Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Location: Geranium is cultivated in China, Egypt and Reunion.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is light green in colour and has a delightfully fresh, sweet, heavy rose-like aroma.
Description: A shrub of about 60cm high with serrated, pointed leaves and small pink flowers. Much cultivated in window boxes and tubs. It is an easy plant to grow in a warm climate. In cooler climates it does well indoors.
Background: Geranium is related to the cranesbill, valued as a medicinal herb. Native to South Africa, commercial production of geranium oil began in the early nineteenth century by the French, but nowadays the major production region is in the former French colony of Bourbon, now called Reunion, an island in the southwest Indian Ocean.
Properties: Tonic, astringent, sedative, anti-inflammatory, calming and antispasmodic.
Uses:
Endocrine System-Geranium can help balance the secretion of hormones and stimulates the lymphatic system and the pancreas.
Reproductive System-Very useful in treating menopausal problems such as hot flushes and night sweats and can help relieve premenstrual tension.
Emotion-Geranium is both calming and refreshing at the same time. It can help lift depression and treating anxiety. It balances the mind.
