A Scent for Balance: Rose Geranium Essential Oil
“When you are disconnected from your rhythms, up one minute down the next, feeling out of sorts, out of sync with your internal compass and unable to map your own progress, Geranium will serenely attune you to a new tempo.”
Rose Geranium Essential Oil
The Geranium and Rose Geranium essential oils used in aromatherapy are usually said to come from Pelargonium graveolens and Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum respectively. The Pelargoniums are native to South Africa and you may know them as scented Geraniums.
The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves, stalks and flowers.
Many people - myself included - prefer the scent of Rose Geranium to Geranium essential oil.
The Scent
Warm and rich, the aroma of Rose Geranium is fresh, floral, herbaceous, and sweet with hints of citrus.
“This quintessentially sweet oil provides the perfect example of what it means to possess the sweet fragrance energy. In three words: nourishing, balancing and calming. ”
Properties of Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Rose Geranium is liquid harmony - balancing, calming, and restorative.
It is particularly supportive to the female hormonal cycle, both emotionally and physically.
It is anti-inflammatory & cooling, making it especially helpful to clear heat and inflammation, which makes it well-suited for cooling hot flashes during menopause. Given its cooling effects, rose geranium hydrosol can be useful for menopausal hot flashes when used as a spritz.
It is a skin balancer and is a welcome addition to face oils and serums due to its skin regenerative and anti-inflammatory actions.
Emotionally, Geranium is deeply nurturing, stabilizing, and calming. Peter Holmes states that geranium helps us achieve a more objective and less reactive relationship to our feelings and emotions.
Blends well with: Lavender, lemon, sweet orange and other citrus essential oils, rosemary, and ylang ylang essential oils.
Topical Safety Status: non-skin irritant
Liquid Harmony
Diffuser Blends
Here are two simple recipes for your home diffuser that I like to call liquid harmony. Both synergies are calming, balancing, and restorative.
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum)
OR
3 drops rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum)
5 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Diffusing Tip: Always diffuse essential oils intermittently. Do not run your essential oil diffuser all day long. It is best to diffuse for 30 – 60 minutes and then 30 – 60 minutes off. This is more effective as both our bodies and our nervous system habituate to essential oils after this time.
References
Battaglia, S. (2021). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III - Psyche & Subtle. Australia: Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd.
Holmes, P. (2016). Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. London: Singing Dragon.
Mojay, G. (1996). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. United Kingdom: Gaia Books Limited.
Tisserand, R & Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone
Do not take essential oils internally and do not apply undiluted on the skin. Always consult a professional aromatherapist if you have medical conditions. Use caution when using essential oils with children.
