The Geranium oil extraction process
The Geranium Oil Extraction procedure.
Introduction:
What is Geranium oil?
Geranium is a perennial shrub with small pink flowers & pointy leaves that is native to South Africa. Out of the many varieties of the
plant, Geranium (scientific name of Geranium–Pelargonium graveolens)
is the source of the essential oil. The oil is generally used in
aromatherapy and contains a number of beneficial compounds. Geranium oil
(Pelargonium graveolens) is a beautiful, floral essential oil often
referred to as “the poor man’s rose oil for its similar properties & uses. It’s sweet, the rose-like aroma is long-lasting & potent.
It’s traditionally used for healthy skin (repair or rejuvenation), as well as generally known for its emotional support. It commonly promotes peace
and a decrease in stress, particularly in regards to releasing negativity, and is great for tension and overall well-being.
Geranium oil is a type of essential oil generally used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the flowers and leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, the geranium
essential oil is supposed to offer a variety of health benefits.
Geranium oil contains a number of compounds thought to enhance health,
including citronellol and geraniol.
Geranium oil is often compared to the rose essential oil
since they share almost the same therapeutic traits. Geranium oil is
often the alternative to the more expensive rose oil. There are several varieties of Geranium oil,
based on where they are cultivated. The highest quality and most
expensive form is produced in French island Reunion, called the Geranium
bourbon essential oil.
Geranium Plant.
Composition of Geranium oil:
Geranium
oil contains nearly 67 compounds. The major components of Geranium oil
are citronellol (26.7 percent) and geraniol (13.4 percent). Some other
major constituents include:
- Nerol (8.7 percent)
- Citronellyl formate (7.1 percent)
- Isomenthone (6.3 percent)
- Linalool (5.2 percent)
Varieties of Geranium
- Algerian or Tunisian
This
kind of Geranium is slender with flowers of a dark pink color. It is
being developed in the Nilgiris and is unsuitable for wet conditions. Algerian variety yields 50-60% more oil with a more delicate odor than that of the Reunion type.
- Reunion or Bourbon
Grown
in the Nilgiris and Anamalais, the plant is sturdier with light-pink
flowers & more suitable for wet conditions. The oil content is
higher through the summer months from April to June. The terminal
portion with 6 to 12 leaves contains more oil than the middle &
basal portions.
Geranium oil properties:
The Geranium oil is mostly colorless but can have a slight light green color to it. This oil has a watery viscosity.