Geranium Essential Oil

Potent and floral, this essential oil is an important oil to add to any collection, and a must for the home physician’s kit.  To extract Geranium essential oil, the stems and leaves of the geranium plant (Pelargonium graveolens) are steam distilled.  It’s health benefits are numerous including its ability to balance hormones, clear and repair the skin from acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, cut and other skin issues, fight infections of the upper respiratory tract, and promotes mental stability.  Because Geranium is a popular addition to fragrances, use care when shopping for it.  Do not buy oils that are labeled as “fragrance”, “natural”, or “food grade”.  Only buy essential oils from reputable companies that stands behind their products.

Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil:
• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Insect repellant
• Cicatrisant
• Hemostatic
• Cytophylactic
• Diuretic
• Deodorant

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of Geranium essential oil make it a wise choice to swab onto a wound, using a 50:50 dilution.  It supports the immune system by removing and prohibiting microbes, fungus and bacteria from multiplying and invading the body.  This, along with it’s hemostatic (speeds up blood clotting) and cicatrisant properties allow your skin to heal quickly, cleanly and without complications.

Geranium essential oil, when applied to the skin will help reduce scars (cicatrisant), improve elasticity, inhibit growth of bacteria, smooth out melatonin distribution, and helps improve blood circulation, which makes it a remarkable addition to facial moisturizers and treatment for oily to extremely dry skin as well as those suffering from Rosacea.

When taken as directed internally, it can benefit your kidneys by increasing urination.  Urination is responsible for eliminating most of the toxins from your body.  In addition to toxins, urination removes fat, sugar, sodium and aids digestion by eliminating excess acids and bile from your system.

The antibacterial qualities of Geranium coupled with the skin benefits make this essential oil a good one to add to a deodorant.  Use in aromatherapy is also beneficial because this oil is a circulatory oil, meaning it exits the body through perspiration.  So if your workout is strenuous, it could make you smell like flowers while destroying body odor.

To use this oil, diffuse or use topically by diluting it 1:1 with a carrier oil and rub it into the skin.  To take internally, make sure your Geranium essential oil is 100% pure and add one drop to 4 fl. ounces of liquid.  Children under 6 should not use Geranium internally, and any topical applications should be diluted 1 drop of oil to 3 drops of carrier oil.  Children over 6 should be 1 drop of oil to 2 drops of carrier oil.  If skin sensitivity is present, raise the amount of the carrier oil or stop using it altogether.

For an easy tick repellant for dogs, put a drop in your hand and simply wipe down their backs.  For humans, put a dab on the inside of your wrists, your ankles and a dab behind the ears.  No ticks!

Pets benefit from geranium too!  Aromatherapy is safe for your pets.  You can apply this directly to dogs, 1 drop and rub head to toe.  I do not use any essential oil topically on my cat or bird without the advice of a veterinarian.  Horses, especially mares seem to benefit from geranium aromatherapy or diluted and added to an all natural castille soap shampoo.  Any small wounds benefit from the same antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that humans do.  If there is ever a question on wounds, always seek the advice of your veterinarian.

Speak with your doctor about using Geranium essential oil if you have any medical conditions.  Don’t try to cure any disease with Geranium Oil yourself, always consult the advice of a physician for any health issues. Don’t use before speaking with your doctor if you are on any medication, pregnant or nursing.  It can interfere with your medication.  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. 

100% pure Geranium essential oil can be bought here with confidence:  http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

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Doggy Deodorant

I have a 70lb Redbone Coonhound.  If you know hounds, you know they stink.  They stink even when they get out of the bath – no matter what.  Then they roll in something and stink some more.  I have tried dry shampoo, regular shampoo, deodorant, as well as baking soda, vinegar and just about any home remedy that one can think of.  I decided to give my oils a try after checking thoroughly that these oils were not harmful to dogs in this application  This recipe is safe for 50+lb dogs.  You will not believe it.  Try it.  You have to if you have a stinky dog like me.  Your dog will not only love you for the massage, he or she will love the extra cuddles and kisses you and your friends insist on giving after they go from dirty dog rank to light citrusy lavender. This blend will also repel mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

Be sure that you do not spray this solution directly on your dog’s head.  Your dog won’t like it, and you want to make this a good experience.  Use a towel or paper towel to refresh the head, ears and neck.  Please do not get this into the eyes.  Don’t pour the liquid directly onto the fur. Make sure you are using high quality essential oils and test a small area first to make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to anything in this solution.

Otis, our Redbone, enjoying a hike to the local waterfall.

Doggy Deoderant:

1 cup of water in a spray bottle
8 drops eucalyptus oil
6 drops lemon oil
3 drops of lavender oil

Shake well and spray all over except for the head and neck.  You don’t have to get the pup wet, less is more, and you don’t want to encourage licking.  This should not be ingested. Work the oils into the fur with your hands or a towel.  Spray the solution onto a towel or paper towel and wipe down the head, neck and ears.

That stinky old dog smell will is gone before you are finished wiping him or her down.  Bury your nose in your pooch’s fur and enjoy cuddling again!

Try Bergamot Essential oil in place of the Eucalyptus oil in the recipe above for a safe refresher if your pooch is a licker, or if you plan to use the spray frequently.

These oils are highly concentrated.  Always use them responsibly.  For a smaller dog I would dilute the oils with another cup of water or cut the oils in half.  Ask your vet before using if you have a miniature breed.  Do not use if your dog shows sensitivity. Eucalyptus oil can be toxic if ingested in larger amounts, causing vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.

These pure, therapeutic grade oils can be purchased at: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman