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A Brief Overview

Geranium flowers grow in many gardens throughout the United States and around the world. This fragrant perennial plant, taxonomically identified in the genus Pelargonium, is known for its distinctly powerful leafy-rose scent. There are over 250 natural species of Pelargionium with hundred of hybrids and thousands of cultivars (variety produced by selective breeding). Although commonly known as geranium, there is genus with the same name. The genus Geranium and the genus Pelargonium share the same family (Geraniaceae) but they are different from one another in their cultivation as well as their botanical features. Species of plant in Geranium are known to be hardy and can grow almost anywhere. Pelargonium species on the other hand are specifically cultivated and are of great commercial value. They can also be distinguished by their differing flower patterns.

Indigenous to South Africa, geranium was first introduced into Europe in the 17th century and later hybridized. These hybrid cultivars have a wide variety of scents, including rose, citrus, mint, coconut and nutmeg. The main species cultivated for the aromatherapy and perfume industry is Pelargonium graveolens, or rose geranium. This specific species is indispensable in the aromatherapy industry and highly prized in the perfume industry. Extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and branches, the rose geranium essential oil is used by aromatherapists to assist with a wide array of maladies such as mood swings, skin disorders and feminine menstrual irregularities as well as to balance feminine hormone levels during menopause. Rose geranium has similar chemical constituents as those present in rose oil, namely geraniol, linalool and citronellol, thus making it a favorable alternative for the perfume industry to the more expensive essential oil of rose petals. Such a fragrance is also widely used by the cosmetic industry as a component in soaps, detergents, creams and lotions. The essential oil itself is extracted from the leaves and branches of the plant. After cutting, a common practice is to partially dry the plants in order to increase the yield of oil.

The first geranium plants grown for the French perfume industry were planted in Algeria in 1847 and then in the 1880s extensive plantations were established in Reunion – an island in the Indian Ocean governed by France. Geranium oil is also cultivated in other parts of the world for its commercial value such as China, Egypt, Russia and Central America. The oil from China is thought to be similar to that of Reunion (known as Bourbon), while the Egyptian geranium is quite different. This is due to various soil and climatic conditions. The Bourbon variety, with its rich aroma, is considered to be the most important of the geranium oils.

Geranium Oil May Bring Hope to Hospitals

In recent years, the main media have reported on the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This week in the news is no exception. In the January 2010 issue of Microbiology, researchers from the National University of Ireland in Galway published their findings on how disinfectants might lead to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, especially in hospitals. It is standard hospital procedure to use surface disinfectants to prevent the spread of bacteria; if disinfectants are non-effective than antibiotics are used. The study looked at the response of the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (known to be the cause of many hospital infections) to increasing amounts of disinfectant. What they found were bacteria not only able to develop immunity from the disinfectant but also become resistant to ciprofloxacin (a commonly-prescribed antibiotic) without direct exposure to the drug. Researchers conclude that bacteria resistance to both controls could be a serious threat to hospital patients and thus urge medical practitioners to rethink how infections are handled.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are widespread in nature, inhabiting soil, water, plants, and animals. Yet these pathogens usually do not infect healthy human individuals, only those with compromised immune systems. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), P. aeruginosa accounts for 10.1 percent of all hospital-acquired infections and can be a cause of such diseases as pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bone and joint infections, gastrointestinal infections and bacteremia. These infections are considered complicated and possibly life threatening.

There are an increasing number of studies being published in peer-reviewed journals on the potent antimicrobial properties of essential oils, including geranium. A 2004 study (Burns 2004 Dec; 30(8): 772-7) found that geranium in combination with Citracidal (grapefruit seed extract) had great effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and in combination with tea tree was highly effective against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. These researchers concluded that essential oils serve as highly useful antimicrobial agents and in treatment of MSRA infection. A more recent study (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006 Nov 30; 6:39) found that essential oils, including geranium were effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including the ubiquitous bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Concluding Thoughts

Geranium, a common plant found in many gardens, is also of historical and now medical significance. Its traditional uses are well accounted and its therapeutic actions used for centuries. The pharmacological and clinical studies of geranium essential oil are steadily increasing. It is no small concern that individuals seeking hospital care are greatly threatened by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Medical researchers are currently investigating alternatives to conventional microbial treatments, with great attention given to the antibacterial properties of essential oils. It is clear that modern medicine must confront its limitations and refer back to plants and how they have developed a system of defensive antimicrobial chemicals over millions of years.

Author’s Note: When using essential oil for therapeutic purposes, it is important to find high quality oils. Her favorite resource is www.anandaapothecary.com

Overview

Sandalwood is one of the oldest aromatic materials, being acknowledged in ancient biblical and in Indian text as well as used in religious ceremonies throughout the ages. Botanically known as a small evergreen in the genus Santalum and family Santalaceae, this modest-sized tree (up to 10 meters) provides a great deal of commerce for India and to some extent Australia and is now being examined by the medical industry for its medicinal properties. There are several species of Santalum, but only a few are used commercially, most notably Santalum album (India) and Santalum spicatum (Australia). Other tress from such places as Polynesia and Fuji are in small numbers and in great decline. Oddly, other plants such as the Bead Tree or Candlewood are known as sandalwood but are not botanically parallel. Sometimes, non-related plants such as Red Sandalwood are used as fillers for the more expensive, genuine sandalwood.

Sandalwood from the Mysore region (known as “sandalwood city”) of southern India is generally considered to be of the highest quality sandalwood available, providing great commerce for this region of India. Of the traditional areas in Southeast Asia where sandalwood is found, India has been the front runner in creating plantations in which to continually harvest Sandalwood (The Australian Government has also set up reserves as well). Trade and harvest of Indian sandalwood is under strict regulation and the trees themselves are under government protection; only the government of India is permitted to own the trees. To produce commercially valuable sandalwood with high levels of fragrance oils, harvested Santalum trees are recommended to be at least 40 years of age, but 80 or above are preferred. However, trees at 30 years of age are still harvested but considered of inferior quality.

In order to retain valuable wood and oil found in the larger roots, trees are felled by uprooting, not cutting the truck. Unfortunately, many trees are illegally cut down and smuggled out of the country. In the last five years alone, the price of sandalwood oil has skyrocketed. This is mainly due to increased demand from the aromatherapy and cosmetic industry. The oil is revered by the perfume industry as being an excellent base and fixative for other high grade perfumes. The industry finds that sandalwood oil can blend well with other perfumes and when used as a base does not impart its own fragrance, thus making it a very popular ingredient for hundreds of perfume products.

Over the centuries, the use of sandalwood and its products have been an integral part of several religious cultures. It scent, either as an essential oil or ground as incense, is thought to bring one closer to the Divine. Hindus burn incense made from sandalwood oil in burial pyres and at funerals. It’s also used in temples to remind people of the heavenly realms. Yogis in India use the oil to anoint each other during ceremonies and before meditation as well deity statues often made of sandalwood itself.

Sandalwood Might be a Possible Solution to Antibiotic Resistance

Opposition to antibiotic use in food agriculture has been gaining momentum. In years past, it was known that severe illness-causing microbes such as Salmonella and E. coli could be contracted through eating contaminated meat. Now, it is proposed that contraction of bacteria, in this case antibiotic resistant bacteria, can possibly be transferred through ingestion, handling of industrial animal manure, as well as through drinking manure-contaminated ground water. With these scenarios coming to the surface, scientists and government officials alike are in alarm and strongly suggesting the decrease if not absolute elimination of non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in the meat industry. Recent media has brought attention to the proposed link between the steep increase of antibiotic-resistant microbes with use and perhaps misuse of antibiotics in agriculture. Modern industrial agriculture raises animals in tight often inhumane quarters which results in animals being much more susceptible to sickness and disease, thus the administration of antibiotics is very common. Because bacteria and other microbes can easily mutate (in as little as 20 minutes), it is no wonder that great concern is now mounting.

Concern for antibiotic-resistant microbes is worldwide. A need to find alternatives to conventional antibiotic treatment is rising. Essential oils have been gaining attention by research scientists for their antimicrobial properties. A collaborative study of researchers in Austria and Germany (Flavor and Fragrance Journal 2006 May/Jun; 21(3): 465-468) found that santalols of sandalwood (the main chemical components of sandalwood) in medium and/or high concentrations showed significant antimicrobial potential against the yeast Candida albicans, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Other Promising Uses

In a 2007 science review (Food and Chemical Toxicology 2008 Feb.; 46(2): 421-432), researchers found that sandalwood oil and its major constituents (namely alpha-santalol) have anticarcinogenic, antiviral and as well as bactericidal activity. Phenomenally, a study conducted by the Department of Virology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany (Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2007 May; 51(5): 1859-62) found that sandalwood essential oil exhibited virulence against isolates of drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1. The dreadfulness of virulence spread by mosquitoes is well-known, especially in Africa and South America. Mosquito-borne diseases include such maladies as malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis and yellow fever. Conventional mosquito treatment relies on chemical pesticides which are often administered in water where mosquito larvae reside. Yet, the risks to people and the environment are well established. Naturally derived insecticides, especially from aromatic plants and their essential oils was recently investigated at Omar Almuktar University, Elbieda, Libya, Africa (Parasitology Research 2006 Sep; 99(4): 466-72). Sandalwood essential oil (as well as other essential oils) induced 100% mortality of various mosquito larvae species within 24 hours or less.

Summing It Up

It is rather evident that the value of sandalwood extends across centuries and continents. It is revered by various religions, scientists, aromatherapists and perfume enthusiasts alike. What is remarkable is that uses of plants and their essential oils are bringing such world-wide engagement as their promising applications are uncovered in scientific research. A need for alternatives to conventional antibiotics as well as insecticides is clear. As less-than amiable agriculture practices surface and resistance to current antimicrobials increase, it is apparent that humankind will revert back to solutions found in nature and perhaps make a more diligent effort to conserve the very earth that sustains us.

Pets can benefit from flower essence therapy. Enjoy learning more in this comprehensive flower essence healing chart.

Colorful Description

What do modern medical researchers, bees, the Bible and the Queen of England have in common? Well, as you can probably guess from the topic, it is the recognition that lavender possesses exceptional properties for health and wellness. Medical researchers are now investigating the components of lavender oil that have been used for centuries as a stress and anxiety reducer, an insect deterrent and as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. Honey bees have quite an affinity for the pollen of lavender plants; commercial production of lavender honey is well prized. Lavender was one of the herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence and mentioned in the Song of Solomon as an admirable herb. Queen Elizabeth I was known to use lavender as a tea to treat her frequent migraines. It is now recognized by the medical industry that alternatives to conventional treatments are needed and that lavender is a good candidate for safe and effective applications.

A general tem of just lavender oil is a bit misleading, for one could misconstrue that all lavender is the same. This is far from the case. The lavenders (genus Lavendula) are characterized as having 39 species of flowering plants (as well as countless variations within individual species) classified under the mint family Lamiaceae. Traditionally indigenous to mountain zones of the Mediterranean, today lavender is also successfully cultivated in parts of France, Italy, England as well as Australia and the United States. Aromatherapists distinguish Lavendula species based upon their medicinal properties and thus their uses. Most noted are species collectively called true lavender (L. angustifolia, L. vera, L. officinalis) which can be grown and distilled at higher altitudes and thus gained a reputation as being the best quality. Properties of the true lavender include calming, sedative, analgesic (relieves pain), antibacterial, immune-system enhancer as well as good for burns. The other two commonly used groups are spike lavender (L. latifolia, L. spica), a high-yielding essential oil used for respiratory infections, muscular aches and pains and as an insect repellent and Maritime Lavender (L. stoechus), used for its mucolytic (expectorant) and antimicrobial properties and known for being high in ketones (characterized as having wound healing properties; derived from an alcohol).

Sedative Effects of Lavender