The rose geranium plant goes by the scientific name Pelargonium graveolens. You may see it called by other names such as rose-scented geranium, sweet-scented geranium or old-fashioned rose geranium. It originates from Africa in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and southern, tropical Africa. The plant has also been introduced in the Canary Islands, Corsica, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, southwestern Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Rose geraniums have a sweet, green, leafy-rosy scent. It has a fruity, minty undertone and a sweet rosy drydown (the lingering scent after a perfume has been applied and dries on the skin).
The rose geranium plant is cultivated and harvested primarily for its use in the perfume industry. It is distilled to extract its essential oils and to produce absolutes (more intense essential oil used in perfumes). The oils are used in aromatherapy and massages.
The flowers and leaves are used to flavour cakes, jams, jellies, ice creams, sorbets, salads, sugars and teas. It is even used as a flavouring agent in pipe tobaccos.
Aside from using rose geranium oil in cosmetics and skincare for its pleasing scent, it is added for its beneficial properties.
- Anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties
- Anti-oxidants in rose geranium oil neutralize free radicals when our skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and other environmental stressors. The neutralization of these free radicals prevents them from damaging our skin cells further thus preventing signs of aging.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Reduce skin redness, puffiness and itchiness thus preventing you from getting the urge to scratch and further injure your skin. This can help in cases of acne, eczema and psoriasis.
- Antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties
- The antimicrobial properties can help treat acne and infections on skin.
- Calming, analgesic and anti-anxiety properties
- The gentle scent is good for uplifting moods.
Image Credits
- Rose Geranium Header Image
- Photo by Eslam Saif Elnasr: https://www.pexels.com/photo/plant-with-pink-flowers-11436333/
- Rose Geranium Cluster
- Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay