HEALTH The therapeutic uses of geranium oil

Therapy in your window box


Aromatherapy
Ellen Cox

Geraniums. Gorgeous geraniums. Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse and Cezanne have all painted them. Poets have waxed lyrical about them. They are among one of the largest plant families. For me, they conjure up images of rustic villages in the sun-soaked Mediterranean, where brilliant red and dazzling white flowers adorn window ledges. They are the kind of bright blooms that can turn a dilapidated stone cow shed into a picture postcard image.
Geraniums are traditionally placed in window boxes and on balconies to repel insects. This window box variety is botanically named Pelargoniums (of which there are over 250 types), and they account for most of the essential oils used in aromatherapy. There are hundreds of more hybrids.
The essential oil is steam distilled from the highly aromatic leaves. If you’re a big fan of geraniums, there is a particularly lovely oil from the Madagascar region, rose geranium or bourbon geranium. As the name suggests, it has a hint of rose about its aroma.

Therapeutic actions
Like all floral oils, geranium is an anti-depressant. It is especially balancing in relation to fluctuating hormones and is very valuable for relieving PMT and menopause symptoms. It also balances sebum production, so it is helpful for both oily and dry skin. Used in many skin care preparations, it promotes speedy healing. Geranium oil is also a diuretic and often used to help alleviate mild fluid retention and in blends to treat cellulite. It is a valuable tonic and aids general elimination – a good choice to enhance a detox. Geranium oil is often used in warming blends to help improve circulation.
Geranium like, many floral oils has a ‘mothering’ quality, and may be of great support for those who are always taking care of others. Ideal too, for the workaholic or perfectionist.

Exam time
People who suffer from nervous or stress-related conditions would benefit greatly from using any of the blends outlined below, as they will help to wash away tensions. Exams are on the horizon for many, and geranium oil can help alleviate those pre-exam jitters. Like studying itself, addressing stressful situations prior to the actual event will help to ensure a more positive outcome.

Blending
Geranium oil blends extremely well with lavender, a combination which is a terrific ‘leveller’, when things seem a little helter skelter or you feel you just can’t get around to all those things at the end of the ‘to do list’. If you are sensing grey clouds overhead and feel in need of a little lift, try adding a small amount of orange or mandarin (use with caution if you have sensitive skin) to the lavender/geranium combo.
Or for a spring in your step, add rosemary oil combined with the lavender and geranium it is a wonderful tonic blend. (Again, use with caution if you have high blood pressure).

Methods of Use
Use the above oils in a burner, or put a few drops on a tissue and inhale intermittently. The bath (dilute six to eight drops of essential oil into a tablespoon of vegetable oil or milk), add just before getting into the bath. Foot baths are also very effective.
The oils can also be massaged into the feet. Dilute the selected oil(s) in Aloe Vera gel, apply daily to the feet (five to ten drops oil into a tablespoon of aloe vera gel is a sufficient quantity for two applications).
For a quick fix, place a few drops on the floor of the shower (away from the plug hole).

I forgot to bring in my geraniums from the garden this the winter, so once AGAIN they are no more! It’s hard to remember everything. However, their sad demise at least served to remind me of the lovely oil they yield and its many benefits. I look forward to the return of these sunny blooms – not long now...

The information in this column is not intended to replace medical advice. Those in need of medical treatment are encouraged to visit their health practitioner.

Ellen Cox is a qualified professional aromatherapist and a member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. She currently practices aromatherapy two days a month in St Brendan’s Retirement Village in Mulranny. She has worked with Atlantic Aromatics for 15 years.