Respect for Geranium

Remember in my last post I spoke of my undying love for lavender? Well, my feelings for this next essential oil was quite the opposite initially. Some say it smells like roses and they wouldn’t be wrong. In fact, it’s been used to supplement or adulterate the more expensive rose oils, as it’s much cheaper, for years by the perfume industry. However, I found it too powerful, too earthy and just too much. I couldn’t see myself ever using it. That was before. As I learned more about its healing properties I developed a certain level of respect for it. Which of course was the purpose of me diving deeper into aromatherapy, so I could broaden my knowledge and use essential oils for their healing properties rather than scent alone. It goes to show you that like books, which should never be judged by their covers, you shouldn’t judge essential oils on smell alone. I’d like to introduce you to geranium, the essential oil I’ve learned to like and now can’t live without.

Geranium, with the Latin name Pelargonium graveolens, is part of the Geraniaceae botanical family and is originally from Réunion, a small island in the Indian Ocean, close to Madagascar and Mauritius. The leaves and stems are distilled, using either heat or steam, creating a pale yellow with a tint of green coloured oil. The main properties include calming, relaxing, balancing and soothing. Traditionally, it’s used to support the circulatory and nervous system as it cleanses impurities, eases inflammation and restores balance.

We also now know that geranium is very useful in treating jetlag and other imbalances brought on by travel. Here are a few of my favourites, safe for travel and plane use; just make sure to use 100ml bottles or less due to the liquids rule.

To help you sleep on either a long-haul flight or once you’ve reached your destination, try using this calming roll-on. In a 10ml roll-on bottle place 4 drops of geranium essential oil, 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of chamomile (German or Roman) essential oil then fill will jojoba oil. Place the lid on and shake. To use, apply to your temples, wrists and the area behind your ears.

As flying can be dehydrating and exhausting, our skin gets dry and our energy levels decrease. Therefore, it’s important to drink lots of water and move around as often as possible. For an added boost, try this refreshing face toner that’ll help rejuvenate your skin’s appearance. Fill a 100ml spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and rose water (50ml each) then place 5 drops of geranium essential oil and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Place the lid on and shake. Note that you’ll need to shake the bottle before every use, as the oils will not bind with the water. To use, spray directly onto your face and let it dry.