- Geranium oil contains natural compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that may support skin healing, relaxation, and hormonal balance.
- Studies show geranium oil can help reduce stress, ease menopausal symptoms, and promote cardiovascular and immune health through aromatherapy or topical use.
- Recognized as Generally Safe for limited food use, geranium oil is also used in skincare, natural remedies, and as a plant-based insect repellent when properly diluted.
Geranium oil, also called rose geranium oil, is an essential oil extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant native to South Africa from the Geraniaceae family. It is prized for its floral scent and its wide range of therapeutic and cosmetic applications.
This essential oil contains active compounds such as citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone, which are responsible for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The chemical composition of geranium oil can vary depending on where the plant is grown and how the oil is extracted.
Research suggests that geranium oil may help balance mood, promote skin healing, support hormonal and cardiovascular health, and provide protection against microbes and inflammation. It is also commonly used as a natural insect repellent and in skincare products.
Health benefits
Geranium oil offers several health-promoting properties supported by scientific studies:
1. Antimicrobial effects
Geranium oil has strong antibacterial and antifungal activity. Studies show that it can act against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and other microorganisms. Its main components, citronellol and geraniol, disrupt microbial membranes, helping prevent infection and contamination.
2. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Geranium oil helps reduce inflammation and swelling. In animal studies, its effects were comparable to diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory drug. It also has powerful antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3. Pain relief properties
Geranium oil may help relieve pain by affecting nerve activity and inflammation. Experiments show that topical or nanoemulsion forms of the oil provide pain relief similar to morphine and diclofenac, making it useful for localized muscle or joint discomfort.
4. Cardiovascular support
Inhaling geranium oil has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate in laboratory studies. Its relaxing aroma may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can indirectly support heart health.
5. Antidiabetic activity
Studies in diabetic animals show that geranium oil can help lower blood sugar levels and improve liver glycogen storage. It may also slow carbohydrate absorption by inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, helping control post-meal blood sugar spikes.
6. Wound healing and skin regeneration
Geranium oil promotes faster wound healing and collagen formation. It is used in topical creams to help burns, scars, and skin lesions heal more quickly by reducing inflammation and encouraging new cell growth.
7. Immune system enhancement
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds in geranium oil help strengthen the immune system. Research suggests that citronellol and geraniol may block ACE2 receptor activity, which plays a role in viral infections, supporting overall immune defense.
8. Hormonal balance and menopause
Geranium oil can influence hormone regulation. Studies show that aromatherapy with this oil increases estrogen levels in perimenopausal women and helps manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. It may also ease premenstrual discomfort when used in massage oils.
9. Mental well-being
Aromatherapy using geranium oil is associated with lower anxiety and improved mood. Research in women during labor and menopause shows that inhalation or massage with geranium oil reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
10. Oral and dental health
Because of its antimicrobial properties, geranium oil can benefit oral health. Clinical research shows it can help reduce fungal and bacterial growth in cases of denture stomatitis and gingivitis, improving gum and mouth health.
11. Hepatic and renal protection
In studies on animals, geranium oil reduced inflammation in the liver and kidneys caused by medication toxicity. It also improved antioxidant levels and helped normalize liver enzyme and kidney marker levels.
12. Natural insect repellent
Geranium oil serves as a natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. The citronellol and geraniol in the oil effectively repel mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, offering protection for over two hours. It is commonly used in natural pest-control sprays and diffusers.
Types of geranium plants
There are about 280 species in the Pelargonium genus, and several are used to produce geranium oil.
The most common species are Pelargonium graveolens, known for its rose-scented leaves and pink flowers, and Pelargonium × asperum, a hybrid widely cultivated for commercial oil production.
Other related species include Pelargonium capitatum, P. roseum, and P. radens, each with its own scent and chemical profile. Different cultivars are grown in regions like Egypt, Reunion Island, India, and China.
How to use geranium oil
Geranium oil can be used in several forms for health, skincare, and relaxation:
1. Aromatherapy
Add 3 to 5 drops of geranium oil to a diffuser filled with water and let it disperse for 30 to 60 minutes. It blends well with lavender, bergamot, clary sage, and citrus oils. Inhaling the aroma may help reduce stress and promote emotional balance.
2. Topical application
Geranium oil must be diluted before applying it to the skin. Mix 1 drop with a teaspoon (about 5 mL) of carrier oil for facial care, or 2 to 3 drops for body massage. Suitable carrier oils include sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil. The diluted mixture can be used to calm irritation, moisturize the skin, or help minor wounds heal.
3. Bath use
Adding a few drops of diluted geranium oil to warm bathwater can help relieve stress, swelling, and mild skin irritation. This method provides both aromatic and topical benefits.
4. Herbal tea
Only the plant’s leaves, not the essential oil, can be used to prepare tea. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes. Geranium leaf tea has traditionally been used to support digestion, relaxation, and general wellness.
5. Food and preservation
Geranium oil is recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in foods. It is sometimes added as a natural preservative or flavoring. Studies show that adding small amounts of geranium oil to foods like mayonnaise can help reduce bacteria and prolong freshness.
Side effects and contraindications
Geranium oil is generally safe when used correctly, but it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Always dilute it before applying to the skin, avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes, and perform a patch test before use.
Because geranium oil can influence hormone levels, it should be used cautiously during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or by those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast or uterine cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids. It should not be applied to infants under three months old, ingested, or used in high concentrations, as it may be toxic if swallowed.