Aromatics have been prized for centuries for their therapeutic, spiritual and aesthetic benefits. Whether traded for their weight in gold, used medicinally to encourage the body back to homeostasis or to foster a healthier, more balanced emotional outlook, essential oils are one of Mother Earth’s most potent forms of plant medicine.
Log in to view the full article
Aromatics have been prized for centuries for their therapeutic, spiritual and aesthetic benefits. Whether traded for their weight in gold, used medicinally to encourage the body back to homeostasis or to foster a healthier, more balanced emotional outlook, essential oils are one of Mother Earth’s most potent forms of plant medicine.
In the spa experience, we look to essential oils’ versatility to offer a range of synergistic treatments and experiences. From supporting the body’s detoxification, healing and stress response to creating an overall enhanced state of well-being and spiritual awakening, these aromatic treasures enrich and enliven the guest long after they leave the treatment room.
The right essential oils (in terms of quality and variety) in the correct formulation can literally shift our mood, our thoughts, our conscious awareness and, therefore, our overall physiological response when inhaled. This makes essential oils perhaps one of the most effective ways to balance stress response—a complete game changer in the world of wellness.
The rich, full, floral aroma and biochemical action of geranium offers numerous benefits, including skin care, pain relief, circulation support and calming the nervous system. In addition, it stimulates the adrenal glands, which are a key system related to the stress response.
As you explore this small sampling of geranium’s holistic benefits, I encourage you to experience the aroma yourself in a place of quietude and allow the wise presence of this beautiful plant guide you to its wisdom and healing prowess.
Topical Care
Geranium is an excellent aromatic for beautification, calling to our inner radiance to shine as we age. Used in skin care for hormonal balance, as well as inflamed or sluggish complexions, this pure essential oil can be added to face creams, serums and treatments to hydrate and deeply nourish the skin.
Thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, geranium is also indicated for rheumatism and the muscular discomfort that arises from overexertion. It increases circulation and supports lymphatic drainage, and its ability to stimulate the adrenal cortex makes it an excellent choice for replenishing vitality and alleviating fatigue.
It is also one of the most beneficial essential oils for hormonal balance, whether it is for PMS or menopausal phases of life.
Spiritual and Sacred Aspects
Geranium is an oil of great upliftment and inner connection, with the ability to elevate one from the doldrums of depressive energy and anxiousness. It is indicated for clients that present with an overactive reliance on their masculine nature: overanalytical, overachievers with an unending to-do list who are exhausted and feel underappreciated for all their actions and activities.
This oil is also ideal for those with high emotional peaks of frustration. Geranium reminds us to be more loving and compassionate with ourselves, and to fill up our own cup before giving to others.
Geranium is also an incredible ally to awaken our authentic feminine aspects. The depth and richness of its aroma draw forth the innate wisdom within by inviting us to access those spiritual gifts associated with the divine feminine.
It is an almost endless reservoir of: mystical connection, intuition, sensual expression, creative inspiration and the depth of knowledge held within our ancestral lineage, imprinted within our cellular genetic code and DNA:
“It reminds us of the fullness of life. Breathing in this oil dissipates anxiety and the uncertainty of the future, replacing it with a fullness of presence rooted in the moment. Geranium invites us to embrace the beauty of our ability to feel the joy, the wonder and all the intimate opportunities life has for us to explore. It speaks to us with a reminder of the richness of life, love and loving oneself first.”1
Treatment Recipes
Anointing is an ancient act of reverently using aromatic oils to bless an individual, honoring the light and spirit that exists within each and every one of us. Memory of this practice is held deep within our cellular consciousness and can have a profound effect, awakening the truth deep within us that all life is sacred.
Geranium is a wonderful anointing oil to honor the sacred feminine. Blend the following recipe into 30 ml of a carrier oil of your choice and infuse it with the intention for honoring the feminine in all of life:
- 6 drops geranium essential oil
- 4 drops patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)
- 3 drops ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata, superior extra)
- 2 drops bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)
When you are ready to anoint your guest, have them close their eyes and invite in an intention to honor and bless a part of their own feminine nature that is craving gentle compassion, forgiveness and love. Place a drop of this oil onto the palm of your right hand and have them take a deep breath in to anchor their intention through the brain-body connection.
After about 30 seconds, anoint their heart space, inviting them to breathe in and expand their receptivity to the sacred feminine energies of wisdom, creativity and radiant inner beauty.
Geranium also works incredibly well as a lymphatic detox massage oil. This recipe has been a client favorite through the years. For a full body detoxification massage, it helps move the flow of a sluggish lymphatic system, stimulate overall circulation and diminish cellulite and stretch marks:
- 5 drops organic carrot seed essential oil (Daucus carota)
- 6 drops organic juniper essential oil (Juniperus communis)
- 4 drops organic geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
- 10 drops organic grapefruit essential oil (Citrus paradisi)
- 6 drops organic cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempivirens)
Blend these five oils into 30 ml of your favorite carrier oil and incorporate it into your lymphatic system massage protocols. This recipe can also be used in targeted treatments for different areas of the body. Remind guests to avoid UV exposure post- massage, as grapefruit is phototoxic.
Incorporating essential oils like geranium transforms the inner and outer landscape of our lives, uplifting our mental outlook, emotional resilience and physical health. The more consistently we feel good, the more this vital positive nature can overflow into every aspect of our lives: our families, careers, homes and every way in which we relate to the world around us, creating a bridge for the highest expression of who we are to surface.
Geranium: Pelargonium graveolens
Part extracted: Leaves
Core properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, diuretic, deodorant, vermifuge
Blends well with patchouli, rose, bergamot, sandalwood, jasmine, carrot seed
References
1. Excerpt from Detox, Nourish, Activate: Plant & VIbrational Medicine for Energy, Mood & Love by Adora Winquist and Lulu Shimek, ND
_________________________
Adora Winquist, founder of The Soul Institute, is a modern alchemist, author and heart-centered spiritual mentor whose expertise elevates others to embody their soul purpose and thrive in all facets of their life.
