Pelargonium graveolens L'Her. also known as Pelargonium roseum steam distilled from the leaves & flowers, from China
Aroma: A middle note with a strong aroma, Geranium Rose Bourbon Essential Oil has a stronger scent with a dry floral aroma, similar to Geranium with a hint of rose.
Description: Geranium plants originated in South Africa, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to European countries in the 17th century. There are over 200 species of geranium, of which some are scented and some not. This Geranium Bourbon Pelargonium graveolens is a variety by the name of Pelargonium graveolens L. Her. Originally from the Cape, it is now cultivated in India and China.
Rose geranium is used to extend Rose oils. The petals are used in gourmet jellies and confections, and the oil is widely used in scented topical applications.
Common Uses: acne, cellulites, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily and ageing skin. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-65.]
Main Constituents:
Citronellol: 39.04%, Geraniol 6-19%, Isomenthone 4-7%,
Linalool 3-10%, Guaia-6, 9-diene 1-7%, Citronellyl formate 1-4%, Geranyl formate 1-4%
[B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1981-1987 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1989), 119-121. B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 21 no. 6, 1996), 58-62. B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 23 no. 1, 1999), 56-61. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 293.]
Description / Colour / Consistency: A thin, pale yellow to greenish yellow liquid.
Blends With: Basil, Bergamot, Citronella, Clary Sage, Fennel, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Neroli and Nutmeg.
Cautions: Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with eyes should be avoided.
Tisserand and Young caution that a drug interaction may occur if using drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. They indicate that the Geranium Oil possesses a low risk of skin sensitization and recommend a dermal maximum of 17.5%. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 243.]
Photo thanks to Wikimedia Commons and photographer Yann.