Geranium Essential Oil

Biological Name:

Pelagonium graveolens

Parts Used:

Leaves and flowers

Essential Oil Method of Extraction:

Steam distillation.

Geranium Essential Oil Scent:

Floral, fresh, strong and sweet with a fruity note.

Constituents:

beta-caryophyllene, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, geraniol, geranyl acetate, isomenthone, menthone, linalyl acetate, linalool, phellandrene and sabinene.

Reported Actions of Geranium Essential Oil:

adrenal cortex stimulant, analgesic, antidepressant, antihemorrhagic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic (mild), astringent, balancing, balances and cleans base chakra, raises blood pressure, calming, cicatrisant, cleansing, cytophylactic, diuretic, deodorant, balances emotions, dispels fear, fungicidal, harmonising, homeostatic, hormone balancer, insecticide, insect repellent, eliminates lactic acid build up, cleans and stimulates liver functions, liver tonic, lymphatic stimulant, stimulates mind, balances nervous system, parasiticide, refreshing, normalises the production of sebum, soothing, lift spirits, styptic, body tonic, uplifting, vermifuge and vulnerary.

In essential oil form it may assist with: abrasions, burns, cuts, dermatitis, dermatological disorders, eczema, lice, insect bites and stings, mud fever, rain scald, respiratory infections, ringworm, wounds and ulcers.

Geranium has been used for diarrhoea, mouth infections, throat infections and ulcers.  It may assist with the elimination of waste products. The oil can be useful in the treatment of kidney stones, menstrual problems and irregularities, menopausal problems, mood swings, oedema, PMS, PMT, urinary infections and water retention.

It is said to have an affinity with the lymphatic system helping the body to regain a balanced system. It is indicated to assist with the recovery from serious injury or long term disease. Reportedly acts on the adrenal cortex to balance the nervous system. It has been used for anxiety, distressed feelings, depression, panic attacks, stress and tension related conditions.

It is known to benefit circulatory problems and low blood pressure.  It has also been used to comfort inflamed muscles, ease fluid around knees, release swelling in legs and alleviate bruising.

Geranium may provide consolation during emotional extremes. It may be beneficial for mood swings, negotiating situations and creating harmony in the mind. It may dispel fears and any feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. It helps lift the spirits and eases the body and soul. This is a good body tonic to regain stamina.

Precaution:

May cause irritation, so use lower dose on those really sensitive horses (5 drops to 20 ml carrier oil).

Note:

Diuretics can deplete the horse’s potassium levels. If administering herbs with this action, it is a good idea to increase potassium levels in their diet (preferably not at the same time).

Herbal supplements should never replace good, evidence-based management and this article is not intended as veterinary advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions for your horse based upon research and in partnership with a qualified equine veterinarian and nutritionist.

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This article appears in Horses and People May-June 2019 magazine.