Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Rose Geranium bannerWith a much similar aroma of rich roses, Rose Geranium essential oil is known as the poor people’s Rose oil as it is less expensive than the original Rose essential oil.  Botanically known as Pelargonium roseum, this plant belongs to the Geraniaceae plant family and is indigenous to Cape Province, South Africa.

Often used as a substitute for Rose essential oil, Rose Geranium oil is extracted from the soft rosy flowers with the touch of deep fuchsia of this perennial shrub. With a smooth, rosy, fresh, warming, herbaceous, purifying and sensual aroma, Rose Geranium oil is known for regenerating female energies and for treating an extensive array of skin problems in Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing practices.

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Historical uses of Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

Rose Geranium is said to have originated in South Africa along with Egypt, Morocco, Reunion and Madagascar. It was then introduced to the European countries like France, Italy and Spain in the early 17th century.

The herb and the essential oil of Rose Geranium has been used in the pre-historic period as a powerful injury healer including cuts, abrasions, burns, skin ulcers and infections. This is attributed to the antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The sweet citrus-floral fragrance of this oil made its use prominent in the fragrance industry since the ancient times.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties:

A 2009 study on ‘Volatile Components of Pelargonium roseum’ proved that Rose Geranium essential oil contains thirty-two compounds and the major ones among them are citronellol (27.3%), citronellyl formate (17.2%), β-caryophllene (10.3%), limonene, a-pinene, terpenes, myrcene, menthone, geraniol, cetones, ϒ-muurolene, geranyl butyrate, linalool, aldehydes and geranyl acetate.

The most significant healing properties are antiseptic, vulnerary, antidepressant, cicatrisant, vermifuge, astringent, styptic, diuretic, deodorant, cytophylactic, haemostatic and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil:

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing methodology that means science of life. It is more than just a system of dealing or diagnosing illnesses, it is a common sense science that guides humanity on leading a holistic life preventing illnesses for an enduring bliss.

Ayurvedic approaches rely on nature for their treatment and trust that nothing else other than essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, balanced living and spiritual oneness can grant optimal wellness to a human’s life.

Ayurveda classifies individuals based on their unique constitution that is composed of three basic energy elements namely vata, pitta and kapha doshas. Imbalances of any one of these doshas open door to diseases and interrupts a human’s body’s balance with nature.

Vata is the lightest of these 3 doshas and imbalance of vata ends up in insomnia, constipation, PMS, stress, nervousness and fatigue. Pitta being the hottest energy element and when out of balance it causes digestive disorders, anger, emotional distress, high blood pressure and lack of interest.

Kapha is the heaviest dosha and its disparity leads to sluggishness, blockage, depression, improper blood circulation, high cholesterol, weak metabolism, depressive thoughts and fluid retention. Ayurvedic texts classify Rose Geranium essential oil as an ideal healing force for pacifying and controlling the imbalances of all the three doshas with its balancing effects.

The most important Ayurvedic health benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil are:

rose-geranium-broucher1. Lessens stress, depression and treats autonomic nervous system imbalances:

A German based research has clinically proven that the presence of the Geraniol component in Rose Geranium essential oil is very effective in treating autonomic nervous system imbalances known as Vegetative dystony.

A balanced autonomic nervous system is highly essential for the normal functioning of the body, mind and its emotions as it influences the production of hormones and the corresponding responses in the system. Imbalance of which can cause nervousness, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, headache and irregular heartbeat.

The essential oil of Rose Geranium has a perfect harmonizing effect on the central nervous system, making it idyllic in uplifting the spirits and handling stress. Using 2 drops of this oil in your potpourri or diffuser, in bath or as a massage oil blended with carrier oils like coconut oil transforms positive energy in your body and your atmosphere.

This helps greatly in alleviating stress, depression and anxiety at it best. The convincing aromatic molecules present in Rose Geranium oil reach the limbic system through the nasal passages and inculcates a stimulating force in the adrenal cortex.

Renowned author K.G. Stiles says that Rose Geranium oil is “Definitely a first-aid oil everyone should consider having on hand Rose Geranium oil’s tonic action helps relieve nervous emotional conditions like anxiety, confusion, depression, lethargy, energy swings and tearfulness.”

2. Athlete’s companion:

Rose Geranium oil is used in many popular health supplements for body building, athletic performance and weight loss for a fit physique. This is mainly due to the stimulant property of this oil where certain supplement manufacturers claim that the presence of the stimulant component dimethylamylamine in Rose Geranium oil makes it powerful naturally.

The University of Wisconsin Steven Point suggests an effectual massage oil blend that contains few drops of Rose Geranium oil with few drops of Lavender essential oil with the base of Almond and Vitamin E oil for relieving muscular tension and grant a relaxing effect on the mind and body. This is what an athlete would essentially require to trigger his/her efforts and chase their passion without any blocks.

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt quotes Rose Geranium oil as, “The tonifying effect of the terpene alcohol combined with the soothing influence of the esters are responsible for the fact that geranium is perceived differently for each individual. One person will perceive it as antiseptic, another as calmative, and a third as stimulant…because of this versatile character, geranium is an excellent foundation for massage and body oils.”

3. Women’s friend:

The regenerative and haemostatic properties of this oil enhances circulation, has positive effects on the functions of liver and spleen, stop hemorrhages and helps in treating blocked menstruation, PMS, hot flashes and mood swings in menopausal women.

Using 2 to 3 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil with Sesame oil for massaging your abdomen or added to your warm bathing water helps in regulating the lymphatic system, promoting the release of toxic substances in the body while checking heavy periods and vaginal secretion. This oil is also known to ease labor pain and childbirth.

4. Benefits for the skin:

The great news is that Rose Geranium oil benefits all types of skin including dry, oily, sensitive and normal skin. 2 drops of Rose Geranium oil blended with 2 drops of Lavender oil along with soothing carrier oil like jojoba oil applied on the affected area aids in reducing dryness, sting, itching and peeling of skin due to severe sunburns.

Adding few drops of Rose Geranium oil in your skin care cream or lotion helps in controlling the excess secretion of sebum responsible for acne and dull oily skin. It balances the skin naturally, treats congestion, sluggishness and leaves your skin supple and healthy.

Topical application of Rose Geranium essential oil is known for treating cellulite by fighting against fat metabolism, varicose veins, breast soreness, eczema, psoriasis, broken capillaries, premature symptoms of aging and dermatitis. The anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of this oil makes it effective against acne, ringworm, burns, cuts, wounds and other skin problems.

5. Other health benefits:

Rose Geranium oil is also used as a diuretic for eliminating toxins through urine in case of fluid retention. It also assists in the treatment of nerve pain, inflammation, shingles, dry cough, nose bleeding, head lice and as an effective insect repellent.

Disclaimer: Do not use essential oils directly on your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and might be harmful. Never take essential oils internally without the guidance of your Ayurvedic practitioner. Keep it away from children and avoid using if you are pregnant.

Thought for the day:

Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.                                                                          Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

  1. HEALING POWERS OF ROSE GERANIUM OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
  2. Natural solutions: Women’s health conditions by Ann Lisette Wesso
  3. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  4. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

  1. Volatile Components of Pelargonium roseum R. Br. Published in Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants
  2. Rose Geranium Essential Oil by The Ananda Apothecary
  3. Rose Geranium Essential Oil Uses by Livestrong.Com

Ayurvedic Essential Oils And Mood Blends

Mood differs from season to season, from person to person, from time to time and from odor to aroma. Sounds confusing? Let me put in more specific terms, Christmas brings in joy, New Year brings in newness, Halloween brings in adventure, Valentine’s Day brings in romance and Independence Day brings in patriotism. Each and every occasion is special on its own. Aromatic therapy or Aromatherapy is a part of Ayurveda, where aroma is used in treating illness and improving health conditions. It is based on the principle that natural fragrances, especially from pure essential oils can affect our moods, and consequently change the way we think or feel at any given time. Aroma affects our moods through the action or the start of the limbic system where the therapeutic properties of natural essential oils are slowly passed on to the entire system.

Pure essential oils support wellness and are extracted from various parts of a plant like flower, leaf, stem, resin, stalk, root, fruit, bark and seed. Ayurveda suggests the use of natural and wholesome essential oils instead of the synthetic or artificially fragranced oils because only pure essential oils will have the prana, otherwise known as the vital celestial energy to revivify your senses, enliven the mind and stimulate the key channels of the body for spreading the essential energy for strength and efficacy in an uniform manner. There are innumerable Ayurvedic essential oils, each of which can support some or the other moods of human beings. Let’s now look at the most predominant types of moods and the mood swings along with the essential oils that support such situations with their therapeutic properties.

1. Oils for depression: Depression is a deadly disorder that can literally spoil your days. The National Institute of Mental Health says that “Depression is a common but serious illness”. It causes extreme pain to you and to your near ones also. Ayurveda is the best way of treating depression as it has everything to soothe your senses and calm your mind. It suggests meditation and yoga for replenishing your mind, soul and spirit, while granting you an opportunity to realize your worth and come out of your deep mental worries. The best Ayurvedic essential oils for depression are Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, Frankincense essential oil, Jasmine essential oil and Ylang Ylang essential oil that can help one come out of depression with their calming, stimulant, antidepressant, nervine, sedative and hypotensive properties.

2. Oils for stress: We never knew that stress is the root cause for many major health disorders. Stress brings with it certain threatening symptoms like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, muscular tension, improper functioning of the digestive system, insomnia, weakened immune system and much more. Practicing an Ayurvedic routine along with the comforting and relaxing essential oils like Lemon oil, Bergamot oil, Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, Ylang Ylang oil, Patchouli oil, Peppermint oil and Orange oil.

3. Oils for loneliness: Nothing else like isolation and the feeling of loneliness can harm us, during the adverse times when we really need someone besides us. The best thing that Ayurveda, the mother of all healing sciences suggests is to speak with God through meditation and by offering a small prayer. This brings in the real difference and you will naturally inculcate the feeling that ‘You are not lonely anymore’. Few drops of Rose oil, Roman Chamomile oil, Frankincense oil, Clary Sage oil or Bergamot oil added either to your bath tub, diffuser or to your hankie will bring in the real energy to fight lonesomeness and support your mind.

4. Oils for anxiety and grief: Anxiety imparts nervousness along with an uneasy feeling, leading you to worry, stay restless, experience difficulty in sleeping, concentrating and few other health problems like nausea, headache and diarrhea. Most of the times work pressure, post-pregnancy blues, difficult terms in relationships, health problems or financial crisis may lead to anxiety disorder and would gradually make you sad. Ayurvedic essential oils like Sandalwood oil, Lavender oil, Cedarwood oil, Frankincense oil, Mandarin oil, Neroli oil, Rose oil, Ylang Ylang oil and Jasmine oil will regain the strength and confidence to face the tougher situations of life.

5. Oils for fatigue and fear: Oh! A single day with 3 important meetings, 2 conference calls, 4 reports to submit and attend to the queries of your subordinates is more than enough to make you tired, twisted and weary. This is called as fatigue. The fear of losing a job, a relationship or failing the examination, insecurity, pregnancy etc will make you panic. The best way to get out of it is to practice Pranayama, the art of breathing. Ayurveda suggests that deep breathing and meditation grants inner peace and strength, helping one to come out of fear and fatigue. A warm bath after your tiresome work with few drops of consoling essential oils like Peppermint oil, Rose oil, Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, Lemon oil, Bergamot oil, Frankincense oil, Sandalwood oil and Basil oil can grant you the warmth and energy that your mind and body demands.

Ayurveda considers that unhealthy or problematic relationships are the fundamental reason behind most of the problems mentioned above. This vitalizing science also grants incredible ways to maintain healthy relationships for your well-being.

Caution: Do not apply essential oils directly to your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and may harm your skin or cause other allergic reactions. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using the right essential oils for your individual body type.

Thought for the day:

Nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around.  –Bill Watterson

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood
  2. Change Your Mood with Aromatherapy (Teach Yourself) by Denise Whichello Brown
  3. The Interrelationship between the Body, Mind and Spirit in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicine by C. Scott Ryan

Reference Links:

  1. What is Aromatherapy? The Theory Behind Aromatherapy by Medical News Today
  2. Mood Swings-Mental Health and Behavior Overview by Better Medicine
  3. What is depression by National Institute of Mental Health
  4. Pranayama (From Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga) by Yoga Point

Rose Wood Essential Oil

Rosewood-bannerThe uplifting Rosewood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood of Rosewood tree through steam distillation. Light Miller in her book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ says “Along with sandalwood, hina, myrrh and amber, rosewood is one of the five essential oils to put into your metaphysical first aid kit”.

Rosewood also known as bois de rose is a mighty evergreen tree indigenous to Brazil and Peru. Aniba rosaeodora is a member of the Laurel family Lauraceae along with other aromatic trees like Camphor, Cassia, Bay and Cinnamon. Ayurveda, the mother of all healing systems have made significant use of this oil for opening the inner ear, rekindling spiritual feelings and for discharging offensive memories.

Purchase Rose Wood Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Rosewood:

The valuable wood of this tree was traditionally used in cabinet-making, carving, building, essential oil extraction and for making chopsticks. Certain texts state that the ancient French community used Rosewood for flooring, oils, furniture and guitars.

The alluring fragrance of Rosewood essential oil made its demand sky-rocketing especially during the eighteenth century in the field of perfume-making.

To mark its significance, Rosewood oil was a prominent ingredient of the well-liked perfume Chanel. No. 5. Industrial exploitation for numerous decades has led to categorize this tree as an endangered species and the legislation has now come up with a resolution that requires the essential oil distilleries to plant a new tree for every tree they use for essential oil extraction.

Active components and therapeutic properties:

Rosewood essential oil is regarded as a valuable oil mainly because of the rich presence of about 86% of linalool component, which can be modified into numerous derivatives of high value especially to the fragrance and flavoring industries.

Other components of Rosewood oil are a-terpineol, a-pinene, neral, camphene, myrcene, geraniol, 1,8-cineole, geranial, benzaldehyde, limonene, and linalool oxides.

These active components are responsible for the remedial properties of this oil such as aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, stimulant, anti-infectious, analgesic, antibacterial, tissue regenerator, deodorant, antiseptic, insecticide and cephalic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Rosewood essential oil:

The essential oil of Rosewood is said to be stimulating and powerful in creating energy enrichment. Unlike other medical practices, Ayurveda considers every individual as a unique part of nature and treats every individual in a special manner as it trusts that each human being is made up of a specific set of energy elements known as doshas (vata, pitta and kapha).

This noble science regards illness as an opportunity to help the body regain its rhythm with nature and in this process of restoring good health, Ayurveda recommends the use of herbs, essential oils, a balanced regimen, meditation, yoga and other physical exercises.

Essential oil according to Ayurvedic texts is the aura or life force of plants, have been used in various Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage, aromatic therapy and in Panchakarma, the technique of Ayurvedic cleansing.

Rosewood essential oil with its floral, warm, spicy, woody, fruity and enlivening aroma reduces excess of vata and pitta imbalances.

Let’s have a look at the predominant Ayurvedic health benefits of Rosewood oil.Rosewood-broucher1. Guards your skin:

Rosewood essential oil acts as a shield to your skin, defending against harmful bacteria, virus, fungi and other microbes. The natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties of this oil aid in treating wounds, cuts, burns and infections while preventing it from being septic.

Excess of vata element in the body is characterized by wrinkling, dryness, thinness, flaking and dullness of skin. Rosewood is an effective vata reducing essential oil and gentle massaging of your skin with 5 to 6 drops of Rosewood essential oil with mild carrier oil like jojoba oil helps in dealing with such skin problems.

Oily skin is the basis of numerous skin disorders like pimples, acne, blackheads, sensitivity and skin irritations. Massaging your facial skin with 3 drops of Rosewood essential oil blended with 3 drops of Lavender essential oil along with Almond oil can assist in decreasing pitta and pave way for a healthy and spotless skin. You can also add 2 drops of Rosewood oil in steam therapy for promoting blood circulation, comforting irritated and stressed out skin.

The rejuvenating properties of this oil help in regenerating the skin cells and support the growth of new cells. Using it in your skin care lotion or cream will show visible results in reducing the symptoms of aging through tissue regeneration and absolute cleansing.

2. Pacifies your mind:

Rosewood oil is an excellent pacifier that calms your mind and relaxes your senses. The anti-depressant, stimulating and uplifting properties of this oil instills confidence as it is known to bring fire and helps in regaining your energy naturally.

Fearful, anxious, disheartened, nervous and hectic situations will take a back seat with the use of Rosewood essential oil in your burners, diffusers or vaporizers before going to bed or at the time of meditation. Miller’s Ayurveda and Aromatherapy book quotes Rosewood oil as “Rosewood helps to relieve tiredness, nervousness, stress, and it is very grounding, giving you a sense of protection”.

Being celebrated for numerous years as one of the best essential oils for meditative and spiritual purposes, Rosewood oil grants a balancing and energizing effect on the mind while influencing constructive feelings even after a long, backbreaking day.

Add 5 drops of Rosewood essential oil to your warm bath for easing tension, muscular pain, mood swings, pre-menstrual syndrome, nausea, headaches due to stress and general discomforts of the mind and body.

Ayurveda manifests that there are seven vital centers of power in a human body known as Chakras, which affect the psychological and physical functions of the system. Among the seven Chakras, the heart chakra is responsible for love for others, creativity, compassion, love for self, emotions of sadness, loss and distress.

The bracing aroma of Rosewood essential oil widens the heart chakra and assists in alleviating depressed feelings, egoism, negative memories and encourages one to spread love and compassion for others and self. Inhaling the aroma of this oil through diffusers or vaporizers or applying 1 to 2 drops on the chakra points will attend to your emotional needs tranquilly.

3. Instigates your love life:

I am wondering whether Rosewood oil has aphrodisiac properties just because it has the romantic word ‘Rose’ in its name? Used in massaging, bath or vapor therapy, Rosewood essential oil has been in use for treating decrease in sexual interest, impotence, frigidity and loss of libido in both the sexes. The magical aroma of this oil strengthens the system, instills a sense of security and grants absolute relaxation for an idyllic mating.

Rosewood essential oil, “Opens the inner ear and Compassion” according to Deborah Eidson, the author of the book Vibrational healing. It is known to enhance your divine feelings and help in spiritual realization. The other documented benefits of Rosewood essential oil are its use as an analgesic for treating cold, toothache and joint pain. It is also used as an effective insecticide to keep away from insects like ants, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and lice.

Disclaimer: Never use essential oils directly on your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may cause harm. This article is for your information only. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using essential oils for your specific health conditions.

Thought for the day:

“To dwellers in a wood, almost every species of tree has its voice as well as its feature.”   -Thomas Hardy, Under the Greenwood Tree

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  2. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
  3. Scents Of Life: Use And Effect Of Essential Oils by H. M. Schemske
  4. Facelift at Your Fingertips: An Aromatherapy Massage Program for Healthy Skin and a Younger Face by Pierre Jean Cousin M.B.Ac.C

Reference Links:

  1. Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Light Miller and Bryan Miller
  2. Health Benefits of Rosewood Essential Oil by Organic Facts
  3. Healing With Rosewood Essential Oil by Suite101