A Rose By Any Other Name

rose geranium flower and plant (pelargonium gravolens)

"That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

I’m with Juliet on this one when it comes to rose geranium essential oil in skincare.  Botanically known as pelargonium gravolens, rose geranium has many of the same therapeutic properties as a true rose essential oil (i.e. rose otto) but at a fraction of the cost.  Its lovely green, floral scent reminds me of freshly cut roses, rather than a full on rose fragrance.

As it takes around 3.5kg of rose petals to produce 1g of rose otto essential oil, a lot of what is sold on the market as rose otto may have been adulterated with rose geranium anyway.  As a guide, if you’re not paying over $175 for 5ml rose otto essential oil then you’re not actually buying rose otto essential oil.  I’ll also let you do the maths as to how much rose otto essential oil may be in a skincare product if it is actually featured on the ingredient list.

Don’t get me wrong, rose otto is truly a beautiful smelling and highly therapeutic essential oil – it’s just one I feel is best saved for fragrance.

Now back to rose geranium…

Benefits of Rose Geranium

The chemical composition of an essential oil will give you a clue as to its therapeutic benefits.  Rose geranium is composed mostly of terpene alcohols and esters.  Terpene alcohols have a tonifying effect and esters have a calming and soothing effect.  This makes rose geranium a great all rounder.  The citronellol content it shares with rose oil is what gives geranium it’s lovely scent. 

Steam distilled from the flowers, leaves and stalks - rose geranium is also known as the great balancer of essential oils:

• Skin – balances sebum, keeps skin supple and is also anti-fungal.
• Hormones – useful with PMT and menopause as it helps balance the hormonal system.
• Emotions – balances the nervous system to relieve stress and anxiety.  Also lifts the spirits and strengthens chi.
  

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How to use Rose Geranium

Never apply an essential oil directly to the skin or add directly to a bath.  They are not soluble in water so must always be added to an oil or lotion first.  A few drops added to water in an oil burner is OK as it's the vapours providing the therapeutic effect.

• Oil Burner – helps lift your spirits and relieve stress while also freshening a room.
• Blended with Massage oil/Bath Oil – will assist PMT, fluid retention, anxiety and tension.
• Skincare – I use rose geranium in Drift Escentuals Moisturisers and Body Lotions to help balance the skin.  It imparts a lovely, luxurious, soothing scent.
  

Next week I'll cover the benefits of Helichrysum essential oil.  Do you know it's botanical name is? 

Do let me know what your favourite essential oil is in the comments below and I'll make sure I add it to the list. 

Nicole x