All About Rose Geranium
Rose Geranium is well known for its calming rose aroma. Human studies have demonstrated an anxiolytic, sedative, and insomnia reducing activity. Further, the plant has been used for centuries to ward of troublesome insects and for skin and wound healing.
Fun Fact
Geraniums first came to Europe in the 1600s, as a plant taken from South Africa. Centuries later, its popularity grew, and is extensively used as a decorative plant around the world!
Rose Geranium Research
Multiple human studies have demonstrated a calming effect to rose geranium aroma. Modern scientific studies help to back up the folk use of geranium plants to help keep the insects away. The plant has also demonstrated antimicrobial, antbacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic action in lab studies. It has also shown potential as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunity booster, anti-diabetic, anti-allergy, analgesic, and wound healing plant. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Geranium Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Pelargonium graveolens
Family:Geraniaceae
Other Names
- Other common names: rose geranium, Egyptian geranium, poor man’s rose
- Other Latin names: Pelargonium x asperum
- Other species used to make geranium oil include P. austral, P. odorantissimum, P. roseum, P. radula , P. capitatum, and P. fragans.
- Not to be confused with Cranesbill - Geranium maculatuym or Palmarosa aka rose geranium - Cymbopogon martini
Plant Description
Geranium is a flowering evergreen perennial native to South Africa.
Essential Oil Description
Geranium is a pricey essential oil with a low yield of 0.1 - 0.3%, steam distilled from the leaves and flowers. Oil has a smooth touch and evaporates quickly, with a colorless to greenish-brown hue. Aroma is heavy, rosy, sweet, and slightly lemonish.
Key Constituents
- Citronellol
- Geraniol
- Linalool / Beta Linalool / Linalyl Alcohol / Linalyl Oxide
- Isomenthone
- Citronellyl Formate / Tiglate
- Geranylformate
