Aromatherapy: Geranium

At last, I am back with a new aromatherapy post!  This month, our focus will be on geranium.  Many of you are probably familiar with this sweet smelling flower, and several of you may have it growing in your own gardens or flower beds.  There are actually about 422 species of this flowering plant which are found all over the world, but they primarily grow in tropical climates and in the mediterranean.  They come in a variety of colors and have a strong aroma similar to rose which makes them popular for people growing aromatic flower gardens.  The use of geranium oil goes as far back as ancient Egypt where the oil from these flowers was used to make the skin brighter and more radiant, and it is still used as an ingredient in many skin care products today.  In addition to treating skin conditions, geranium is also used to boost mood, alleviate anxiety, ease menstrual cramps, and much more.  It is safe to use aromatically, topically, or to take internally (make sure that you are using food or therapeutic grade oils before ingesting).  Geranium oil is generally believed to be safe to use with pregnancy, but it is best to exercise caution if you are pregnant.  Let's look at some more benefits of geranium oil.

---

Protection from Infection
Like most of the other essential oils that we have discussed, geranium has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.  Basically, that means that if you get a cut or wound, geranium can help to kill bacteria and microbes trying to get in, thereby helping to prevent infection.  Geranium also helps to give a boost to the immune system which can help prevent you from getting sick.

Wound Healing and Hemorrhage Prevention
Not only does geranium oil help to prevent infection, but it can also help wounds to heal better and faster in a few ways.  First of all, it contracts the blood vessels to help stop blood flow to the area.  It also speeds up blood clotting.  This means that if you have a cut or are bleeding, geranium can slow the flow of blood to that area meaning that you will stop bleeding faster, and by speeding up clotting, it helps to make the blood in the area thicker so that it becomes harder for toxins and infectious agents to get in.  

Nerve Pain Reduction
Geranium oil can be used topically to reduce nerve pain.  This is fantastic for people who are recovering from Shingles or who have other conditions that cause nerve pain such as Diabetes, Lupus, Cancer, HIV, and more.  To use, add some geranium oil to a carrier oil such as coconut, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil.  If you are using a geranium oil that is already diluted, there is no need to add it to a carrier oil.

Cell Regeneration
Geranium oil can help to break down and recycle dead cells, and regenerate new cells.  This can help to build up new body cells and increase your metabolism.

Antidepressant and Mood Booster
If you suffer from depression or tend to have mood swings, the light floral scent of geranium can help to boost your mood.  This also makes it a good oil to have around if you get mood swings before or during your period.  Diffuse geranium oil in your home to lift your mood and decrease anxiety, depression, and anger.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Prevention
Geranium can help to fight inflammation of the neural pathways and slow or prevent degeneration.  This means that geranium oil can be used to combat the development of degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Dementia. 

Easier Breathing
If you are prone to infections in your respiratory system, geranium oil is a good thing to have around.  It works like a natural antibiotic to combat infections and inflammation in the nose, throat, and other respiratory organs.  Try diffusing the oil, or diluting it with a carrier oil and applying it to your throat, chest, or under your nostrils.  You can also add geranium oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.

Better Urination
As a diuretic, geranium oil can help to increase the amount that you urinate.  This can help to eliminate more toxins and waste from your blood.  This can be helpful in lowering your blood pressure, decreasing gas in the intestines, and shedding extra fat and water weight.

---

Deodorant
With rising concern about the ingredients that may be in deodorants for the body and home, more people are looking for alternatives.  We have discussed several deodorizing essential oils in previous posts, and now we add geranium to the list.  Because geranium oil that goes into our body is released through our sweat, when used as a body deodorant, you will actually have a nice floral aroma when you sweat.  Try mixing some geranium oil into a spray bottle with some water, and using it like you would a deodorant.  You can also diffuse it in your home to clear out any less than pleasant aromas.

Scar Fading, Skin Clearing, and Wrinkle Reduction
Because it aids in the breaking down of old cells and the regeneration of new, geranium can aid in reducing scar tissue.  It is also an astringent and toner, so it can help to clear your skin of impurities and make it tighter.  This means that it is effective in fighting acne, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.  Geranium can also help to decrease skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, and burns.  Try looking for skin products that contain geranium oil, or add a few drops to your favorite products.  

Insect Repellant and Worm Treatment
Geranium oil naturally repeals insects, and can help to heal bug bites.  Try mixing some geranium oil with water in a spray bottle and spraying it on your body.  To heal bug bites, try mixing some geranium oil with a carrier oil and applying directly to the bite to reduce itching and irritation.  If you or someone you know suffers from intestinal worms, geranium can also be used to eliminate them.  Try adding a drop of geranium oil to good or beverage to help it reach your digestive tract.  No more than 1-2 drops should be taken internally at a time.  Although safe in small amounts, less is known about the effects of consuming larger amounts.

Making Blends
Most oils are better when blended.  Adding other oils with similar benefits can help to boost the effects you are looking for, or you can just create a blend that smells amazing.  Try blending geranium with one or more of the following oils.  Lavender, Frankincense, Jasmine, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Basil, Cedarwood, Carrot, or Angelica.  It also pairs well with citrus aromas like Orange, Bergamot, Citronella, or Neroli.  Remember, essential oils are strong and a little bit will go a long way.  You can always add more oil if you like, but it is hard to take oil away once you have used it.  Start with 1-2 drops.  If you are using a blend, those 1-2 drops will contain all of the aromas in your blend.