Rose Geranium: Adaptogen That Balances Skin and Spirit

I was inspired to write this article for two reasons. To share the benefits of this incredible plant and to clear some misunderstandings about the name, and explain what Rose Geranium actually is.

"I love roses!" I often hear when I mention Rose Geranium or when people see the label on the hydrosol. However, Rose Geranium is not a rose but a "scented geranium" that belong to Pelargonium genus, which is also different from your usual garden companion - the true geraniums of Geranium genus. The scented leaves of Pelargonium plants are what distinguish them. This is one of the many confusions in botanical names and when we work with plants it is always best to know its latin name.

The British fleet brought scented geranuims to England around 1795 from the Cape of Good Hope, where they instantly gained popularity for their rainbow of fragrances and practical uses. In the 19th century, hundreds of varieties of scented geraniums (pelargonium) were grown. Their scents included rose, lemon, lime, orange, filbert, nutmeg, almond, apple, anise, pine, musk, violet, lavender, balm, oak, and peppermint.

One specific variety, "Attar of Roses," mimics the famous and costly "rose otto" scent, which is why it is called Rose Geranium or Pelargonium graveolence. I distill this variety for my hydrosol and use it in the True Self Self-Love and Love Aromatherapy candle.

Happy plants come from happy plant mamas! I distill Rose Geranium from my best friend's garden in Grover Beach where cool nights and ocean fog make the leaves super plump, juicy and aromatic.

Rose Geraniums has traveled worldwide, adapting to diverse climates, each shaping its unique chemical composition and aromatic profile. The terrain of each region where Rose Geranium is grown, such as Reunion/Bourbon Island, Madagascar, Africa, Algeria, Russia, Morocco, and Spain, contributes to its unique aroma, chemical constituents and plant's therapeutic potential and specifics of application.

Historically, Pelargonium graveolens has been used internally to treat conditions like pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, nausea, tonsillitis, and poor circulation. And externally, to treat acne, hemorrhoids, eczema, bruises, ringworm, and lice. But let's look deeper at this incredible plant, capable of balancing female hormones naturally.

Rose Geranium As Balancing Adaptogen

Rose Geranium is an adaptogen that balances your skin and nervous system. It harmonizes, whether your skin craves moisture or astringency, or your spirit seeks calming or uplifting. Its adaptogenic nature ensures it's always in tune with your body's needs.

The secret lies in its chemical complexity:

Citronellol and geraniol are natural humectants and anti-inflammatory compounds that balance oil production, which makes them ideal for both dry and oily skin.
Linalool is known for its calming properties; this monoterpenol soothes emotional tension and reduces stress-related skin flare-ups.
Esters & alcohols assist in hormonal regulation, helping to ease PMS and menopause symptoms while also being antimicrobial.
Ketones, the mucolytic compounds, open the breath and support the body's natural detoxification.

I find this ability to bring our bodies to homeostasis (the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes) fascinating and way more advanced than treating an isolated symptom.

The Art of Copper Alembic Distillation

In the world of plant distillation, the process matters as much as the raw plant material. While many commercial hydrosols are a byproduct of essential oil production—stripped of their most valuable constituents because of excessive heat or pressure—actual artisan distillation prioritizes the hydrosol as the primary extract.

At Maitri Verde our small-batch Rose Geranium hydrosol is distilled in a traditional copper alembic at low temperatures over three to four hours. This method allows slow and delicate extraction of plant's full spectrum of water-soluble compounds, resulting in a vitalizing and energetically potent hydrosol.

Unlike mass-produced hydrosols, which often lack depth and potency, this slow, intentional process ensures maximum therapeutic value, deeper aroma, and heightened botanical intelligence.

Skin Alchemy

The beauty industry has conditioned us to believe skincare is about fixing problems. But true botanical skincare—rooted in nature's intelligence—focuses on teaching the skin to find its own balance. And Rose Geranium hydrosol is a master in this regard.

How It Works for Different Skin Types:

Dry Skin: A natural humectant, it helps the skin retain moisture, making it ideal for use under oils or serums.
Oily & Acne-Prone Skin: Its astringent properties regulate sebum production without stripping the skin, preventing breakouts while maintaining hydration.
Sensitive & Rosacea-Prone Skin: Anti-inflammatory and cooling, it calms irritation, reduces redness, and strengthens capillaries.
Mature Skin: Rich in antioxidants, it combats oxidative stress, softens fine lines, and enhances skin elasticity.

Application Ritual:

Mist onto clean skin morning and night.
Use as a toning mist before applying serum for deeper absorption.
Mix into honey for a nourishing facial mask.
Layer over sunscreen or makeup for a refreshing mid-day glow.

At Maitri Verde, we honor the intelligence of the plant. We believe that how a plant is grown, harvested, and distilled is imprinted into its final expression.

The Emotional & Hormonal Alchemy of Rose Geranium

Beyond skincare, essential oil of and hydrosol Rose Geranium is a gentle but profound nervous system modulator. Unlike lavender, which primarily sedates, Rose Geranium restores equilibrium—balancing mood swings, adrenal fatigue, and hormone-related stress.

Hormonal Support of essential oil:

Eases PMS symptoms: massage onto the lower abdomen diluted with carrier oil or as a roll-on.
Menopause relief: cools hot flashes when misted on the skin.
Supports adrenal function: aids in stress recovery and regulates cortisol levels when inhaled or applied topically.

Emotional & Nervous System Support:

Rose Geranium essential oil and hydrosol can help bridge the gap between the mind and heart for overachievers and those disconnected from their emotions.
Acupressure Application: Apply to Heart-7 (Shen Men) to calm emotional turbulence or Kidney-6 (Zhao Hai)to nourish Yin and promote deep relaxation.
Mist onto the chest before deep breathing exercises to encourage emotional release and conection to self.

Rose Geranium In Your Daily Ritual

A well-crafted Rose Geranium hydrosol, and products formulated with pure, high-quality Rose Geranium essential oil, offer us a complete sensory and emotional care, inviting us to slow down, tune into our bodies, and rediscover that true luxury lies in quality, presence, and intention.