The Power Of Scent: How Geranium Supports Mind, Body and Mood
Aromatherapy draws on the natural properties of botanical oils to support both emotional and physical wellbeing. Working through the close connection between scent, memory and the nervous system, it offers a subtle yet effective way to influence mood, restore balance and create moments of calm.
To explore this more deeply, we spoke with therapist, Lou Riby, to understand how specific botanicals, particularly geranium, can help bring a sense of equilibrium to both mind and body.
Why does scent have such an immediate and powerful impact on mood compared with other senses?
The sense of smell is one of our most primal senses and is closely linked to the limbic system, the oldest part of the brain responsible for emotion and instinct. This is why scent can feel so immediate and powerful. When we enter a space, smell is often processed before we’re even consciously aware of it, and it can quickly trigger emotional responses or memories we’ve associated with that fragrance in the past.
In aromatherapy, geranium is often described as “balancing”. What does that truly mean in emotional and physiological terms?
Geranium is widely valued for its ability to support balance both physically and emotionally. In skincare, it is known for its antiseptic and astringent qualities, helping to regulate sebum production, making it useful for both dry and oily skin.
From a physiological perspective, it is considered supportive of the adrenal cortex, which plays a key role in regulating hormonal activity throughout the body. This is why geranium is often associated with hormonal balance, particularly during times such as PMS or menopause, although its effects are not limited to women’s health alone.
How does geranium interact with the nervous system, and why is it often associated with emotional steadiness?
Geranium is often described as both uplifting and calming. It is considered an antidepressant and nerve tonic, while also having gentle sedative qualities. This combination is thought to help steady the nervous system, easing emotional fluctuations and supporting a more balanced overall state.
Are there particular emotional states or times of life where geranium can be especially supportive?
Geranium is useful during periods of emotional or physical transition. It can feel particularly supportive during illness, when emotional resilience may be lower, as well as during hormonal shifts such as PMS, menopause, or post-pregnancy recovery. Many people also report it helpful during periods of general stress or emotional fatigue, due to its uplifting yet grounding qualities.
Can you explain how scent layering works in aromatherapy, particularly in a blend that aims to both calm and uplift?
Scent layering in aromatherapy is about combining complementary oils, so they work in harmony. Rather than relying on a single effect, the blend supports multiple systems at once. For example, geranium may help uplift mood while also supporting physical balance, while other oils, such as lavender and peppermint, can deepen relaxation or enhance clarity. The mixture creates a more rounded emotional and physical experience.
Are there any traditional or historical uses of geranium in herbalism or perfumery that deepen our understanding of its emotional resonance?
Historically, geranium has been regarded as a powerful, restorative plant; ancient civilisations valued it for its perceived healing properties.
Herbalists and early medical writers such as Nicholas Culpeper used planetary symbolism as a way of describing a plant’s qualities and energetic “personality”, rather than anything scientific or literal. Culpeper likened the geranium plant to Venus, the goddess of beauty and prosperity, suggesting the plant possess qualities of balance and wellbeing.
How might incorporating a balancing scent into a daily ritual affect long-term wellbeing?
Incorporating scent into everyday rituals can create consistent moments of emotional reset throughout the day. For example, using a botanically scented body wash allows you to inhale the fragrance in the shower, which can have an immediate emotional effect. Following this with a body oil helps the oils absorb into the skin, extending their sensory and physical benefits.
How would you recommend using a geranium-led fragrance to support balance during a demanding day?
A simple way is to use our Geranium Hand Balm throughout the day. Applying it to the hands and taking a few slow, deep breaths allows the fragrance to be inhaled directly, offering a quick moment of calm and emotional grounding during busy or stressful periods.