Rose Geranium essential oil comes from several plants of the Pelargonium genus, commonly known as geraniums. Many species of geraniums are native to South Africa.

The geraniums used to create the essential oils are usually shrubs that grow to be forty to sixty inches tall and wide. Depending on the species, they can have white, pink, or purple flowers.

The scent of rose geraniums can vary from sweet and light to a strong scent of roses. The scent comes from the hairs on the stems and leaves. Essential oil makers use these parts of the plants flowers, to create rose geranium oil using steam distillation.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Uses of Rose Geranium Essential Oil for the Mind:

Rose geranium essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. It has a calming and grounding effect that is very useful for stress relief and dealing with anxiety. The essential oil of rose geranium can also be used to relieve insomnia.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil Helps Relieve Anxieties Caused By:

  • Debilitating, paralysing depression
  • Emotional tension and chronic stress
  • Irritability and sullen moodiness

Blending Rose Geranium Essential Oil for Additional Anxieties:

  • Lemon or other citrus oils: Balancing when emotions are running high.
  • Angelica Root: Comforts and revitalizes when feeling down for no reason.
  • Lavender: Promotes relaxation and feelings of happiness.
  • Rose and Jasmine: Calms and soothes when chronically overworked.

Uses of Rose Geranium Essential Oil for the Body

Rose geranium essential oil is a common ingredient in many preparations that benefit the skin. It has an antifungal and antibacterial effect, so it can assist in treating and preventing the growth of fungi and bacterial infections. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it can help soothe aching muscles.

The essential oil of rose geranium is also an effective healing agent, and can be used to help heal broken skin. It is also an excellent moisturizer, and can help treat skin conditions like eczema.

Rose geranium essential oil balances the pH of the skin. It is a common ingredient in products for treating oily skin because of its ability to regulate sebum production.

Rose Geranium in Ancient History

The use of rose geraniums in ancient history is not well documented but we do know that the plant originated in the southern parts of Africa. It then spread to Egypt before being introduced into Europe. The Ancient Egyptians used it to treat tumors.

Rose Geranium in Modern History

Dutch sailors introduced the plant we use to extract rose geranium essential oil to Europe in the seventeenth century. It quickly became popular as a decorative plant, often seen in window planters and in gardens. People used to believe, and some still do, that rose geranium protects against evil spirits.

In the colonial United States, its sweet scent made rose geranium an ingredient in baking. Typically, a baker would line a baking pan with geranium leaves to impart its scent and taste to sweets and cakes. Native Americans used rose geranium to create tonics for the skin.

Salvatore Battaglia, author of the much revered Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, was of the opinion that geranium is one of the eight essential oils necessary for an aromatherapy starter kit. In “The Petite Guide to Aromatherapy,” he noted that:

Geranium oil is beneficial during times of stress. It helps relieve mild anxiety and is also used for the relief of symptoms of premenstrual tension (PMT). The scent of geranium promotes harmony, self-confidence, balance, and a sense of calm.

He also saw it as a valuable oil in skincare:

Geranium oil helps to regulate sebum production, making it useful for acne and oily skin.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil Cautions

Rose geranium essential oil doesn’t appear to cause any adverse effects. However, all the usual precautions when using essential oils should apply. Use the oils only as strictly described, and avoid rose geranium oil during pregnancy.

Because some people might be allergic or oversensitive to rose geranium essential oil, a patch test before regular use would be a good idea.

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