Geranium Essential Oil from Natural Health Crafters

Geranium

The various ‘geranium oils used in aromatherapy derive from cultivated species of rose-scented pelargoniums, primarily P. graveolens, P. odoratissimum, P. radens and hybrid varieties such as P. x asperum. Pelargoniums belong to a family comprising more than 400 species of tender shrubs. A native of South Africa, the geranium is mainly cultivated throughout the world for ornamental purposes. There are three main growing regions for oil production: the Réunion Islands (producers of the Bourbon-type geranium oil) Egypt and Russia. A relatively inexpcnsive geranium oil from China is increasingly available, although it has a less sweet aroma. Another newcomer to the trade is Madagascar. However, Bourbon-type geranium oil has always been regarded as the best. Not to be confused with the true geranium oil from Geranium macrorrhizum known as Zdravetz oil, produced in Bulgaria - which is totally different in composition and odour

Unlike the showy, perpetual-blooming varieties grown in tubs and window boxes, the pelargonium yielding essential oil produces relatively insignificant rose-pink or lavender flowers which appear in clusters during midsummer. In gardens, the plant is grown for its delightful scent, which is especially noticeable in hot sunshine or if a leaf is gently rubbed. Although the rose and lemon-scented varieties are the best known, there are numerous hybrids with a broad spectrum of copycat scents, ranging from orange, coconut and apple. through to peppermint, nutmeg and ginger. These experimental essential oils are not generally available to the main trade.

Geranium oil is one of the most highly valued oils in the perfume trade. The demands of the perfume industry sometimes exceed world supply of more exclusive oils and geranium is often used to 'stretch' more costly oils such as rose otto. However geranium oil itself is particularily vulnerable to adulteration too. It is therefore essential to obtain the oil from a reputable supplier who can vouch for its authenticity.

Geranium oil is captured by steam distillation of the leaves, stalks and flowers. This produces a greenish liquid with a piercing, sweet, rosy aroma, often with an unexpected hint of mint. The odour effect is generally perceived as refreshing and uplifting. Some people describe the scent as enlivening, while others find it calming. For this reason, geranium oil is often described as balancing, and has gained a reputation as gently uplifting the dispirited, and lowering stress levels in anyone nervy and anxious.

Research has revealed geranium to have a number of medicinal actions. The oil is primarilt antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, analgesic, cicatrisant, fungicidal, insect repellent, diuretic, phlebotonic and haemostatic. Widely used in commercial skin care products, geraniums antiseptic, astringent and cicatrisant properties make it an excellent ingredient in home-made skin care products for combination to oily skin. It is also useful on drier areas of skin prone to thread veins, and helpful as a supportive treatment for acne and certain forms of excema. The oil can also be used to treat mild burns, bruises, ringworm, athletes foot, shingles, haemorrhoids (to reduce pain and inflammation), facial neuralgia, cuts and wounds. It is also good for tiredness and convalescence.

Anecdotal evidence among aromatherapists and their clients suggests that the oil exerts a beneficial effect on the female menstrual cycle, helping to regulate periods and reduce symptoms of PMS. Its beneficial effects are associated with its ability to reduce fluid retention, a major symptom of PMS. Fluid retention is implicated in other PMS symptoms such as swollen breasts, headaches and mood swings. Many women have also found the oil helpful as a supportive remedy during menopause, primarily for its mood-elevating aroma. Geranium can also be used in mouthwashes and gargles for sore throats and gum infections, although its strong floral taste may not be popular with everyone.

Toxicity:LD₅₀ - (oral) rat >5g/kg; (dermal) rabbit 2.5g/kg.
Irritation/Sensitisation - Nil at 10% (Human)
Phototoxicity - Nil reported

Adulteration

There is substantial adulteration of geranium oils due to the increasing price and scarcity of raw materials. Many oils are produced from synthetic components and many are adjusted to the required standards with synthetics. The most expensive geranium oil was Bourbon and many producers around the world tried to imitate this particular oil, especially China of addition of balancing materials (monoterpene alcohols and esters, especially formates), copper chlorophyll (for colour) and frequently a trace of dimethyl and/or dibutyl sulphides, resulting in a massive and unbelievable increase of bourbon from the tiny mountainous island of Reunion!

GRAS

Geranium essential oil has GRAS status

Properties, Indications and Uses

Uses: Geranium oil dabbed on the skin undiluted is an effective mosquito repellent. A large number of medicinal properties have been asigned erroneously to geranium oil owing to the misinterpretation of the botanical origin of the oil eg. Culpeper's Herbal (14) is often quoted but the species referred to are the hardy geraniums growing wild in Europe (e.g. Geranium robertianum or Herb Robert) and not the Pelergonium species originating in Southern Africa.

Studies based on the major components of geranium oil have established that there is a maximum acceptable daily intake of up to 500µg per kg body weight of citral, geranyl acetate, citronellol, linalool (37)