Geranium, Africa - Organic EO

Organic African Geranium Essential Oil

Our certified organic (USDA, NOP) African Geranium is a superior choice for a wide range of body care and aromatherapy uses; it is also an essential perfumery ingredient, making this oil one we recommend often. It has a very pleasing and very fresh, green floral aroma with soft, lemony/rose-like body notes.

Native to South Africa, the Pelargonium genus includes around 270 unique species and is considered one of the most adaptable and modifiable in the botanical world. Producing a veritable symphony of aromatics, it boasts scents of rose, ginger, apple, coconut, strawberry, mint, nutmeg, citrus, pepper and more that are released from glandular leaf hairs, or trichomes. This enormous diversity of aromatic constituents, created for adaptation to many different habitats, is almost unequaled in the plant kingdom.¹ One could say that the Geraniums show great character and creativity while having the ability not only to get along with, but fully integrate within a multicultural botanical populace. When it comes to aromatic formulation, we know many aromatherapy enthusiasts and natural perfumers who would agree!

Geranium essential oil is prized for its beneficial and astringent effects in skincare², particularly for oily skin preparations, scalp blends, after-shaves, and foot and leg lotions. The calming aroma is said to be both centering and sensual³ with inspiring qualities. It is favored in women’s blends (especially with Clary Sage and Lavender), and its versatile nature makes it ideal for body and massage oils of numerous types. We find it beautiful in a diffuser with Sweet Orange essential oil.

Not sure which Geranium to choose? For a complete list of our Geranium offerings, please click here.

For information regarding the attributes of Geranium essential oil, please see:

• Aromatherapy for Women, Maggie Tisserand, 1985, p. 98.
• L’Aromathérapie Exactement, Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Pénoël, 1990, pp. 384-5.
• Essential Oils – A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2012, pp. 157-9.
• The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3^rd ed., Salvatore Battaglia, 2018, pp. 318-326.

For information regarding the use of Geranium essential oil in natural perfumery, please see:

• "Rose Geranium Field," Ayala Moriel at SmellyBlog, July 2009, http://ayalasmellyblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/rose-geranium-field.html
• "Geranium, Red and Bold," Ayala Moriel at SmellyBlog, July 2009, http://ayalasmellyblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/geranium-red-and-bold.html

Aromatic Profile: Floral with very fresh, green, and soft yet penetrating, lemony/rose-like body notes.

Appearance: Very pale green/yellow, transparent, mobile liquid.

Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery.

Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved.

Blends Well With: Agarwood, Angelica, Basil, Benzoin, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Black Pepper, Boronia, Cardamom, Carnation, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cistus, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Frankincense, Galbanum, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Laurel Leaf, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Linden Blossom, Mandarin, Mimosa, Myrrh, Neroli, Oakmoss, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang. “Very useful for bolstering Rose, if not allowed to dominate. It can also be used to freshen up and bring depth to other floral notes.”⁴

Safety Considerations: If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, please consult with a physician before use; low risk of skin sensitization.⁵ Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.