Plant to Pore: Geranium

Pelargonium graveolens, or as we know her: Geranium, is a favourite flower of mine, I grew up with my Mother habitually growing geraniums in all of their bright colours across our garden and porch. The hearty blooms are super resilient to many failures whether it be under watering or overwatering, heat or chill; in fact, my mother in law has kept the same geranium plant alive for 25 years now! Their familiar earthy scent always feels like home to me so of course she is a garden staple that I have continued to plant in copious amounts in my adult years.

When I decided I wanted more out of my garden than just a salad, and thus began my herbalism journey, I made the call that I would only plant herbs and flowers that I could use for their benefits in Bella Binna Herbals skincare products. As I dove into research about each seed and seedling I procured, I prayed that geraniums would be on my list and not discarded from my garden plan as the lovely petunia. (A beautiful flower, but not suitable for internal or external bodily use.) Lo and behold, I was surprised about the vast list of benefits the beautiful geranium offers.

Geranium really looks after our scalps. This is a forgotten section especially during summer months where it is really easy to burn in the sun.

The flower can reduce dandruff, soothe irritation and itchiness, and also promote hair growth. It can help regulate sebum production, making it suitable for both dry and oily scalps, and can improve the overall health and appearance of our hair.

I first started with a geranium infusion (like a strong tea) for a formulation for a scalp spray and I was not disappointed. I have had quite a few clients try Bella Binna Herbals Garden Flower Scalp Spray and they all had rave reviews.

I spritz my scalp day and night, wet or dry hair because I find it so refreshing. A sensation that is hard to come by with scalp health! I have thick curly red hair and I find it is helping with controlling my frizz and dry scalp. As soon as I get out of the shower, I spray it all over me! I have noticed my hair will be smoother, shinier, and easier to manage.

Even the essential oil (always dilute essential oils before applying topically) can stimulate blood circulation which is key for our bodies to deliver nutrients and oxygen around ourselves. This is one of the contributors to hair growth.

With anti-fungal properties, dandruff is reduced. With anti-inflammatory properties, itchy/irritated scalp is eliminated.

Geranium nourishes hair, reduces the split ends, and helps us grow strong hair.

Geranium really helps us return to a healthy scalp which is the foundation of herbalism. Return to balance, the body will do what it knows to do. Try out the recipe below

Geranium Scalp Spray:

• 1/2 cup distilled water

• 1tbsp apricot kernel oil

• 1 cup strong geranium tea (made by filling a mason jar 3 1/4 way with fresh flowers or 1/2 way of dried. Pour boiling water over top and cover. Let steep until cool) Choose flowers that are healthy and full, and it is best to harvest in the morning after the plant is well rested and renewed.

• 2 tbsp aloe vera

• a splash of apple cider vinegar

• a few drops of geranium essential oil

• Add ingredients to a spray bottle

The shelf life depends on if you use a preservative or not and/or if it is refrigerated or not. With water based products, bacteria will grow if there is no preservative present. There are many natural options, in this case we are using apple cider vinegar. I still recommend to keep the bottle in the fridge and use up within a week. (If the contents become cloudy, do not use and discard.)

Warning: I do not use any chemicals in my garden. If you use any store bought chemicals in your garden, you can no longer use your plants safely on any part of your body.

Until next time, check out our products on the website so you can nourish yourself naturally with Bella Binna Herbals.