Exclusive Guide to Geranium Essential Oil
Pelargonium asperum (or graveolens)
Origin: Egypt
Distilled part: Flowering tops
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Cultivation: Certified Organic farming
Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil (HEBBD), chemotyped (HECT)
Color: Pale yellow to greenish yellow
Scent: Sweet, soft flowery-rose
Note: Middle note
Plant Family: Geraniaceae
SUPER POWERS
Analgesic
- pain killer, reduces pain
Antibacterial
- kills bacterial growth or prevents bacteria from growing
Antidepressant
- lifts the symptoms of depression such as low moods and sadness
Anti-infectious
- prevents or treats an infection
Anti-inflammatory
- reduces inflammation and swelling
Antiseptic
- prevents or combats bacterial infection
Astringent
- tightens the tissues, reduces fluid loss
Nervine
- strengthens and tones the nerves and the nervous system
Restorative
- ability to restore health, strength, or well-being
Stimulant
- increases alertness of the mind, and boosts energy.
Vulnerary
- helps wounds to heal
USAGE TIPS
Skincare Marvel
Balancing Oil Production: Geranium oil is renowned for regulating oil production, making it suitable for dry and oily skin. It helps balance sebum, promoting a healthier complexion.
Mix 4 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of coconut oil, and massage into the face and neck. Alternatively, add 3 drops to your moisturizer each morning, and carry out your skincare regime as normal.
Deodorant
Mix 15 drops of geranium with 50g baking soda, and rub onto the armpits. If you use for instant Alum organic deodorant spray, add 5 drops to the bottle. Geranium oil contains antibacterial properties, which help to kill the germs that create body odor.
Cell Regeneration
Geranium oil support cell regeneration, aiding in the healing of scars, wounds, and skin imperfections.
Mix 2 drops of geranium with ½ teaspoon (2,5ml) of coconut oil, and gently massage directly over the scar. Repeat twice per day. Geranium oil has excellent cicatrisant properties making scars fade over time with regular use.
Stress Relief
Diffuse 3 drops of geranium with 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of bergamot to create a calming atmosphere and relieve stress.
Food
Food flavoring (FEMA n°: 2508 / CoE n°: 324n)
Food dosage: 1 drop in a dish for 5 people (never exceed 2%)
Always use essential oil diluted in a suitable medium (example: vegetable oil, honey, etc.)
Mood-Lifting Inhalation
Place 1-2 drops on a tissue, hold it near your nose, and inhale deeply to ease tension and uplift your mood.
Balancing Bath
Add 5 drops to 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil and add to a warm bath to relax, center, and balance emotions.
Energizing Body Mist
Mix 6 drops of geranium with 100ml of distilled water in a spray bottle, shake well, and mist over your body and space for a refreshing boost.
Scalp Care
Add 3 drops to 1 tablespoon of coconut or castor oil, massage into the scalp, let sit for 30 minutes, and wash out to reduce dryness and support scalp health.
Frizz Control Spray
Combine 5 drops with 30ml of water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spritz onto hair to tame flyaways and add a fresh, floral scent.
Strengthening Hair Rinse
Add 3 drops to a cup of apple cider vinegar and use it as a final rinse after shampooing to strengthen hair and add shine.
Natural Air Freshener
Mix 5 drops of geranium with 5 drops of lemon in a spray bottle filled with water, shake well, and spritz around your home to purify and deodorize the air.
Disinfectant Surface Spray
Add 10 drops of geranium with 10 drops of tea tree oil to 500ml of water and use it to wipe down surfaces for a natural, antibacterial clean.
Wardrobe Freshener
Place a few drops on cotton balls and place them in closets and drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh and deter moths.
PMS Relief Massage
Mix 4 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage onto the abdomen to relieve menstrual discomfort.
Hormone-Balancing Foot Rub
Combine 3 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage into the soles of the feet to support hormonal balance.
Menopausal Symptom Support
Diffuse 4 drops in the evening to reduce stress and ease mood swings associated with menopause.
Muscle Relaxation Massage
Mix 5 drops with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into sore muscles to relieve tension.
Post-Workout Soak
Add 6 drops of geranium to a warm Epsom salt bath to soothe muscles and reduce inflammation after physical activity.
Insect Bite Relief
Dilute 1 drop of geranium with 1 drop of coconut oil and apply directly to insect bites to reduce itching, swelling, and redness.
Skin type
Geranium essential oil is beneficial for a range of skin types due to its balancing, soothing, and rejuvenating properties:
- Oily and Combination Skin: Geranium helps balance sebum production, making it ideal for controlling excess oil without drying out the skin. Its astringent properties also help minimize the appearance of pores and reduce shine, making it beneficial for combination skin as well.
- Dry and Dehydrated Skin: Geranium has hydrating and soothing properties, which help reduce dryness and discomfort. When combined with a moisturizing carrier oil (such as jojoba or rosehip), it can add an extra layer of nourishment for dry skin.
- Sensitive Skin: Geranium is gentle and calming, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It can help soothe irritation and reduce redness without causing further sensitivity, especially when diluted properly.
- Aging or Mature Skin: With its rejuvenating qualities, geranium supports skin elasticity and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties combat free radicals, which can prevent further signs of aging.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Geranium's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for acne-prone skin. It can help reduce redness, inflammation, and blemishes while also supporting healing and balancing the skin.
Skincare
Balancing Facial Oil: Add 2-3 drops to 1 teaspoon (5ml) of jojoba oil and apply to cleansed skin to balance sebum production and reduce oily areas.
Anti-Aging Serum: Mix 2 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of rosehip or argan oil and apply to the face and neck to improve elasticity and reduce fine lines.
Acne Spot Treatment: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of coconut oil and dab on blemishes to soothe and reduce redness.
Soothing Mask for Sensitive Skin: Add 2 drops to 1 tablespoon of yogurt or honey and apply to the face for 10 minutes before rinsing off. This mask calms and moisturizes sensitive skin.
Cellulite Massage Oil: Mix 6 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) and massage into areas of concern to encourage circulation.
Method of use & Amount to use
Aroma diffusers
Use 5-15 drops in your diffuser or the amount suggested with your diffuser.
Baths, Hot tubs, Jacuzzis
Bath: Diluted 3-8 drops
Start by running your bath as you normally would and keep the bathroom door closed to retain the aroma. Essential oils can be applied directly in their concentrated form or diluted.
For dilution, use a carrier oil, milk, milk powder, vegetable glycerin, seaweed powder, herbal powder, baking soda, salt, or Epsom salts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Add the essential oil to the bathwater, either neat or diluted, then stir the water with your hand to disperse the oil evenly before entering the tub. This method helps distribute the essential oil throughout the bath for a more enjoyable experience.
Hot tubs & Jacuzzis: up to 8 drops
Mix the essential oil into the water thoroughly using your hand. Since essential oils do not dissolve in water, they may leave residues in or around your pipes.
Compresses
3-10 drops in 120 ml of water
Learn more
Face masks, oils, and tonic
Face masks: 1 or 2 drops per 2 tbs. (15ml) of natural facemask.
Face oils: 12 drops in 30ml of carrier oil. For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Use a dark-colored glass bottle, which helps protect your oils from light degradation. First, pour in the carrier oil. If you’re using a single essential oil or a premixed blend, add it directly to the carrier oil. If you’re crafting your own unique blend, mix your essential oils together first, then integrate the desired number of drops into the carrier oil. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a small amount for each application. Click here to read more about which carrier oil to choose.
Face tonic: 8-15 drops in 100ml of spring or distilled water or hydrosol.
Combine the oil and water before filtering through an unbleached paper coffee filter.
Our 100% organic and natural hydrosols can be used directly as a tonic. Shut your eyes and spray your face. Or spray a cotton pad and wipe your face with it.
Inhalation from bowl
3-5 drops per bowl of steaming hot water.
To use essential oils in steam inhalation, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and then removing it from the heat. Add a few drops (typically 3-5 drops) of your chosen essential oil to the hot water.
Carefully lean over the pot, drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for several minutes to inhale the aromatic vapors, which can help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues.
Lotions & Creams
12 drops to each 30 ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream.
You can make your own face cream with our neutral face cream as a base. For a 2% (adults) dilution use 40 drops in this 100 ml cream base.
For elderly and children use 20 drops (1%) in 100ml of cream.
Massage oil (for body)
12 drops to each 30 ml of carrier oil.
For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Pillows
Place 1-3 drops of essential oil on the corner or underside of a pillow away from the eyes.
Room sprays
As room purifier: 10-20 drops per 475 ml of water.
As a general fragrance: 8-10 drops per 475 ml of water.
Scalp treatments
Add 6 drops in 15 ml of Jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Shake well. Use 2-3 drops of your prepared blend for each application. Massage into your scalp. Alternatively, simply add the essential oil to a bottle of final rinse water after washing the hair.
Shampoos
5-10 drops in 100ml.
Essential oils can be added to any unscented shampoo that is composed of organic natural ingredients.
Showers
1-5 drops.
First, complete your usual washing routine. After that, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth or sponge and briskly rub it over your body while standing under the shower's running water. Inhale deeply through your nose to enjoy the aromatic steam, being careful to avoid applying the oil on your face and sensitive areas.
Sprays & Mists for Face and Body
For body: 10-20 drops to each 475 ml of water or hydrosol.
For face: 2-5 drops to each 240 ml of water or hydrosol.
Add the essential oil to warm water or hydrosol. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face.
Washes
15-32 drops in 240 ml of warm water.
A wash is a prepared mixture for washing infected areas such as cuts, grazes, and wounds.
Mix the essential oils and water together in a bottle and shake well. Keep it stored in the fridge for no longer than 14 days. Shake before each use.
Aromatherapy's middle notes:
Aromas categorized as middle notes are typically warm, rich, and powerful. Their scent lasts for two to three days.
The body is highly receptive to these fragrances, making them ideal for healing and relaxation. Soothing and restorative.
Middle notes are ideal for healing treatments that require repeated sessions, such as for chronic muscle pain or respiratory issues. They are also effective for treating migraines, PMS, and menstrual pains.
Some middle notes should not be used during pregnancy, so check each oil before use.
Typical middle notes
Middle notes, also known as "heart notes," add depth and character to a fragrance blend, often balancing the lighter top notes with the richer base notes. Here are some examples of popular middle note essential oils:
Floral Middle Notes
- Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Sweet, rosy, and herbaceous, balancing and uplifting.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Fresh, floral, and calming, widely used for relaxation.
- Rose (Rosa damascena): Rich, floral, and luxurious, often used in skincare and emotional balancing blends.
- Neroli (Citrus aurantium): Lightly floral and citrusy, brings a bright yet soothing element to blends.
- Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): Sweet, exotic, and intensely floral, known for its mood-enhancing effects.
Herbal & Spicy Middle Notes
- Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): Earthy, slightly sweet, and herbaceous; promotes relaxation and balance.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Fresh and herbaceous with a hint of woodiness; energizing yet grounding.
- Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Warm, herbaceous, and slightly spicy, great for relaxation and muscle blends.
- Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): Sweet, spicy, and aromatic, adding warmth and depth to blends.
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): Spicy and sweet with a hint of citrus; balances and enriches blends.
Green & Woody Middle Notes
- Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): Fresh, woody, and slightly smoky, with grounding properties.
- Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis): Crisp, green, and slightly fruity; adds freshness and clarity.
- Pine (Pinus sylvestris): Clean, forest-like, and resinous, often used for respiratory and uplifting blends.
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Medicinal and herbaceous, with cleansing and balancing qualities.
- Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Warm, spicy, and slightly woody, bringing warmth and depth.
These middle notes are versatile and commonly used in blends for emotional support, skincare, and wellness applications, providing balance and complexity to fragrances and therapeutic blends alike.
Understand the Notes of Scents
In aromatherapy, the scent of an oil is often referred to as a "note." The secret behind a truly great fragrance is finding the perfect balance between the notes. Aromatherapy is about scents, and with practice, you will be able to recognize an oil's fragrance even if you might not know which plant the oil comes from. For example, you will be able to distinguish between citrus and floral scents or woody and minty fragrances. The scent is determined by the chemicals an oil contains. Because oils that smell alike often contain the same chemicals, they typically have similar properties.
Oils are categorized into so-called base, middle, and top notes. Knowing an oil's note is important when blending oils. A good blend—like most perfumes—normally contains a mix of all three notes, where the ratio between them varies depending on what the blend is used for. Additionally, an oil can contain more than one note—for example, ylang-ylang contains traces of all three notes and is often considered the perfect fragrance.
When creating a new fragrance, whether it's for a perfume or an aroma diffuser, you should use between 4-7 oils per blend. First, decide what type of blend you want to create, such as a refreshing one, and then choose notes with these characteristics to make up the main content of the blend. Dissolve the mixture in a carrier oil if you want to use it on the skin (12 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil).
| Blend | Top note | Middle note | Base note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refreshing | 5 drops | 4 drops | 1 drop |
| Relaxing | 1 drop | 6 drops | 3 drops |
| Sensual | 1 drop | 4 drops | 5 drops |
| Balancing | 2 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
| Energizing | 8 drops | 1 drop | 1 drop |
GERANIACEAE PLANT FAMILY
Geranium is part of the Geraniaceae Plant Family
The Geraniaceae plant family is a fascinating group that brings together a variety of aromatic and versatile plants known for their beauty, resilience, and therapeutic qualities. This family includes genera like Pelargonium, Geranium, and Erodium, with Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) as a standout for essential oil lovers. Here’s what makes Geraniaceae plants so appealing:
Aromatic Excellence: Geraniaceae plants, especially Pelargonium species, are famous for their captivating scents. These plants produce essential oils that capture floral, citrus, minty, and even nutty aromas, making them incredibly popular in aromatherapy and natural perfumery. Geranium essential oil, derived from Pelargonium graveolens, offers a sweet, rose-like fragrance that’s uplifting and balancing.
Natural Beauty & Easy Care: Known for their colorful, symmetrical flowers and lush foliage, Geraniaceae plants are popular as ornamental plants. They are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and adaptable to different climates, making them a favorite for home gardens and potted indoor plants.
Broad Habitat Range & Adaptability: This family can thrive in diverse environments, from the dry, rocky soils of South Africa (home to most Pelargonium species) to temperate and woodland areas where true geraniums (or cranesbills) grow. Their hardiness and resilience make Geraniaceae plants adaptable to varying conditions, from drought-prone areas to shaded woodlands.
Functional & Therapeutic Benefits: Beyond aesthetics, Geraniaceae plants have long been prized for their medicinal and functional qualities. The essential oils, especially from Pelargonium graveolens, are cherished for skincare, emotional well-being, and hormonal support. These plants are also valued as natural insect repellents, with their scent deterring common pests.
Geranium Blends Well With These Essential Oils
Basil linalol, bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, chamomile roman and german, cistus, clary sage, cypress, fennel (sweet), frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, helichrysum, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, mandarin, myrtle, neroli, orange sweet, peppermint, patchouli, rosemary, rose otto, sandalwood, spearmint, vetiver, ylang ylang.
The Main Chemical Composition of Geranium Essential Oil
1. Citronellol
- Percentage: 20-40%
- Properties: Citronellol is a monoterpene alcohol that gives geranium oil its rosy, citrusy notes. It is valued for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and insect-repellent properties, making it an effective addition in skincare and natural insect repellents.
2. Geraniol
- Percentage: 10-20%
- Properties: Geraniol also contributes to the rose-like scent of geranium oil. Known for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, it is a popular component in natural skincare for promoting skin health and balancing the skin’s microbiome. Geraniol is also uplifting and balancing for mood.
3. Linalool
- Percentage: 5-15%
- Properties: Linalool is a monoterpene alcohol with a fresh, floral scent and is often associated with calming and relaxing effects. It has strong anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, making geranium oil beneficial in blends for relaxation and stress relief.
4. Isomenthone
- Percentage: 5-12%
- Properties: Isomenthone is a ketone with a minty, cooling scent. It contributes to the refreshing character of geranium oil and is known for its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, often used to soothe skin and minor pain.
5. Menthone
- Percentage: 2-8%
- Properties: Menthone, closely related to isomenthone, has a fresh, minty aroma. It is commonly found in oils with analgesic properties and is beneficial for soothing sore muscles and joints, as well as adding a cooling sensation in massage blends.
6. Citral
- Percentage: Less than 2%
- Properties: Citral adds a subtle lemony aroma and contributes antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Although present in lower amounts, it enhances geranium oil’s overall skin-supporting effects.
7. Terpineol
- Percentage: 1-3%
- Properties: Terpineol has a soft, floral scent and is known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and relaxing properties. It enhances geranium’s calming effects in aromatherapy and promotes skin health by fighting off free radicals and supporting cell renewal.
What is a Chemotype in Essential Oils?
Chemotypes in essential oils refer to the different chemical compositions that can occur in the same plant species due to variations in their growing conditions, harvest times, or geographical locations. These variations lead to the production of essential oils with distinct chemical profiles, each possessing unique therapeutic properties. Understanding chemotypes is crucial for aromatherapy and medicinal applications, as the efficacy and safety of the oils can vary significantly based on their chemical makeup.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a chemotype and why it matters:
1. Genetic and Environmental Influences: A chemotype is often influenced by the plant's environment, such as altitude, climate, and soil composition, as well as genetic factors. These variables can affect which chemical compounds are predominant in the oil.
2. Chemical Composition: Each chemotype of an essential oil will have a dominant chemical compound or set of compounds that characterize it. For example, Rosemary essential oil can be found in several chemotypes, such as cineole, camphor, and verbenone, each named after its principal component, which dictates its therapeutic properties and uses.
3. Therapeutic Properties: The presence of different chemical compounds means that each chemotype can be more effective for different health concerns. For instance, the cineole chemotype of Rosemary is excellent for respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties, whereas the camphor chemotype is more suited for pain relief and circulatory problems.
4. Safety and Application: Some chemotypes may be safer or more appropriate for certain applications than others. For example, an essential oil chemotype high in ketones might be more neurotoxic and thus used with more caution, particularly around children or pregnant women.
Geranium is Safe to Diffuse around Pets
Pet Safe
If you have dogs and cats in the house, these are the recommendations on how to diffuse your essential oils in a safe way: only use 3-4 drops of a particular essential oil in a water based aroma diffuser (UltraSonic).
Use no more than 4-6 drops total if using more than one essential oil, or use the amount in the diffuser recipes.
Be sure your aroma diffuser is in an area where your pet cannot knock it over. Always diffuse in an open area with the door open so your pet can leave the room if desired.
If your pet is sensitive to an oil you are diffusing, stop diffusing and get your pet outside for some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to UV: always keep them in their original bottles (amber glass with codigoutte).
We advise you to store them in a cool place without light after opening.
For your mixtures, cosmetic and culinary preparations, always use a new bottle to avoid interactions.
Disclaimer
This information is intended to educate and inform, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before starting any regime with Essential Oils.
