Bourbon Geranium EO
<p>The principal species which were originally used to develop cultivars for the production of geranium oil are <em>P. graveolens, P. capitatum, P. radens</em> and <em>P. odoratissimum.</em> Although the leaves of <em>P. odoratissimum</em> (Apple geranium) have an agreeable odour, the extracted essential oil has a distinctly musty note that is quite unappealing when compared to other varieties.
Botanical experts Demarne and Van der Walt determined in 1989 that geranium ‘Bourbon’ oil originating from the island of Réunion is produced from the leaves of a hybrid of <em>P. capitatum</em> and <em>P. radens.</em> This cultivar is usually identified as <em>Pelargonium graveolens cv. Rosé</em>, but is also known as <em>Pelargonium roseum asperum cv. Bourbon</em>.
In fact, the Bourbon oil from Reunion has gradually become the new reference by which all other geranium oils are judged. Although this essential oil was originally produced exclusively on Reunion, more recently the Rosé cultivar used here has been grown commercially for the production of ‘rose geranium’ oil in other countries, including Africa, Egypt, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.
Confusingly, the oil from these regions is sometimes referred to as ‘Bourbon type’ geranium oil, so buyer beware! Geranium Bourbon from Reunion commands a higher price than geranium essential oils from other regions, so be sure you are getting exactly what you have paid for.</p>
<h2>Traditional uses</h2>
<p>The plant has a wide range of medicinal uses, although documented ethnobotanical citations are difficult to find. The references in most aromatherapy books actually relate to the British plant Herb Robert <em>(Geranium robertianum)</em> and the American Cranesbill <em>(Geranium maculatum)</em> and not <em>P. graveolens.</em>
In African folk medicine, the non-hybridized form of this plant was considered to be astringent, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and styptic. The Sotho made a paste made from the leaves to staunch bleeding and treat wounds and abscesses. The roots were also used in a decoction to wash patients suffering from fever.
Other external uses for the leaves includes treating neuralgia, throat infections and a wide range of skin conditions such as ringworm, ulcers and rashes. An infusion was taken internally for diarrhoea, dysentery, colic, gastroenteritis, haemorrhage, menstrual problems, kidney and bladder disorders.</p>
<h2>Aromatherapy uses</h2>
<p>Like all species of geranium essential oil, the Bourbon type is balancing and regulating to both body and mind; used in skin care it normalises sebum levels in dry or greasy skin and promotes cell renewal, whilst on the emotional system it stabilises anger, depression, irritability, nervous tension, PMS and all forms of roller-coaster emotions. It is also an effective adoptogen, which means that it strengthens the body’s immune, glandular and nervous systems, thereby increasing resistance to stress. It is an absolutely indispensable oil.
Geranium Bourbon essential oil makes a welcome addition to any blend since it adds a lovely floral note, without the usual floral oil cost! Many aromatherapists prefer to use this geranium oil since it blends so easily with a very wide range of other oils. Try mixing it with basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwoods Atlas and Virginian, chamomile Roman, citronella, clary sage, clove, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, patchouli, peppermint, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver and all citrus oils.</p>