- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (South Africa)
Africa · Herb · № 201
Pelargonium graveolens
Herb · Africa
Rose geranium
Pelargonium graveolens
Traditionally attributed effects: antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil, milk or salt; never apply it neat to the skin.
Preparation
Essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaves and stems; applied externally diluted in oil or cream. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The plant comes from the Cape in South Africa and was brought to Europe in the 17th century. From the 19th century it was grown on a large scale on Réunion, in Algeria and in Egypt for geranium oil, a cheaper substitute for rose oil in perfume. In Western herbalism the oil is used in skin care and for tension. In herbal magic associated with protecting the home, encouraging love, friendship and abundance, and helping to conceive.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.
Preparation and amount
Essential oil.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
The rosy scent is relaxing; in skin care the oil is used for dry skin and dry hair.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of essential oil in a milk bath, a hair oil or a hair treatment (see the recipes).
Caution: Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil, milk or salt; never apply it neat to the skin.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Protects the home, promotes love, friendship and abundance, helps with getting pregnant, relaxing bath against stress, fertility, love, healing, courage, protection, peace.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with protection, love and fertility.
Preparation and amount
Scented geraniums come from South Africa and became popular windowsill plants in eighteenth-century Europe. In the Victorian language of flowers each colour had a meaning, and a pot by the door was thought to protect the house.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Grow indoors or outdoors for protection (red); rose geranium in love spells and love oil; rose geranium water (3 large leaves, 2 cups boiling water, let cool, max. 1 week in the fridge) as a substitute for water in recipes; scented geranium in sugar.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Herbal oil (oil infusion)Salve and balmSteam and bath