For the body and the senses – discover geranium oil

Geranium oil is better known in its natural form – many people may be surprised by its origin and properties. As well as its captivating, long-lasting scent, it has many valuable benefits. It is an excellent, naturally derived product that is versatile, safe and gentle, yet effective. It will stimulate the senses, calm the mind and support the body. Are you familiar with geranium oil?

Geranium oil – extraction

Geranium oil is obtained from plants belonging to theGeraniaceaefamily, specifically thegeneraGeranium(cranesbill) andPelargonium(geranium), which are successfully cultivated in all climates. As well as their undeniable aesthetic appeal, they also contain a highly valuable substance hidden within their leaves and flowers – essential oil. Extracted using steam distillation, it offers a range of health-promoting properties.

Although as many as 700 varieties of the plant are known, the natural oil is most commonly produced from the speciesPelargonium graveolens, better known as scented geranium. The liquid has a delicate yellow colour and is characterised by an intense, sweet, floral-herbal scent that is long-lasting.

A wealth of hybrids

Pelargonium graveolenshas given rise to numerous hybrids and crosses which, apart from differing in appearance, also have distinct scents. Among the distinctive yet intriguing aromas are cinnamon-rose, mint-rose and lemon-rose.

The species (as well as its origin) plays a huge role in the proportion of individual components within the essential oil. And speaking of composition...

What does geranium oil contain?

Geranium essential oil contains several important substances, including: geraniol, citronellol, linalool, menthone, and the acids valeric and pelargonic. Some of these names sound familiar, so we may also be able to associate their properties.

Geranium oil – properties

Many of geranium oil’s properties have been confirmed by thorough research. Some are still undergoing testing. We already know that the oil has antimicrobial properties – it exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic activity. More importantly, it effectively neutralises several strains of microorganisms responsible for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. When combined with tea tree oil, it also eliminates specific strains of staphylococcus.

It is often used as a gentle anti-inflammatory agent that stimulates the immune and endocrine systems. It penetrates the skin easily and can aid in the treatment of minor burns, ulcers and eczema.

It is also suitable for inhalation; when used during infections (colds, flu, sore throats and sinusitis), it eases breathing and clears the airways. It helps regulate blood pressure, calms the mind and restores a sense of calm.

Geranium essential oil – use in aromatherapy

Studies have long shown that the scent of geranium oil is not only soothing but also long-lasting. It easily neutralises unpleasant odours that are difficult to remove by other means. As well as providing obvious refreshment, the extract improves mood and well-being, and brings a sense of harmony. It has a calming and antidepressant effect. Now that we know why, let’s find out how.

For steam inhalation

Geranium essential oil can be used in many ways that will yield surprising results. If we agree with the saying that simplicity is key, it’s worth considering combining the essential oil with one of the following:

• rose
• mandarin
• sage
• lemon
• tea tree
• orange
• juniper
• cedar
• cypress

More than two – for connoisseurs

Geranium essential oil can easily be blended…or go overboard whilst experimenting. It’s worth paying attention to its distinctive sweet scent – you can bring it out by adding other floral oils, or balance it with completely different scents (e.g. herbal, citrus and exotic). To master the art of blending, let’s start with the simplest combinations:

• 2 drops of geranium essential oil + 2 drops of rose + 2 drops of sage

• 2 drops of geranium essential oil + 2 drops of lemon+ 5 drops of orange

• 3 drops of geranium essential oil+ 2 drops of ylang-ylang+ 4 drops of mandarin

• 2 drops of geranium essential oil + 2 drops of lavender+ 2 drops of ylang-ylang+ 1 drop of peppermint

Aromatherapy at home: a bath with added ingredients

A bath with geranium essential oil will stimulate the senses and soothe frayed nerves, providing a sense of relaxation and calm – even after the hardest of days. Preparation requires minimal effort and is, in essence, just like a normal bath – and the results? They’ll delight you. Simply add 5–7 drops of geranium essential oil to hot water – and that’s it. Optionally, you can also use 10 ml of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of honey or 10 ml of milk to deeply nourish your skin at the same time.

...and a pleasant massage

Geranium essential oil works perfectly during a massage. There are many possibilities, but let’s look at the basic recipe:

• 3–5 drops of geranium essential oil+ 10 ml of carrier oil (preferably your favourite plant-based oil)

The formula can be enriched with the calming notes of lavender, relaxing sage or energising orange, though these are, of course, just suggestions. After all, one of the most important factors in a successful massage is the choice of scent, and this should be tailored to your mood or the desired effects.

If you’re dealing with cellulite, you could try modifying the recipe slightly:

• 4 drops of geranium essential oil +3drops of patchouli essential oil+ 3 drops of grapefruit essential oil+ 25–30 ml of carrier oil

What else? The massage should be really vigorous and intense.

Geranium oil – cosmetic uses

Geranium oil can help combat several common problems – acne, cellulite and dandruff. It has a gentle toning, refreshing and deodorising effect. It helps to constrict blood vessels, firming and improving the elasticity of the skin. It helps to care for scars and accelerates tissue regeneration.

By using geranium oil, you can create several effective (and wonderfully fragrant) everyday beauty products. What are we talking about?

Homemade cosmetics

This toner, enriched with geranium oil, will refresh the skin and, thanks to its antibacterial properties, help to combat inflammation – it is therefore recommended for acne-prone skin (or skin prone to blemishes).

• 10 drops of geranium essential oil+ 250 ml of distilled water

Pour the mixture into a bottle and use it twice a day – in the morning and in the evening.

You can enrich your everyday skincare products with 3 drops of geranium essential oil (per 10 ml of product) to improve the appearance of your complexion. If you wish to enhance the effect (e.g. in the case of tired or sagging skin), it is also worth adding 2 drops of orange or chamomile essential oil.

Geranium oil for ticks

Studies have shown that geranium oil has insecticidal properties. It repels the most troublesome (and most dangerous) insects – ticks and mosquitoes. This is due to two components of the oil – geraniol and citronellol.

You can make a natural insect repellent in the form of an oil for spot application:

• 5 drops of geranium essential oil + approx. 20 ml of vegetable oil

...or a spray:

• 4–5 drops+ 10 ml water

Each of these preparations can be enhanced with another essential oil that also has repellent properties, such as peppermint, cedarwood or thyme – these will boost protection and create a wonderful blend.

Geranium oil – contraindications

Geranium essential oil should not be used on children under the age of 6, nor by women taking contraceptives – the natural oil stimulates oestrogen production. Experts also advise against applying the product undiluted directly to the skin, as it may cause irritation.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using geranium oil for the first time.

Geranium oil is one of the remedies we owe to nature. It works well for many common problems and specific needs. On its own or in combination with other products, it is extremely easy to use, and its appeal lies precisely in its simplicity – unless we’re talking about its composition. Used regularly, it can produce surprising results, and we all seem to enjoy such surprises.

"Production and atomisation of solutions to neutralise unpleasant odours arising from the extraction of geranium, caraway, aniseed, common juniper and black cumin"– T. Piecuch, B. Andriyevski, Ł. Andriyevska, B. Juraszka, A. Kowalczyk, Koszalin University of Technology

"The antifungal activity of geranium oil (Oleum Geranii)"– A. Kędzia, Department of Microbiology and Oral Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk

"Sensitivity of anaerobic bacteria to geranium oil"– A. Kędzia, Department of Oral Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk