Deep in the southern Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar is a beautiful volcanic island known for its lush tropical rainforests, colorful coral reefs, and idyllic white-sand beaches. It’s called Réunion Island, and for more than a century, it’s been recognized by the world’s perfume houses as the source of the finest Geranium essential oil. In fact, Geranium Bourbon—a unique variety native to Réunion Island—is considered to be the benchmark by which all other Geranium oils are judged.
Although the oil was once exclusively produced in Réunion Island, today Young Living Geranium Bourbon essential oil is extracted from steam-distilled plants grown and harvested in nearby Madagascar. It takes 900 pounds of flowers, leaves, and stems to make a single liter of the oil. But the work is well worth it to produce that exquisite lush, floral aroma loved by perfumers and essential oil enthusiasts around the world.
How do you pronounce Geranium Bourbon?
When you see the word “bourbon,” you might think of the liquor by the same name. But Geranium Bourbon is actually a nod to Réunion Island’s previous name, “île Bourbon.” And as such, you pronounce the essential oil slightly differently: Geranium /bur-bone/.
How is Geranium Bourbon different than our signature Geranium essential oil?
Geranium Bourbon does have the same species name as Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens. However, Geranium Bourbon essential oil comes from plants grown and distilled in Madagascar in the southern Indian Ocean. The unique growing conditions in this region result in an essential oil that has a distinct aromatic constituent profile and therefore a different aroma from Geranium essential oil sourced from Egypt.
Geranium Bourbon oil has a distinctly sweeter and more complex scent than Egyptian Geranium, with rosy undertones reminiscent of Rose essential oil.
Benefits of Geranium Bourbon oil
Geranium Bourbon is prized for its countless benefits in aromatherapy. Here are a few reasons why this oil deserves a spot in your collection.
- Helps promote a natural glow when applied topically to the skin
- Creates an uplifting atmosphere when diffused
- Adds shine and luster when applied to hair
- Can be diffused during yoga or meditation to lull the mind into a sense of comfort
- Supports the appearance of healthy-looking skin when added to serums or moisturizers
- Promotes feelings of stability with its soothing scent
- Blends well with Orange, Vanilla, and Peppermint oils
- Can be used as a middle note to balance out your DIY perfume blends
Ways to use Geranium Bourbon
Whether you use Geranium Bourbon to make your home smell amazing or for its benefits to skin and hair, this fresh, floral oil is a wonderful addition to your toolkit. Read on for some of our favorite ways to use it!
Geranium Bourbon diffuser blends
Geranium Bourbon’s uplifting, rose-like aroma will make your home smell like a greenhouse in full bloom. While you can diffuse it on its own for its pleasant floral fragrance, it pairs especially well with citrus, floral, and woodsy oils.
Spring in Your Step
In need of an aromatic pick-me-up? Diffuse lush Geranium Bourbon with the soothing scent of Lavender and bright notes of Bergamot for a cheerful combination to help you turn your day around.
- 4 drops Geranium Bourbon essential oil
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
Citrus Bloom
Transport your senses to a blossoming citrus orchard with the delicate, floral aroma of Geranium Bourbon, sweet and citrusy Orange, luxurious Vanilla, and woodsy Northern Lights Black Spruce.
- 3 drops Geranium Bourbon essential oil
- 3 drops Orange essential oil
- 3 drops Vanilla oleoresin
- 1 drop Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil
Skin care enhancer
Looking for ways to enhance your hydrating skin care ritual? Add a few drops of Geranium Bourbon to your favorite face cream, essence, serum, or lotion for an enriched, natural glow.
We personally love adding this skin-loving essential oil to BLOOM™ by Young Living or ART® skin care products as part of a daily routine. These product lines contain other essential oils that give your skin the appearance of a gorgeous, dewy finish. Another bonus? They are made without common synthetics that can be found in other skin care brands.
Outdoor spray
Combine Geranium Bourbon with Citronella essential oil and water (or alcohol-free witch hazel) to make a wonderfully light and fresh outdoor spray. If your outdoor furniture cushions need a little refresh, simply spritz this all over them and you’re good to go!
Hair perfume
Never heard of hair perfume before? You’re missing out! Hair perfume not only keeps your hair smelling clean and fresh but can also help to nourish your strands. Try this recipe for shiny, healthy-looking hair that smells irresistibly sweet and floral.
What you’ll need:
- 8-ounce spray bottle
- Rose water or distilled water
- 1 tablespoon argan or jojoba oil (if you don’t want to use a hair oil, substitute with 100 percent aloe vera gel)
- 5 drops Geranium Bourbon essential oil
- 3 drops Orange essential oil
- 3 drops Vanilla oleoresin
- 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
Instructions:
- Add oils into spray bottle.
- Top off with rose water or distilled water.
- Shake mixture and spritz lightly onto dry hair.
YL tip: Not interested in using perfume on your hair? Make your own roller perfume instead by adding Geranium Bourbon, Orange, Vanilla, and Bergamot to a 10 ml roller bottle and topping off with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex. We recommend using the same number of drops as above, but feel free to adjust the amount to your scent preference.
Want more ways to incorporate floral oils into your everyday life? Read this blog post for 30 tried-and-true tips.
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