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.
What are the benefits of Geranium essential oil?
Geranium oil has traditionally been used for a variety of purposes, including:
Treating acne, dermatitis, and inflammatory skin conditions
Nasal vestibulitis
Neurodegenerative disease
Menopause and perimenopause
Stress, anxiety, and depression
Shingles pain
Allergies
Wound care
Diabetes
Like many essential oils, researchers have been working to evaluate the potential health benefits of Geranium oil and its components.
How to use Geranium essential oil?
The 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.
Are there any side effects?
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 the 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.
The bottom line!
The 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 talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns before using Geranium oil, and don’t substitute any essential oil for a prescribed treatment.