Geranium, Pelargonium odoratissimum Essential Oils: A Fresh Rose-Like Scent

by Tonya Banbury

Essential oils [EO] are highly concentrated compounds extracted from plants.  Playing a very important role in plant metabolism, EOs serve to attract beneficial insects as pollinators, which ensures plant survival and defense against harmful microorganisms.  EOs allow plants to send and receive signals and communicate with one another.  As gardeners, these statements are no stretch for our belief systems—we are well aware of the powers inherent in the plant kingdom.  

Geranium essential oil, Pelargonium odoratissimum, sometimes referred to as Rose Geranium, is distilled from plants grown in so many countries that its color will range from brownish yellow to light green.  Its citronellol (terpine alcohol) content (which it shares with Rose EO, Rosa damascene) and esters account for a unique and widely popular fragrance.  Each of these main components offers a soothing effect (esters) as well as a toning quality (citronellol) that cause Geranium EO to be perceived differently by each individual, whether as a calmative, a stimulant or an antiseptic.  

The fresh, rose-like “green” scent with uplifting and balancing qualities is derived from leaves, stalks and flowers.  When inhaled it helps relieve stress, fatigue and anxiety.  Use this stimulating, slightly astringent oil to help alleviate water retention in the legs resulting from poor circulation. 

Because of its versatile character, Geranium EO is an excellent foundation for massage and body oils, but because of the ester content, it also works hard and effectively as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans and its ilk.  Mixed with clay powder, it can be applied to the toes or in shoes to treat athlete’s foot.  Geranium EO has no antibacterial properties, so it can treat yeast without affecting bacterial flora. 

Geranium, photo by permission Debbie Moore Clark.

Sources: Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt; 
Emily Via at her Web site: www.eoils.net.

Geranium EO is capable of clotting blood, stimulating the functions of the liver and pancreas, and soothing breast pain before and during menstruation.  Additionally, it can be combined with Eucalyptus radiata and E. citriodora and used undiluted to topically treat fever blisters.  

No wonder we love to have Rose Geranium in our gardens and containers in the summer.  Who hasn’t crushed its leaves to enjoy the fresh scent?  Now you know all parts of this plant work hard to provide physical healing and mental well-being.  TB 2010

Tonya Banbury is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with Mecklenburg County, NC.  Her series of articles on Medicinal Herbs: Essential Oils is based upon documented research and personal usage experience.  

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