Geranium: The Woman’s Essential Oil

Geranium or perlagoneum graveolens in Latin is a fascinating plant. There are over 200 perlagonium cultivars. The main producing areas are Algeria, Egypt and Morocco.

The plant is another which Culpeper described as being under the influence of Venus, though it is of a less obviously feminine character than rose. The oil can be described as having a middle position between the sweetness of rose and the sharpness of bergamot, and because of this relative neutrality blends well with many other oils, particularly bergamot and lavender.

It is antidepressant and antiseptic. It is used in skincare for its delightful perfume, for its astringent properties. This makes it valuable for skins that are excessively dry or oily, or for dry skins with oily patched. The balancing action arises from the fact that geranium is an adrenal cortex stimulant. The hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are primarily regulators, governing the balance of hormones secreted by other organs, including male and female sex hormones, so it is of great assistance in menopausal problems and all conditions where fluctuating hormone balance is indicated. In particular, geranium may be used to relieve pre menstrual tension, and here it’s diuretic properties also enter into play, helping to relieve the excessive fluid retention which many women experience premenstrually.

Geranium also has a stimulating effect on lymphatic system, and this, combined with the diuretic action, is why it can be used for treatment of cellulitis, fluid retention and swollen ankles.

Blend for fluid retention:

geranium 6 drops

lemon 7 drops

cypress 2 drops add to 30mls of carrier oil such as grapeseed. Apply to affected areas as required. Always ask advice from an experienced aromatherapist.