So much is going on this month. On top of our usual work-related pressures and stressors, there are the added “end-of-year” deadlines, reports and summaries, plus obligatory partying and gift-giving. And that’s not even including the time we’d prefer to spend with our dearest friends and family. We are eating and drinking too much, getting less sleep, traveling and often navigating harsher weather conditions. It’s no surprise if we feel off our game, and out of balance.
Need a quick fix to help get back to center? Try reaching for some Rose Geranium essential oil.
Rose Geranium is most often called just “Geranium.” It’s botanical name is Pelargonium graveolens, variety roseum. There are over 250 different species of Pelargonium, and hundreds of hybrids; it’s a very popular plant. The species graveolens that produces the essential oil that we are familiar with are large, bushy plants with clusters of little, rosy flowers that are kind of oval and pointy. The leaves along with the flowering tops are a beautiful aromatic melange of both rose and mint.
Rose Geranium is originally thought to be from the Reunion Islands, where some of the highest-prized and most authentic essential oil continues to be grown and distilled to this day. Other areas in the world where it has been believed to have originated from are Egypt, China and Madagascar.
The essential oil is steam-distilled and has a strong, fresh, rosey-mint aroma that has subtle hints of green and wood. It’s rich in chemical constituents that cause our autonomic nervous system to slow down and relax.
Rose Geranium essential oil is all about balance. Its aroma quietly suggests feelings of comfort and safety, which in turn can almost immediately transform our anxiety into calmness. When we are over-worked, exhausted, nervous or jittery, Rose Geranium can remind us to reconnect with what makes us feel peaceful and strong, and the rose-like overtones return us to the beauty and love that flows through our lives. I find Rose Geranium resonates deeply with the Heart Chakra, supporting and nurturing our emotional and spiritual life, while simultaneously inspiring our creativity.
On a more physical level, Rose Geranium is very anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and antiseptic, and is great to carry along to help ward off germs and keep healthy. It’s great for the skin because it is brightening, soothing and may reduce puffiness; you can find it as an ingredient in many skin care serums and creams for these reasons.
And for women, Rose Geranium holds a particularly special place; it is a known hormonal balancer. Its powerful sedating properties support the adrenals to help keep our hormones in check as we navigate the challenges of PMS, menstruation and menopause.
How to use it?
Inhalation: Drop a few drops on a cotton ball and sniff throughout the day. Diffuse it in an essential oil diffuser to scent your room or office.
Topically: Add a few drops to an unscented body lotion or face cream, or blend a few drops into some Aloe Vera gel and rub on neck and shoulders.
Bath: Add a few drops to a bath, morning or evening.
Try blending Rose Geranium with these essential oils: sweet orange, lavender, grapefruit, mandarin or clary sage.
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Tags: balance, essential oil, meditation and relaxation