INGREDIENT:
WHAT'S THE FANCY LATIN NAME?
Pelargonium graveolens, var. roseum
WHERE DOES ROSE GERANIUM COME FROM?
The organic rose geranium we use is from South Africa, where the Pelargonium genus originated, but it is also grown in northern Africa, China, and several European countries. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the plant (also known as the aerial parts). Rose geranium is not an actual rose—it's just a rosy smelling type of geranium! Rose essential oil comes from a plant called Rosa damascena, so it's a completely different genus than rose geranium.
WHAT ARE THE AROMATHERAPY BENEFITS OF ROSE GERANIUM?
Rose geranium oil is used to calm anxiety and other nervous conditions and to lift the spirits. It can be useful in helping to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Rose geranium is also helpful for during mood swings related to hormonal shifts, especially for mood changes around the menstrual cycle and perimenopause. It is both soothing and energizing, and works beautifully to create positive energy when used in a diffuser. Diffusing rose geranium oil with a citrus, like bergamot or sweet orange, is especially lovely.
WHAT ARE THE SKIN BENEFITS OF ROSE GERANIUM?
Rose geranium is suitable for all skin types, and is both soothing and balancing when used in proper concentrations on the skin. It has been studied by the medical community in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions and infections, and has shown promise for future investigations. It helps balance sebum production, which makes it very useful for very oily, very dry, or combination skin types. We love rose geranium in our Balance Facial Serum for that reason, and in our Restore Facial Serum thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a very effective oil to use in a natural insect repellent formula, along with citronella and lemongrass.
WHAT ARE OTHER BENEFITS OF ROSE GERANIUM?
Rose geranium has many of the beautiful elements of rose essential oil, but without the natural indole component that can smell slightly rotten in true rose essential oil. For this reason, rose geranium is often used to extend the rose scent of Rosa damascena, or even to imitate the more expensive rose essential oil. Rose geranium can be used to support a healthy menstrual cycle, and to ease menstrual discomfort and diminish bloating. It is safe for use in pregnancy (diluted in a carrier oil or diffused properly) in low concentrations, but should not be applied full-strength.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ROSE GERANIUM:
- People used to plant rose geranium around their cottages to keep evil spirits at bay, as well as line their baking pans with the leaves to create beautifully-scented cookies! (There’s no available data on whether either method worked.)
- Think of rose geranium as the Great Balancer—of skin, of hormones, of moods.
- A combination of tamanu oil (60%), rose geranium essential oil (25%), and bergamot essential oil (15%) makes a powerful natural cold sore remedy and helps relieve the pain of a shingles outbreak.
- Geranium is commonly used in the food and beverage industry as flavoring. The BEST example? This recipe, developed for an event I did with Kathryn from Cookie + Kate - just add one or two drops of rose geranium essential oil to the dressing if you want the pelargonium effect!
Rose Geranium FAQs:
What does rose geranium smell like?
Rose geranium oil is an earthy, floral scent. It's not super sweet, and has a very green aroma that smells almost as much of the geranium leaves as the flowers themselves.
How do I diffuse rose geranium oil?
Try a few drops of rose geranium in your diffuser when you need help relaxing, such as before bed or during times of increased stress. You can add a citrus oil to help increase feelings of positivity, or citronella to help repel insects.
Is rose geranium oil good for skin?
Rose geranium oil is anti-inflammatory and helps with skin repair and the balancing of sebum production. It's beneficial for most skin types, unless you have an allergy to geranium. It's better to use rose geranium in a properly diluted concentration, rather than using it undiluted on the skin.
What is the difference between rose oil and rose geranium oil?
Rose geranium is a geranium species, from the genus Pelargonium. Rose is from the genus Rosa, and is a true rose plant. Both smell earthy and floral, but rose tends to have a deeper, more complex scent profile. Rose is substantially more expensive than rose geranium.
Wishing you love and a bushel of balancing rose geranium from us to you,
The information contained in this post is for educational interest only and is not intended to represent claims for actions of rose geranium essential oil. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness or disease.