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Geranium essential oil is derived by steam distillation of the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant species native to South Africa. According to folklore, it was used for a wide range of health conditions.
Geranium oil is grown in many regions, including Europe and Asia. There are many varieties and strains of the pink flower with a fresh, floral fragrance. Each variety differs in scent, but is near-identical in terms of composition, benefits, and uses.
Geranium oil is widely used as an ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics. The essential oil is also used in aromatherapy to treat a number of health conditions. In aromatherapy, essential oils are inhaled using a diffuser, or diluted with carrier oils and applied to the skin for soothing benefits.
Researchers have examined the benefits of geranium essential oil in several human and animal studies. There’s also anecdotal evidence about its benefits. It’s thought to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties.
Geranium essential oil has been well researched for some conditions, but is less researched for others. Make sure to check with a doctor before using it, and don’t substitute geranium essential oil for a prescribed medication or treatment.
Geranium oil may be beneficial for the following conditions:
Acne, dermatitis, and inflammatory skin conditions
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Geranium essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it beneficial for a number of inflammatory conditions, including those affecting skin.
One
Edema
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Anecdotal evidence indicates that adding geranium essential oil to bath water may be a good way to treat this condition. More research is needed to investigate the effects of geranium essential oil on edema.
Nasal vestibulitis
Nasal vestibulitis is an uncomfortable condition associated with cancer drug treatment.
A small observational study and anecdotal evidence suggests geranium essential oil may ease nasal symptoms caused by this condition, such as bleeding, scabbing, pain, dryness, and sores.
For the study, geranium essential oil was mixed with sesame oil and used as a nasal spray in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Infection
Multiple studies suggest geranium essential oil may fight off bacterial infections. Geranium essential oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it effective against multiple bacterial strains.
One
Neurodegenerative disease
Certain neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are associated with varying degrees of neuroinflammation.
A study found that high concentrations of citronellol, a component of geranium essential oil, inhibited nitric oxide production, reducing inflammation and cell death in the brain.
According to researchers, geranium essential oil might have benefits for people with neurodegenerative diseases that include neuroinflammation.
Menopause and perimenopause
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Researchers theorized that geranium essential oil might be of value for women experiencing reduced estrogen and health-related symptoms caused by menopause and perimenopause.
Stress, anxiety, and depression
Aromatherapy is becoming more and more mainstream, even in hospital settings. A
Anecdotal evidence also suggests geranium essential oil may promote relaxation and alleviate depressive mood. One
Shingles pain
Shingles often result in postherpetic neuralgia, a very painful condition affecting the nerve fibers and skin that run along a nerve.
One study found that topical application of geranium oil significantly reduced postherpetic neuralgia pain within minutes of application. These effects were temporary, and required reapplication as needed.
Allergies
According to one
Anecdotal evidence suggests that topical use may reduce itching caused by allergic reactions. This is because of the anti-inflammatory action of this essential oil.
Wound care
Anecdotal evidence suggests that geranium essential oil may be beneficial for stopping minor wounds from bleeding. It may do this by speeding up coagulation, and by causing blood vessels to contract. It’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties are also beneficial for healing.
Diabetes
Geranium essential oil has long been used in Tunisia as a folk remedy treatment to reduce hyperglycemia.
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Humans should not consume geranium essential oil. Research in humans is still needed, but aromatherapy added to a diffuser or applied topically might have the same effect.
Geranium essential oil and rose geranium essential oil come from different varieties of the Pelargonium graveolens plant species.
They have almost identical compositions and properties, making them equally beneficial for health. Rose geranium essential oil has a slightly more floral scent, which is similar to that of roses.
Geranium essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sesame oil, and used topically on the skin. You can use it as a spot treatment for acne or itchy skin, or as a massage oil.
Some carrier oils may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin. Prior to using, do a patch test on a small area to make sure it doesn’t cause a reaction.
When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s important to follow these dilution guidelines. For adults, start by mixing 15 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil. This will equal a 2.5 percent dilution. For children, 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil is a safe amount.
As an aromatherapy treatment, you can dab geranium oil on paper towels, or on cloth you don’t mind staining. You can also place it in a room diffuser, to scent a large space. There are also personal-use diffusers, such as aroma inhaler sticks, that you can fill with oil and breathe in on-the-go.
Essential oils should never be swallowed.
When used correctly, geranium oil is considered safe for most people to use. Some people may experience a rash or burning sensation when using it on the skin. Never use any essential oil on skin unless it’s diluted with a carrier oil.
Small amounts of geranium oil are sometimes added to baked goods, and it is fine to ingest small quantities. The effects of ingesting large quantities of geranium oil are not known.
You can buy rose geranium oil anywhere you find essential oils, such as health food stores and holistic pharmaceutical shops. Check out these products online.
If you have several weeks to spare, you can make geranium oil at home:
- Snip about 12 ounces of rose geranium leaves off the plant.
- Fill a small, clear glass jar around halfway up with olive or sesame oil and submerge the leaves, covering them completely.
- Seal the jar tightly and place on a sunny windowsill for a week.
- Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a different glass jar. Leave the geranium leaves behind.
- Add an additional supply of fresh geranium leaves into the oil.
- Seal the new jar and again leave it on a sunny windowsill for one week.
- Continue these steps each week for an additional three weeks (total of five weeks).
- Pour the essential oil into a bottle that can be kept tightly closed. Keep it in a cool, dry place and use within one year’s time.
There are many essential oils that contain health benefits that you can try, based on the specific condition you wish to treat. Some essential oils you may wish to try include:
- lavender for depression, anxiety, acne, and skin irritation
- chamomile for sore muscles, pain, and swelling
- peppermint oil or clary sage for relief of menopausal symptoms
Geranium essential oil has been used to treat health conditions for centuries. There is scientific data indicating that it may be beneficial for a number of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, infection, and pain management. It’s thought to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Always check with a doctor before using an essential oil, and don’t substitute an essential oil for a prescribed treatment.
FAQs
What are the side effects of geranium oil for skin? ›
Rose geranium oil is usually applied to the skin. Some people can develop a rash or burning sensation when it is applied to the skin. Rose geranium oil can also cause eye irritation if applied to the face.
Can geranium oil be applied directly to the skin? ›Geranium essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sesame oil, and used topically on the skin. You can use it as a spot treatment for acne or itchy skin, or as a massage oil. Some carrier oils may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
What properties does geranium have for skin? ›Calm: Geranium oil is highly soothing when applied to your complexion. Used topically, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can purify and soothe your skin. “It even provides your skin with a dose of radiance”, says De Couic Marinier. Irritation can wreak havoc on your skin.
Is geranium anti aging? ›It Can Help Fight the Signs of Aging
Geranium is one of the most highly effective essential oils for aiding in this process. This is due to the fact that it can minimize the look of wrinkles by tightening and firming the skin, thus slowing down the visual effects of aging.
Geranium oil
It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce dark spots and skin discoloration, especially acne scars. “Geranium oil is very effective in lightening scars, blemishes, and dark spots”, suggests Dr Dadu. It helps to heal damaged skin as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Some people believe that sipping geranium tea can help ease indigestion. However, you should avoid consuming too much fresh geranium as the oxalic acid in the plant (which imparts the flavorful tang) may cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Who should not use Geranium Essential Oil? ›Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Geranium Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development.
What are the healing properties of geranium? ›In folk medicine geranium oil has been used as a pain reliever, sedative, antimicrobial, antifungal and to relieve spasms. Geranium has also been used to help with nervous tension and symptoms of menopause. Other folk uses include treatment of wounds, fever reduction, hemorrhoids, gonorrhea,5 inflammation and diarrhea.
Is geranium oil good for hair growth? ›Geranium Oil for hair has long been used to encourage hair growth by nourishing the scalp and regulating sebum and natural oil production. Dandruff can appear for two reasons: when your scalp is dry or when your sebaceous glands create too much oil.
Does geranium tighten skin? ›Found in our natural Face Cream, geranium oil naturally firms up facial skin, and is used dermatologically to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because it naturally tightens skin without reducing moisture and suppleness, it minimises many of the common signs of aging skin.
Which Geranium Essential Oil is best for skin? ›
Rose geranium oil is known for its dermatological use for the treatment of aging, wrinkled and/or dry skin. (4) It has the power to minimize the look of wrinkles because it tightens facial skin and slows down the effects of aging.
Does geranium have estrogen? ›Geranium falls under the category of "estrogen balancer", although to my knowledge, the exact mechanism by which this oil affects the pituitary/adrenal/ovarian axis is unknown.
What does geranium oil do for the brain? ›It prevents neural degeneration and disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. It can also be used as an effective tonic for your system as it stimulates the secretion of bile, hormones, and enzymes. Lastly, geranium essential oil is also used as a deodorant due to its pleasing smell and lack of harmful side effects.
Is geranium oil good for under eyes? ›Geranium Essential Oil For Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Geranium oil is rich in natural properties that help in skin tightening and reduce the issues of puffy eyes. Thus it can be used to reduce puffy eyes. Geranium oil can also promote blood circulation around the eyes, and reduce fluid retention.
Geranium addresses many female hormone issues by balancing estrogen and progesterone deficiency. It regulates and restores the adrenal and cortisol function, thus managing stress, alleviating fatigue, salt cravings, afternoon energy slumps, and menopausal symptoms.
What is the best oil for dark spots on body? ›Rosehip seed oil, vitamin E oil (found in almond oil) and argan oil are some of the best carrier oils to use in your everyday skincare routine to reduce the appearance of dark marks.
What oil is best for face? ›“Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils including marula, hemp seed, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, argan, sweet almond, tea tree and jojoba may be good options for those with oily or acne-prone skin,” she explains.
What essential oil helps age spots? ›- Frankincense oil. Research indicates that Frankincense can help reduce dark spots, reduce scar visibility, improve complexion, and can support cell turnover. ( ...
- Pomegranate oil. ...
- Geranium oil. ...
- Lemon oil. ...
- Ylang-ylang oil. ...
- Evening Face Serum For Better Skin Tone.
Annual geraniums, which mainly come from South Africa and are sensitive to frost, are mildly poisonous to pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. These plants are known as pelargoniums and contain small amounts of the toxic compounds geraniol and linalool.
Is geranium oil a blood thinner? ›Geranium Oil can stop bleeding in two ways: it causes blood vessels to contract and helps stop blood flow and it speeds up coagulation or clotting of blood.
Is geranium good for high blood pressure? ›
These results suggest EOPG inhalation might lower blood pressure and heart rate, with the expressed effects associated with the transfer of components such as linalool into the brain.
Is geranium oil good for wrinkles? ›Geranium oil's astringent effect allows skin tissues to tighten and contract, significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also has antioxidant effects to slow down skin aging, helping you look younger. This oil is such a simple addition to your skin care rituals.
Is geranium oil antifungal? ›Geranium and melissa oils exhibited highest antifungal potential.
Do mosquitoes hate geranium oil? ›Geranium Oil
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is high in the constituent geraniol. This repels mosquitoes for a short amount of time.
Inhaling Geranium essential oil's sweet aroma can support emotions by creating a calming and grounding effect. The aroma of Geranium essential oil can also help lessen feelings of stress and calm nerves. The beautifying properties of Geranium oil can be used to promote healthy-looking hair and skin.
What are the symptoms of geranium deficiency? ›The plants appear stunted with light green lower leaves, while the upper leaves remain green. With prolonged N deficiency, yellowing (chlorosis) of older or lower leaves occurs. This is followed by leaf tip death and leaf margins developing a brown discoloration (necrosis). In some instances the leaves fall off.
What chakra is geranium? ›Geranium essential oil helps us to open and connect with the greater capacity of our heart chakra. With an open and uninhibited Anahata chakra we have access to self-love, compassion and self-healing.
What oil grows hair the fastest? ›Castor oil is the best oil for hair growth. It keeps your hair moisturized and helps in better blood circulation to the scalp. Castor oil can be mixed with some another lighter oil to improve its thick density.
What essential oil is good for belly fat? ›Some of the most effective and proven essential oils for weight loss include lemon, ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass, juniper berry, peppermint, bergamot, grapefruit, fennel and rosemary oils. This essential oil can aid weight-loss efforts in two ways, both by stimulating the metabolism and improving digestive health.
What oils make your hair grow really fast? ›A number of essential oils including lavender, rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood are effective in boosting hair growth. Some carrier oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, etc. can also be used to improve hair growth.
What oil tightens loose skin? ›
- Geranium.
- Patchouli.
- Frankincense.
- Myrrh.
- Neroli.
- Tea Tree.
- Rosemary.
- Lemon.
Laser resurfacing This is the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin. Unlike the laser treatment described above, this procedure requires some downtime. You'll need to stay home for 5 to 7 days. Laser resurfacing also gives you the fastest results.
Which carrier oil is best for tightening skin? ›Coconut MCT Oil
Coconut is one of the best carrier oils for skin firming because triglycerides make the skin tauter, providing an excellent base for massage oils and cosmetics. Coconut MCT oil is easily absorbed and penetrates deeply into the skin, leaving it hydrated, stronger, and nourished.
Geranium can help to level out and brighten skin tone by balancing hormones and sebum production.
Is geranium oil good for hyperpigmentation? ›Apply geranium oil to skin to help fade scars and dark spots. By increasing blood circulation right below the skin's surface, geranium oil helps to distribute melanin, which can aid in reducing the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.
What mixes well with geranium essential oil? ›- Blends Well With. Bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, clove, cypress, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lemon, mandarin, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.
- Packaging. 1/2 oz. ...
- Precautions.
Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Geranium Essential Oil without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development.
Can geraniums cause skin irritation? ›There are several types of skin irritant plants, some of which cause allergic reactions. Geraniums, tomatoes, roses, and even our holiday favorite, the poinsettia, have the potential to cause skin irritation.
Can geranium oil cause a rash? ›Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported most commonly to geranium oil but also in growers/gardeners (deadheading). Has been reported to cause contact dermatitis from a leg ulcer dressing. Cross-reactions: Lemon grass (citronella).
How do you use geranium oil on your face? ›Add two drops of geranium oil to your face lotion and apply it twice daily. After a week or two, you may just see the look of your wrinkles begin to fade away.
Is geranium good for eczema? ›
There is evidence that essential oils such as tea tree, chamomile, clove, and geranium may have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects. These properties may help ease some eczema symptoms.