HISTORY INFORMATION: Herbal history is very distorted because of the confusion in plant names. There are over 250 species of pelargonium and, as the common name implies, this is supposed to be geranium. However, the scientific name clearly tells you that it is not. Many medicinal uses in aromatherapy literature were originally taken from herbals on the geranium plant called Herb Robert (Geranium robertanium) and Cranesbill (G. maculatum). Since this oil is not taken from a geranium, this information would not apply. Bulgaria is now making a true geranium (Geranium macorrhium) and it is named Zdravetz. Adding to the confusion, this oil has a rich history as a fragrance oil. The rose scent is what makes it is so valuable to this industry. The French began commercial production of geranium oil early in the 19th century. Then, the Island of Bourbon (now called Reunion) took over much of the production. This is where geranium bourbon got its name. Madagascar in recent years has started distilling a geranium much like the geranium of olden times. The rose scent is very fine. Geranium is regarded as a major fragrance oil that can be made to imitate most oils, and it is now produced all over the world.