Rose geranium: the floral essential oil for massage blends

A slow massage, a warm oil and a hint of rose drifting through the room: that is exactly the kind of moment rose geranium is made for. Less familiar to the general public than lavender, it is nonetheless a classic among druggists and perfumers. Its strength is a generous floral scent that turns a plain vegetable oil into a pleasant product to use.

What is rose geranium?

Rose geranium is an aromatic pelargonium, Pelargonium graveolens, from the Geraniaceae family. Native to southern Africa, the plant has deeply cut leaves with a pronounced scent. Its French name, "rosat", is an old word meaning "of the rose" and simply describes its fragrance: perfumers value it for its rosy accents.

You will also find a so-called "bourbon" geranium in our shop: on our product sheets both bear the same Latin name, "bourbon" referring to an origin on Réunion Island. According to the product sheet, our rose geranium essential oil is distilled from the aerial parts and comes in a 10 ml bottle. It is classed among the monoterpenols; our sheet on essential oil families explains what defines this family.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for cosmetic use or for massage, always diluted.

Making a massage oil

• Choose a neutral vegetable oil: sweet almond, apricot kernel or sunflower.
• In a small clean bottle, allow about 3 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of vegetable oil, then shake.
• Do a patch test in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours.
• Then slowly massage the shoulders, back or legs, avoiding the face.

Scenting a cosmetic product

• Add one drop to the amount of cream or body lotion you are holding in your palm.
• Never pour the essential oil directly into the jar or bottle of your product.

What about diffusion?

The organic version is described on its sheet as "suited to diffusion": a few drops in a diffuser, in short sessions, are enough to scent a room.

Precautions

Always dilute well. The product sheet points out that using this essential oil requires the advice of a specialist. Never use it neat and never swallow it. Keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes, and wash your hands after a massage. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, or if you are on medication, ask for advice before use. Keep the bottle out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), 10 ml – distilled from the aerial parts.
• Rose geranium essential oil – "with a floral, rosy scent", according to its sheet.
• Organic rose geranium essential oil, 10 ml – floral scent, suited to diffusion.

Our advice

Rose geranium is a lovely way into the world of scented massage oils: one bottle, one vegetable oil, and you can create your own blend. To find the right dilution or the base oil that suits your skin, our team will be happy to see you at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains.