Rose Geranium Essential Oil Profile

Essential Oil Profile: Rose Geranium

Common Name: Rose Geranium

Latin Name: Pelargonium roseum asperum or Pelargonium graveolens

Family: Geraniaceae.

Other Common Names:Geranium, Geranium Rose

Herbal/Folk Tradition: The leaves were used in Africa to stop diarrhea. It was used by the ancients as a remedy for wounds and tumors.

Country of Origin:Native to Africa. Produced in the following countries: Madagascar, Egypt, China, Morocco, USA, France, Algeria, Spain, India

Description of the Plant: Rose Geranium is a perennial that flourishes in mild subtropical climates. It is a shrub that grows 3-4 feet. The leaves are rounded, heart-shaped and very fragrant. The flowers are pink with no scent. Geraniums thrive in light porous soil and do not like intense heavy rain.

Part Used: The essential oil is extracted from the small glands that are all over the surface of the leaves and or flowering tops yielding 1-3%.

Extraction Method: The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation. The Rose Geraniums are harvested on a sunny dry morning. After drying in the field for a few hours they are then distilled.

Description of Rose Geranium Essential Oil: A very complex aroma. Combination of: sweet, rosy, earthy, green, fresh and leafy. It is tenacious and powerful.

Primary Use: Rose Geranium is used extensively in skin care. It has been used to treat acne, bruises, cuts, burns, hemorrhoids, cellulite, broken capillaries, aging skin, eczema, persistent bacterial or fungal infections. Rose Geranium is a balancing oil that is said to slow the skin's aging process and reduce sebum production. It gives skin a radiant glow. Rose Geranium essential oil blends well with the following essential oils: bergamot, roman chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, jasmine, juniper, lemon, rose, vetiver, lavender, bergamot mint, cedarwood, palmarosa, neroli and rosemary.

Secondary Use: Rose Geranium essential oil is used in Holistic Aromatherapy. It is beneficial for menopause, nervous tension, stress, anxiety, depression and PMS. The oil is considered safe, gentle, non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Rose geranium essential oil is widely used in perfumery, cosmetics and home spa products. The qualities of the oil are it is antiseptic, astringent, antibiotic, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and deodorant.

References: Rose, Jeanne Essential Oil Profile in Scentsitivity The Quarterly Journal of National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Summer 1997

Michelle, Loren Aromatherapy Introducing Geranium Aromatherapy Thymes Launch Issue Summer 2007

Keville, Kathi Herbs An Illustrated Encyclopedia 1997

Watt, Martin Essential Oil Monographs 2001

Black Pearl Botanicals: offers Rose Geranium scented products such as: Rose Body Butter,Bath Salts, Bath Oil, Perfume Oils and Massage Oil. We are continually adding new products. To view our current collection visit our webstore at http://www.blackpearlbotanicals.com