Geranium

Geranium is a group of about 422 species of perennial herbs or shrubs of the family Geraniaceae. Geranium is commonly known as Cranesbills. The name cranesbill is derived from the appearance of fruit capsule of some specific species of Geranium that have unsprung column and appear to be as a bill of a crane. The name cranesbill is derived from the appearance of fruit capsule of some specific species of Geranium that have unsprung column and appear to be as a bill of a crane. Geranium is indigenously found in tropical regions but mostly in the eastern region of Mediterranean region. ^[1] Pelargonium is the closely related genus that is often called Geraniums because it falls in the family Geraniaceae. This specific specie are cultivated not only as ornamentals but for the aromatic oils extracted from their foliage and flowers and use in flavorings and perfume industry. ^[2]

Geranium has a rose scent with mint feelings and it is the most commercially important variety of this specific specie. ^[2] The distillates of the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens are called Geranium oil which is commonly used in aromatherapy applications. ^[2] Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is also known as women oil because of its beneficial effects on women health like menstrual and menopausal benefits. Besides this it has also fabulous effects on stress, headache, skin and respiratory problems and also on sexual health. ^[3]

Geranium oil is very gentle, and can be used by almost one and all, everywhere, anytime. Geranium actually has an extensive variety of health promoting functions that are mentioned below:

• Geranium oil exerts its significant effects on women health. It shows beneficial effects on menstruation and menopause. ^[3]
• The exotic and floral odor of Geranium oil makes its good sexual stimulant. ^[3]
• Geranium shows its wholesome effects on skin health and helpful in various skin related conditions like acne, fungal problems and certain other skin related conditions. ^[3]
• This gentle oil provides its advantageous effects on respiratory tract health and helpful in troubling conditions associated with respiratory system. ^[3]
• Geranium also has good effects on circulatory system health. ^[3]
• Geranium possesses an ability to manage the stress and stress related conditions. ^[3]
• It also has capability to balance the mood and nervous tension and also exhibits its favorable effects on headache. ^[3]
• This herbal oil has mosquito repellent effect. ^[3]
• Geranium also shows its positive effects on embarrassing and hurting sores on lips. ^[3]

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geranium
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelargonium_graveolens
3. PJ Pierson and Mary Shipley. (2004) Aromatherapy for Everyone. Page No. 54, 55. Ridgefield, CT: Vital Health Publishing.

Geranium Extract (1 Oz) by Eclectic Institute Inc.

Geranium Essential Oil ( 0.5 Oz) by Nature's Alchemy