Geranium bourbon essential oil
With its floral and sweet fragrances, the essential oil of geranium bourbon is used in the composition of many male and female perfumes. Its toning and revitalizing properties also make it the queen of anti-aging cosmetics. But do you really know the full extent of its capabilities? Let's linger for a few moments on this fine flower of aromatherapy.
The origins of the essential oil of geranium bourbon
With the Latin name Pelargonium x Asperum cv Bourbon, this essential oil comes from the rose geranium of the Bourbon cultivar, a shrub that comes mainly from Reunion Island and Madagascar.
Although its smell suggests otherwise, the essential oil of geranium bourbon is not extracted from the flowers: it is actually obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves.
The benefits of geranium bourbon essential oil
Geranium bourbon essential oil for the face
A rejuvenating cure for your skin? Firming and tonic, the essential oil of geranium bourbon is the anti-wrinkle par excellence. It also restores radiance to dull complexions. To take advantage of it, integrate it up to 1% maximum in your cosmetic preparations (creams, milks...).
Essential oil of geranium bourbon against acne
Naturally antiseptic and astringent, this oil purifies the dermis and tightens the pores. It is therefore ideal for oily or acne-prone skin to erase their imperfections.
You can even make your own regulating oil:
- dilute 5 drops of essential oil of geranium bourbon,
- 5 drops of essential oil of petit grain bigarade,
- and 5 drops of tea tree oil,
- in 30 mL of jojoba oil.
Essential oil of geranium bourbon for the hair
Its purifying virtues are also very appreciated by scalps prone to dandruff. Use it diluted at 2% in your shampoo.
Hemostatic and healing
You have just injured yourself? Geranium bourbon essential oil stops bleeding from a superficial cut. Put 1 drop directly on the open wound.
Good to know, this oil also participates in many synergies to fade stretch marks and scars, in particular by combining it with Italian helichrysum. However, be careful with the latter, which is highly neurotoxic due to its high ketone content. Therefore, avoid prolonged use and observe a therapeutic window after 5 days of use: we recommend that you take a break equivalent to at least 1/3 of the days of application.
Hemostatic and healing
You have just wounded yourself? The essential oil of geranium bourbon stops the bleeding emanating from a superficial cut. Put 1 drop directly on the open wound.
Good to know, this oil also participates in many synergies to fade stretch marks and scars, in particular by combining it with Italian helichrysum. However, be careful with the latter, which is highly neurotoxic due to its high ketone content. Therefore, avoid prolonged use and observe a therapeutic window after 5 days of use: we recommend that you take a break equivalent to at least 1/3 of the days of application.
Antibacterial and antifungal
Anti-infectious broad spectrum, the essential oil of geranium bourbon would exert a notable action on the staphylococci (in particular gilded) as well as on the germs causing urogenital infections.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
By inhibiting the influx of white blood cells involved in the inflammatory process, this oil reduces pain and inflammation related to arthritis, colitis or oral diseases (stomatitis, aphthosis ...).
Oil of geranium bourbon and diabetes
Rich in geraniol, the essential oil of geranium bourbon would also have a hypoglycemic action by increasing the secretion of insulin. It would protect in parallel the cells of the liver and the kidneys, often altered in the event of diabetes. Some people therefore recommend it as soon as type II diabetes appears for its pancreatic-stimulating effect, or to limit the complications of the disease.
However, do not risk self-medication: the compounds of this oil could interfere with your current treatment or destabilize your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor beforehand.
Good anxiolytic and sedative properties
In case of anxiety, anxiety attacks or phobias, the essential oil of geranium bourbon used in inhalation calms the nervous system. On a subtle level, however, its smell is generally not appreciated by the youngest. The essential oil of sweet orange or mandarin zest, less heady, will often be better accepted.
Essential oil of geranium bourbon against mosquitoes. Repulsive, it generally keeps away these small summer pests. Before swimming or sunbathing on the terrace, brush your body with a synergy of coconut oil and a few drops of geranium oil: a combo that mosquitoes hate above all!
Essential oil of geranium bourbon or Egypt?
The essential oil of geranium bourbon should not be confused with its cousin rosat of Egypt. If both are drawn from the same plant, they present distinct chemotypes due to the differences of biotope (climatic conditions, environment, fauna-flora interaction...).
On the organoleptic level, the Egyptian version presents a less fine and less sweetened odor. Let us also note that it does not enjoy the same relaxing properties.
How to use the essential oil of geranium bourbon?
Rather well tolerated, this essential oil does not present particular contra-indications. It will be however avoided by measure of precaution in the pregnant or nursing woman, as well as in the children of less than 3 years.
Sometimes irritating, we recommend you to always dilute it beforehand in a vegetable oil. The oral way will be rather subjected to medical prescription.
If you are using it for the first time, remember to perform a skin test in the elbow to detect any allergies. This advice is valid for all essential oils!
