Geranium Essential Oil

As an herbal healing plant, the geranium yields Geranium essential oil that can be used in several ways. It's healing properties are effective in infusions, teas and compresses to fight a wide range of ailments.

The healing oils can be infused and applied topically or ingested as a tea or essential oil. Since geranium essential oil has antiseptic properties, it is reputed to help restore balance in the skin and hair when applied topically. As a calming herb, drinking geranium tea can help relieve stress.

In addition to it’s astringent qualities, geranium essential oil also has soothing qualities and is helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety as well as PMS and menopausal symptoms. Geranium essential oil is reputed to help heal bruises, cuts and scrapes, eczema, hemorrhoids, nail fungus and sunburns as well as help with insomnia and varicose veins. It is also said to be a great natural insect repellent and is well known in the ancient world as a tick repellent for dogs and humans alike!

As A Tea:

Teas can be made from dried or fresh leaves and 1 cup of water. When using dried leaves, 2 teaspoons is enough. When using fresh leaves ¼ cup should be used. Boil the water and pour over the leaves. Let steep for 5 minutes then strain out the leaves and enjoy!

As A Compress:

Pour boiling water over the dried herbs. Cover tightly and let sit for 15 minutes. Strain out the herb so that you are left with the infused water. Soak a cotton cloth in the infusion and squeeze it out so it is only damp. Apply the compress.

Make An Infusion:

For a herbal infusion, you want to infuse olive oil with your herb. Find a jar that can be tightly covered and fill with the botanicals til it is 1” from the rim. Pour in extra virgin olive oil to cover. Sit on the windowsill for 2 weeks. Shake it every day. Strain out the flowers and store in the refrigerator. It should keep for 3 months.

Plant Bytes

Plant Geraniums and get some Geranium essential oil for yourself. There are herbal uses as well and this plant can be used for inflammation with its mild, soothing effect. Serious diseases of geranium, especially bacterial blight, southern wilt, Pseudomonas leaf spot, and rust, can arrive at your greenhouse on cuttings. These perennials have many varieties included scented and ivy geranium particularly for a hanging basket. When purchasing geraniums, look for sturdy plants with good strong leaves. The geranium grows wild in low grounds and open woods from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to Georgia and Missouri.

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