The true Pelargonium grave lens is an uncommon species in the Pelargonium genus, which is native to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, while the plants cultivated under this name differ from the wild specimens and are of hybrid origin Often called a geranium, as it falls within the plant family Geranjaceae and was previously categorized under the same genus. It is cultivated on a large scale and its foliage is distilled for its scent. Including rose, citrus, mint, coconut and nutmeg, as well as various fruits. However, the most commercially important varieties are those with rose scents.

Rose geranium oil is sometimes listed on the label of supplements promoted for weight loss, athletic performance, and body building. That’s because supplement manufacturers claim that rose geranium oil contains small amounts of a stimulant drug called dimethylamylamine. However, laboratory analysis shows that this drug probably does not come from rose geranium oil. It is thought that these manufacturers have artificially added this drug to the supplement rather than obtaining it from rose geranium oil.

Rose geranium oil is used in foods and beverages as a flavoring. In manufacturing, rose geranium oil is used as an inexpensive substitute for rose oil. It is also used as fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes.

If the oil is made from the leaves when they start turning yellow it has a stronger rose aroma then the younger, greener leaves.

There are about 700 different varieties of the plant, yet only 10 supply essential oil in viable quantities, since the normal garden geranium produce far too little oil for extraction.

It is a hairy perennial shrub, often used in hedgerows, and stands up to about one meter high (3 feet) with pointed leaves, serrated at the edges. It has pinkish-white flowers. In early times geraniums were planted around the house to help keep evil spirits at bay.

Benefit & Uses: It works wonders in skincare remedies and can be used to help in the treatment of the following: acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia. It can be used to remedy digestive ailments, kidney and bladder disorders and has traditionally been considered as an astringent. This variety of Rose Geranium is one of the most fragrant specie and the oil is used in to perfumery and cosmetics industry as it can be made to imitate many fragrances and is often used to 'stretch' the much more expensive oil of rose.

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.

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 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. This oil is also known to ease labor pain and childbirth.

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.

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.