Pelargonium graveolens is not to be confused with the household variety of geranium, which is a completely different species. The best geranium is Bourbon Geranium, which comes from the island of La Reunion (previously known as Île de Bourbon), 500 miles east of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean. The island has the ideal climate and soil conditions for production of geranium. It is a greenish coloured oil, with a very strong, well-balanced odour. The difference between this oil and the Egyptian or Chinese is so significant that Absolute Aromas also stocks an Egyptian Geranium.

Geranium is an excellent balancing oil for all-round use and is especially popular with women. The odour of the Bourbon Geranium is quite powerful and it may dominate over other oils in a blend. Try blending 1 drop of Geranium with 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Mandarin in a teaspoon of Sweet Almond oil for use as a relaxing, refreshing bath oil. Alternatively, blend the same oils with two teaspoons of Peach Kernel oil for a special hydrating body moisturiser with a delicious aroma.

In a diffuser or burner, Geranium blends very well with the citrus oils. It is deodorising, cleansing and uplifting as well as having good insect-repellent properties.