| This attractive perennial shrub about 3 feet is often | | | | Externally, geranium added to a carrier oil or |
| seen in hedgerows. There are a few hundred different | | | | moisturizer is very effective in preventing and to |
| varieties of geranium ( pelargonium odorantissimum | | | | certain extent remove scars, stretch marks, spots and |
| graveolens ) but the essential oils are distilled mainly | | | | helps to distribute melanin more uniformly on the skin. It |
| from the pelargonium graveolens variety. Its leaves are | | | | helps counter the effects of dry skin and clears |
| serrated and pointed and have small pinkish/white | | | | complexion in naturally oily skin. Also promotes the |
| flowers. Geranium originated from South Africa, Egypt | | | | regeneration of skin cells. Geranium also balances |
| and Morocco and were introduced to Europe in the | | | | hormonally related problems like PMS, guards against |
| late 17th century. The aroma is a little like rose but | | | | fluid retention and has a stimulating effect on the |
| heavier, floral with mint overtones. The plant can be | | | | lymphatic system, encourages feelings of sensuality |
| potted and is great as a table decoration because the | | | | and is considered a stabilizing influence to both calm |
| 700 or more varieties yield different colored flowers. In | | | | and relax the mind and body. |
| perfumery, it is a middle note. | | | | I suffered from menstrual cramps ( still do ) from the |
| In ancient times, they were planted to keep evil spirits | | | | first time I had them at age 14. The pains were so bad |
| at bay. Early Africans drank teas made with the | | | | that I had to play truant :) from school. I didn't do |
| leaves of geranium to cure stomach upset and stop | | | | anything about them and accepted them as they |
| internal bleeding. Furthermore they believed that the | | | | were. As I grew older, the cramps weren't as bad but |
| plant can eliminate certain kinds of cancer and mend | | | | still affected me at work. |
| broken bones. I am not sure that this happened literally | | | | I wouldn't take sick leave as I hate going to the doctor. |
| but as with all essential oils from nature, its alternative | | | | I continued to endure the incessant pains until I tried |
| healing properties are without doubt and well | | | | geranium essential oil. I mixed it with a carrier oil and |
| documented. | | | | massaged it onto my abdomen a few days before |
| The uses of geranium essential oil are many. It's | | | | my menstruation started and although that didn't |
| diuretic, which means it aids the body in removing | | | | completely eliminate the cramps but it did lessen them |
| access water through urination thus, removing toxins. | | | | to a bearable level. Now I only have light cramps on |
| Its astringent quality can help to constrict blood vessel | | | | the first day compared to the first 3 days every |
| and becomes a reason for pregnant women to | | | | month. |
| avoid using it. It's balancing properties are excellent | | | | For better smelling insect repellents use geranium |
| both internally as well as externally. This does not | | | | essential oil and citronella. Although its aroma is similar |
| mean that we drink the essential oil with water or any | | | | to rose, I think geranium has come into its own as a |
| other beverage. A few drops onto an oil burner, a drop | | | | separate and unique essential oil. And as a precaution, |
| onto a tissue are safer ways to inhale and reap the | | | | it should be diluted when using on the skin and do not |
| benefits of this amazing oil. | | | | ingest. |