Geranium Essential Oil Benefits, Uses, Recipes and Safety

Geranium essential oil is gentle essential oil with a sweet aroma and plethora of health benefits because of its medicinal values. The oil can be used for health issues within and outside the body. Read all about the benefits and uses of this gentle wonder oil. 

What Is Geranium Essential Oil?

The essential oil of geranium is obtained by steam distilling the leaves of the multi branched shrub Pelargonium graveolens. This plant is native to certain provinces in South Africa and Mozambique. Here, the plant finds use in traditional medicine because of its therapeutic properties. The plant of Pelargonium graveolens is grown across the world and the oil is extracted due to its medicinal properties; however, different varieties of the oil have different fragrances, but more or less the same chemical composition.

This oil must not be confused with rose geranium oil. The compounds and composition of the compounds of essential oil of geranium from Tajikistan were published in the American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products in December 2014. The chemical constituents of geranium oil are more or less the same for geranium from other sources and regions. (1)

Geranium oil finds widespread use in cosmetics and perfumery. The oil, like most other essential oils, is used in aromatherapy – both inhalation and topical application – to treat several physical, physiological, metaphysical, and emotional and mental health-based issues. The role and significance of essential oils in aromatherapy and health care has been studied and published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Health far back in 1997. (2)

The oil of geranium is generally considered safe for use except if someone is allergic to certain compound in the oil. The oil is nontoxic, nonirritant and non-sensitizing. It has several therapeutic properties including tonic, cicatrizant, astringent, vulnerary and cytophylactic.

Name	Geranium Essential Oil
Botanical Name	Pelargonium graveolens
Native to	Mozambique, native to South Africa provinces and Zimbabwe
Properties	Antidepressant, tonic, cicatrizant, astringent, vulnerary, cytophylactic, deodorant, styptic, hemostatic
Main ingredients	Geraniol, beta citronellol, geranyl formate, limonene, menthone, geranyl butyrate, alpha-pinene, citronellyl formate, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, myrcene
Aroma	Herbaceous with hint of rose
Blends well with	Lavender, basil, rosemary, grapefruit, bergamot, lavandin, neroli, jasmine, wild orange, cedarwood, citronella, neroli, Clary sage and carrot seed essential oils
Category	Floral
Substitute	Rose geranium, chamomile, lavender or eucalyptus essential oils

Top 15 Geranium Essential Oil Benefits

The essential oil of geranium has several health benefits. Here we will look at the 15 health benefits of geranium oil.

1. It Has Astringent Properties

 What do substances with astringent properties do? These substances have the ability of contracting various body parts. Some of the body parts that are small and easy to contract are the skin, tissues, intestines, gums, blood vessels and muscles. Are you working hard to tuck your tummy?

Well, a rub with geranium oil on the tummy will help contract the stomach muscles and complement your efforts in the gym.

Some of the uses of these benefits are – it delays the muscles and skin from sagging, it prevents loosening of the gums and it strengthens the hair follicles. The best use of astringent properties is that it makes the oil an anti-ageing agent which delays the onset of wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Avoids Bacterial Growth

The oil of geranium has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that allow it to inhibit bacterial and microbial growth on open wounds. These wounds will get infected if it comes in contact with bacteria or microbes.

How is this beneficial? By avoiding microbial infection, the oil lets the immune system focus on its task of fortifying the immune capability of the body cells, rather than waste resources in fighting outside attacks. The antibacterial properties of the oil were established in a study published in the Current Medicinal Chemistry in 2003. (3)

SUMMARY

Study published in the year 2003 proved the antibacterial properties of geranium essential oil, which can be used to overcome bacterial infections.

3. Geranium Drives Insects Away

Geranium essential oil also has insecticidal properties that can drive away bugs, ants, mosquitoes and other pests. The Journal of Medical Entomology in March 2012 published a study that aimed to find the insecticidal properties of the essential oil. It was established that the presence of the compounds citronellol, geraniol, citronellyl formate and linalool made geranium repel parasites. (4)

Geranium essential oil is a popular choice among essential oils for ants, mosquitoes and other pests. due to its potent insect-repellent properties. The strong scent of geranium oil helps deter ants and disrupt their trails, making it an effective natural solution for keeping ants away from your home. By using geranium essential oil strategically, you can create a barrier that discourages ants from entering your living spaces.

SUMMARY

Geranium oil has been proven to be a good insecticide in a study done in 2012. The ingredients and its composition are the reason why this oil is effective in driving out pests.

4. Geranium Has Good Healing Abilities

The healing process of geranium essential oil helps it speed up the healing process in cases of cuts and bruises. Its vulnerary properties are utilized to heal surgical incisions as well. It is thought that several other therapeutic properties of geranium make it a vulnerary agent that helps wounds heal. A study evaluated some of the properties of essential oils including the oil from Pelargonium graveolens. And hence, geranium oil uses and benefits can treat skin disease. (5)

5. Reduce Blemishes with Oil from Leaves of the Geranium

A scar free skin is a dream for many. The ointment and creams from big brands are hard to get and expensive. Geranium oil, the same oil that helps speed the healing process, is a cicatrizant that helps the body fade away blemishes and scars. The scars can occur due to cuts, wounds, burns, surgeries, boils, pimples, pregnancy stretch marks etc. regularly applying geranium oil (especially with other essential oils and carrier oils) will gradually fade away the scars.

Applying this oil on the skin increases the blood circulation which distributes the melanin in the body. A study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the effect of geranium on the skin. (6)

SUMMARY

A published research has ratified the positive effect of geranium on the skin. The oil can be diluted and applied without any concerns to brighten the skin.

6. Geranium Oil Causes Urination

Why is it good to have diuretic properties? The substance that cases frequent urination is said to have diuretic properties. When a person urinates it not only rids the body of excess water, but also salts, uric acid, toxins, sugars, gastric acids, bile, certain pathogens and fats. Some other harmful things removed with urine are chemicals from the daily products and cosmetics. Along with excretion and perspiration, urination is a god way of ridding the body of toxins.

By removing excess salts (sodium) from the body, the blood pressure level is brought under control. By removing the bile and gastric acids the oil maintains the stomach and liver health. Geranium oil can be used for detoxification by people with gentle or sensitive skin.

7. Geranium Oil for Cellular Health

The oil of geranium stimulates cell health in the body. It also stimulates cellular regeneration, thus resulting in new cells to form in the body. This property is also useful in the reproductive health of the body.

8. Essential Oil For Hemorrhaging

The essential oil of geranium is an astringent which constricts the blood vessels and muscles. When applied on open wounds the oil causes the blood vessels to contract and stops hemorrhaging. This oil is also a hemostatic agent. What does that mean? Hemostatic agents check the bleeding and also lessen the clotting time.

Being a hemostatic agent, the oil speeds up the coagulation of blood which stops the blood from oozing out of the wound. Research has shown the hemostatic and astringent properties of geranium oil which are explained in the book “Geranium and Pelargonium: History of Nomenclature, Usage and Cultivation”. (7)

9. Geranium Smells Good

The aroma of geranium oil is floral and minty and thus has an uplift effect on the senses and the body. The pleasant aroma is utilized in manufacturing colognes, perfumes and deodorants. This oil is gentle on the skin and does not cause side effects. The floral scent of the oil also lasts for a long time. It has microbial properties and hence it eliminates the odor causing bacteria from the body.

The best part about using geranium oil as a deodorant is that it is circulatory oil, which means that the oil releases its aroma when the body perspires or it means that it exits the body via perspiration. This quality is useful for athletes and people who have outdoor work.

10. Effect of Essential Oil On Anxiety

The primary purpose of essential oils is in aromatherapy for lowering stress and anxiety. Geranium oil is a popular choice in aromatherapy because of its pleasant fragrance. It reduces stress and improves mental functioning. There are a few studies that looked into the anxiety reducing effect of geranium oil.

The first study published in the Journal of Caring Sciences in June 2015 evaluated how the inhalation of geranium oil affected progress of labor and other physiological parameters.

The study concluded that geranium oil can be used as a non-invasive anti-anxiety remedy. (8) A triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted to see the effect of geranium oil on heart patients. It concluded that inhaling the aroma of geranium is an easy to use method of lowering anxiety.

This study was published in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in November 2017. (9)

SUMMARY

Several studies and researches have been conducted on geranium oil and these studies have ascertained the effect that geranium has on mental health.

11. Geranium Oil for Nerve Health

Regular topical application of geranium oil can prevent neural degeneration or neurodegenerative disease. To fight against neural degeneration the body needs microglial cells which have anti-inflammatory properties. The stimulation or activation of these cells combat neuroinflammation in the neural pathways. The oil of geranium has shown that it activates these microglial cells.

The main chemical in the oil inhibits nitric oxide in the body thus making it good for anti-inflammatory medication. These properties of geranium essential oil and the microglial cells impact has been published in Journal of Functional Foods in its January 2010 edition. (10)

12. Geranium Combats Intestinal Worms

People who are affected with intestinal worms can use the oil from geranium plant as it has vermifuge properties. A study has proven the herbs that can be effective against intestinal worms. (11)

13. Tonic Effect of Geranium Oil

A tonic for the body boosts its performance. There are several systems and its functions that drive a body. For example the endocrine system regulates the secretion of enzymes and hormones; and, the digestive system releases gastric acids.

All these systems need to function properly for the body to be healthy. When all the bodily systems work at its best, it also results in better physical and mental growth.

14. Geranium Oil Enhances Skin

The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of the oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant are useful in treating and preventing diseases of the skin including acne and dermatitis. The oil is topically applied to cure skin problems. The oil can also protect the skin against sun rays. The photo-protective nature of the oil was proven in a study conducted in September 2018 and published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. (12)

15. Geranium Oil for Common Colds

Inhaling the aroma of geranium is useful in treating respiratory ailments including common colds. It can also treat other respiratory issues including acute rhinosinusitis and acute bronchitis. It aids in eliminating mucous and phlegm. This oil is good for both children and adults. A study on this topic was published on October 3013. (13)

10 Geranium Essential Oil Uses

1. Geranium Oil Reduced Anxiety And Stress

One of the common uses for geranium oil is to mitigate stress and anxiety. When diffused in the bedroom spaces its floral aroma has a calming effect on the mind. Just a few drops are enough to make anyone feel less worried and happier. It also controls negative emotions.

2. Geranium Treats Nerve Pain

Geranium essential oil has nervine properties, which can be used when someone is suffering from neuralgia, which is the pain running along the nerves. Dilute and apply the oil and massage it along the path of the nerves. It is also useful in curbing nervous disturbances and it significantly reduced spasms and convulsions. Geranium essential oil’s use in anti-inflammatory drugs is known. 

3. Get Better Sleep With Geranium

Geranium oil has a gentle floral aroma which can be calm the nerves and senses. It takes a person to a peaceful place, mentally, and thus induces good and deep sleep. It relaxes the body and lowers pulse rate which boost sleep and sleep quality, thus leaving one feeling refreshed the next day. It is also mixed with tea for good results, but consult doctor before ingestion. It is also used as massage oil for sleep.

4. Geranium Gives Hair Its Shine

Mix geranium oil for hair with henna, carrier oils (coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil) or any other hair care products, and apply on the hair. Doing this improves the texture of the hair strands and gives hair a shine, which enhances hair color. Geranium oil has soothing properties that nourish hair and help soothe irritated scalp conditions.

Mix geranium oil to your shampoo and conditioner. Adding geranium essential oil to carrier oils makes it safe and it can be applied to the skin and scalp.

5. Boost Mood in Aromatherapy with Geranium

Geranium has floral sweet scent that stimulates the limbic system thus relaxing the mind. It has antidepressant properties which calms the mind and body. It is diffused via an aroma diffuser in aromatherapy to relax the mind and rejuvenate the body. It can also be applied on the wrist or the collar of the shirt and inhaled.

6. Apply Geranium Oil on Wounds

Geranium has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Dilute the oil with carrier oils or regular cosmetic creams and apply on wounds to prevent infections. If left unattended the wounds may get septic. It is also applied on the scars to fade scar marks. 

7. Essential oil for Room Fragrance

Geranium oil in minute quantity can be used to enhance the aroma of the house. The oil, after mixing with water, can be stored in a spray bottle or spritzer. It can be used whenever the need arises i.e. whenever the home smells fouls or feels stale or when visitors come unannounced.

8. Geranium Oil as a Detoxifier

Geranium essential oil has the capability of purifying the blood by eliminating toxins. It can be used once in two weeks or at least once in a month to detoxify the body. How to detoxify? Massage the oil on the whole body and relax for a few hours before washing it off. It reduces inflammation.

9. Geranium Prevents bacterial Growth

Bacteria, fungus and biofilms grow on the skin particularly the scalp and face. It can cause acne breakouts in the face. It is always a good idea to maintain the skin health before any acne related problems arise. Cleaning the face regularly with the antibacterial oil of geranium removes these bothersome biofilms. Geranium oil regulates hormone secretion, soothes rash or burning sensation is a good treatment of acne. Adding geranium oil to your daily routine leads to healthy skin

10. Geranium Prevents Sagging of Skin

Usually skin sagging is a sign of ageing. But this ageing is fastened by lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking. The oil of Geranium has astringent properties which constrict the pores and tighten the skin. This property ensures that the premature ageing signs do not affect the skin.

How To Use Geranium Essential Oil

The benefits of geranium essential oil can be used in several ways to reap its health benefits.

• The oil can be added to aroma diffuser and its aroma inhaled.
• It can be added to bath water for a soothing bath.
• The oil is diluted and applied topically for aromatherapy and other benefits.
• Geranium is added to the last rinse cycle of the washing machine to get good smelling clothes.
• The oil can be applied on the wrist or sleeves and inhaled to control anxiety.
• It is diluted and store in a spray bottle and later used as an air freshener.

Recipes And DIY Tips For Geranium Essential Oil

Instructions

• Follow the drop count given in the recipe. Too much of the oil can cause irritation and nausea and too little of the oil will not be effective.
• Mix the oils well before use.
• Do not let raw oil touch the skin.
• Geranium essential oil blends well with most oils, but check if you have allergic reactions to those oils.

Outdoor Calming Blend

Ingredients

• Two drops of geranium oil
• 3 drops of bergamot
• 2 drops of cedarwood
• 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• Small roll-on bottle

Refreshing Blend for Aromatherapy

Ingredients

• 6 drops of sweet orange
• 3 drops of geranium
• Aroma diffuser

Floral Explosion Therapy

Ingredients

• 6 drops of lavender
• 6 drops of geranium
• 4 drops of Clary sage
• 3 drops of ylang ylang
• Aroma diffuser

Safety And Precaution While Using Geranium Essential Oil

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
2. While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
3. The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
4. Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
5. Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
6. Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
7. Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
8. Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
9. Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
10. Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
11. Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
12. Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
13. This oil may not be suitable for pregnant women or for women who are breastfeeding.
14. The oil may cause embryotoxicity; consult a doctor before use.
15. Always do a small patch test before topical application.
16. If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
17. The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
18. If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
19. Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used by those with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

• Farukh Sharopov. (2014). Composition of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil from Tajikistan. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271009228_Composition_of_geranium_Pelargonium_graveolens_essential_oil_from_Tajikistan.
   
• M Lis-Balchin. (1997). Essential oils and ‘aromatherapy’: their modern role in healing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9519666/.
   
• Kalemba, D.; Kunicka, A. (2003). Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Essential Oils. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cmc/2003/00000010/00000010/art00002. 
   
• A. Gallardo, M. I. Picollo, P. González-Audino, G. Mougabure-Cueto. (2012). Insecticidal Activity of Individual and Mixed Monoterpenoids of Geranium Essential Oil Against Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) . https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/49/2/332/905778. 
   
• D.Rivera, C.Obón. Volume 46, Issue 2, May 1995, Pages 73-93. The ethnopharmacology of Madeira and Porto Santo Islands, a review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/037887419501239A. 
   
• Ané Orchard and Sandy van Vuuren . (2017). Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/. 
   
• geranium oil blood styptic. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=-bR8GxQ6BU0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA40&dq=geranium+oil+blood+styptic&ots=4eM5mMwh5S&sig=QyQxm5xmwO9rv_t15UMdnjTjOQ8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=geranium%20oil%20blood%20styptic&f=false. 
   
• Fahimeh Rashidi Fakari, Mahbubeh Tabatabaeichehr, Hossian Kamali, Farzaneh Rashidi Fakari and Maryam Naseri. (2015). Effect of Inhalation of Aroma of Geranium Essence on Anxiety and Physiological Parameters during First Stage of Labor in Nulliparous Women: a Randomized Clinical Trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4484988/.  
   
• Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Volume 29, November 2017, Pages 201-206. Effects of geranium aroma on anxiety among patients with acute myocardial infarction: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117304309. 
   
• Journal of Functional Foods. Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2010, Pages 17-22. Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of geranium oil in microglial cells. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464609000796.  
   
• Adele Moreland. Vol. 46, No. 4 (Dec., 1975), pp. 183-189 (7 pages). Traditional Medicinal Uses of Ten Herbs in Relation to Their Current Pharmacognosy. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4607320. 
   
• Alka Lohani MPharm,Arun Kumar Mishra PhD, Anurag Verma PhD. (2018). Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12789. 
   
• Antje Timmer, Judith Günther, Edith Motschall, Gerta Rücker, Gerd Antes, Winfried V Kern. (2013). Pelargonium sidoides extract for treating acute respiratory tract infections. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24146345/.