops Vanilla essential oil
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Jojoba oil or sweet almond oil as a carrier oil
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10 ml rollerball bottle
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Instructions:
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In a rollerball bottle, combine the essential oils.
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Fill the bottle with a carrier oil of your choice.
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Roll onto your wrists, neck, or pulse points as a natural perfume. Enjoy the calming floral scent.
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Balancing Facial Serum
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Ingredients:
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6 drops of geranium essential oil
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4 drops of frankincense essential oil
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2 drops Blue Tansy
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2 drops of rosehip seed oil
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10 ml glass dropper bottle
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Instructions:
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Mix the essential oils and rosehip seed oil in the dropper bottle.
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Apply a few drops to your clean face in the morning or evening for a balanced and moisturized complexion.
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Refreshingly Floral Room Spray
Ingredients:
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10 drops of geranium essential oil
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5 drops of Vanilla essential oil
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5 drops Citrus Bloom essential oil
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Distilled water
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2 oz (60 ml) spray bottle
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Instructions:
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Fill the spray bottle with distilled water.
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Add the essential oils.
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Shake well before each use and spritz the room for a fresh and uplifting atmosphere.
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Hair Nourishing Oil Treatment
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Ingredients:
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5 drops of geranium essential oil
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5 drops of cedarwood essential oil
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5 drops Rosemary Essential oil
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2 tablespoons of coconut oil
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1 tablespoon of argan oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the essential oils with coconut and argan oils.
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Warm the mixture slightly, ensuring it's not too hot.
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Massage it into your scalp and hair, leave it for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual. This treatment can help promote hair health and a balanced scalp.
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Soothing After-Sun Spray
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Ingredients:
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10 drops of geranium essential oil
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5 drops of lavender essential oil
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5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
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2 oz (60 ml) aloe vera gel
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2 oz (60 ml) distilled water
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2 oz (60 ml) spray bottle
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Instructions:
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Combine the essential oils, aloe vera gel, and distilled water in the spray bottle.
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Shake well before use.
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Spray onto sun-exposed skin for a soothing and cooling effect after sun exposure.
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essential emotions & spirituality
GERANIUM - THE OIL OF LOVE & TRUST
Emotional Benefits:
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Balancing Emotions: Geranium essential oil is often used to help balance emotions, providing a sense of emotional stability and well-being.
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Stress Reduction: The soothing aroma of geranium oil can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, making it a valuable tool for managing daily stressors.
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Mood Elevation: Inhaling the sweet and floral scent of geranium oil may uplift your mood and create a more positive outlook on life.
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Anxious Feelings Relief: Geranium oil's calming properties can help reduce feelings of anxious feelings and tension, fostering a sense of calm and tranquility.
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Self-Love and Self-Care: Some individuals use geranium oil as a means of promoting self-love and self-care, encouraging a more compassionate and nurturing relationship with oneself.
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Spiritual Benefits
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Energy Alignment: Geranium essential oil is believed by some to help balance and align one's energy centers, facilitating a sense of spiritual harmony.
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Connection to Nature: The natural and earthy qualities of geranium oil may enhance one's connection to the natural world, fostering a deeper appreciation of nature and its spiritual significance.
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Emotional Release: Some spiritual practices incorporate geranium oil to support emotional release and healing, aiding in the processing of past traumas or unresolved emotions.
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Meditation Aid: The calming and grounding properties of geranium oil can be used during meditation to create a peaceful and focused state of mind.
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Spiritual Cleansing: Geranium oil is occasionally used in rituals or ceremonies for spiritual cleansing and purification, helping to remove negative energies and promote a sense of spiritual clarity.
Negative Emotions: Addresses almost all types of emotional issues, including: abandonment, loss, distrusting, unforgiving, unloving, disheartened, heavy-hearted, grief, etc.
Positive Properties: Emotional healing, trusting, forgiving, gentle, loving, tolerant, open
geranium oil affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that can be used in conjunction with geranium essential oil to enhance your emotional well-being and promote a sense of balance and positivity. Here are five affirmations you can use with geranium oil:
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Self-Love Affirmation: "I am worthy of love and care. I embrace and nurture myself with kindness and compassion, just as geranium oil nurtures my spirit."
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Emotional Balance Affirmation: "I release stress and find emotional equilibrium. Like geranium oil, I find balance and harmony within, allowing positivity to flow freely."
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Stress Reduction Affirmation: "I am calm and relaxed. With each breath, I release tension and embrace the soothing energy of geranium oil, finding peace in every moment."
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Self-Confidence Affirmation: "I radiate confidence and self-assuredness. Just as geranium oil empowers my spirit, I am confident in my abilities and believe in my worth."
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Connection to Nature Affirmation: "I am one with nature's beauty and wisdom. Geranium oil connects me to the earth's energy, grounding my spirit and filling my soul with tranquility."
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Repeat these affirmations while inhaling the aroma of geranium oil or as part of your meditation or self-care routine. Customize them to resonate with your personal intentions and goals for emotional well-being and positivity.