Geranium Oil: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Geranium oil is a dynamic essential oil. You can use it for scenting, aromatherapy and skincare benefits. Geranium oil is extracted from the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens. It belongs to the Geraniaceae family and usually grows as a hairy shrub with pointed leaves and pink flowers.

The rosy, minty, soft floral aroma helps reduce stress and induces positive thoughts.
There are over 700 varieties of geranium growing out there and only a few of them produce good quality oil. This has made it vital to source it from a reliable essential oil wholesaler who gives genuine botanical origin details.

The benefits and uses of geranium oil have been appreciated for centuries and modern science has already started doing many studies to establish its efficacy for health and wellbeing.

Here’s everything you need to know about geranium oil including its benefits, uses, side effects, history, types and much more.

Types Of Geranium Oil

Depending on the method of extraction, geranium oil can be of two types.

• Geranium Essential Oil: This is a steam distilled extract and is often used for aromatherapy as well as in cosmetics and beauty products. Geranium essential oil is one of the most widely used geranium oils.

• Geranium Absolute Oil: This is a solvent extracted oil which is usually more concentrated than its essential oil cousin. Geranium absolute oil has a deeper aroma and is more prominently used for perfume making. 

Benefits Of Geranium Oil

Geranium oil contains a vast range of natural active compounds like citronellol, geraniol, linalol, and menthane which give it antiseptic, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-depressant properties. While the exact benefits vary with the variety of plants used for extraction, the following list of benefits will give you a generic idea of all the superpowers of this floral essential oil.

1. Prevents Fungus Growth

Some studies suggest that geranium essential oil has the power to disrupt the cell membrane of fungi, thus killing them. This prevents the development of any kind of infection and makes geranium oil and good anti-fungal essential oil.

Another research published in 2014 highlighted that geranium oil not only kills fungus but prevents bacterial growth as well. As a result, you can use it for creating antibacterial lotions and is also a great essential oil for toenail fungus and other related infections.

2. Natural Pain Relief Remedy

Geranium oil has natural analgesic properties which means it is effective and reducing pain and inflammation in various parts of the body.A research published in the American journal of medicine found out that massaging affected area with geranium oil could provide 25% reduction in pain within minutes.

Some other studies have also highlighted that even inhaling the aroma of geranium oil can reduce pain and discomfort. This is due to the soothing and relaxing properties of geranium essential oil’s scent.

3. Improves Mood

The aromatherapy benefits of geranium oil include reducing stress and feelings of depression and alleviating mood. Its sweet and floral scent can help you feel more positive and would remind you of an exotic vacation.

It also regulates the production of cortisol hormone which is responsible for the feelings of stress. This results in reduced feelings of sadness and depression.

4. Geranium Essential Oil Spiritual Benefits

Geranium oil’s aroma has an empowering aroma. It is particularly helpful in instilling feelings of confidence and self love. Other geranium essential oil spiritual benefits include grounding, centring, protection and improved intuition. It also works on the heart chakra and improves feelings of love and connection.

5. Reduces Body Odour

Body odour is often the result of bacteria development in the sweaty regions. Geranium essential oil combats odour causing bacteria and its astringent properties control sweat production.

The sweet and floral notes of geranium also mask and residual odour and acts as a natural deodorant.

6. Might Stop Minor Cuts Or Bleeding

A styptic is a substance that might stop bleeding by contracting the blood vessels. Some believe that geranium oil has styptic properties and hence can be used to treat minor cuts and wounds.

It causes vasoconstriction and reduces the blood flow to the affected area.
There is a lack of evidence to support this and hence should be approached with utmost care. It also soothes the tissues and expedites the healing process.

However, there is a lack of evidence supporting this and hence should be approached with utmost caution.

7. Geranium Essential Oil Aromatherapy Benefits

When used for aromatherapy, geranium essential oil can relax the mind, improve sleep and balance hormones. Many aromatherapists use it for emotional healing and alleviating the traces of past trauma. Many cultures use it for its aphrodisiac properties and to enhance intimacy.

8. Improves Oily Skin

Excess oil and sebum production could be a result of weather, hormones or skin’s texture. Geranium essential oil works on controlling excess oil and hence is a great addition to skincare products for oily skin.

Another preliminary study showed geranium oil to be particularly helpful in reducing pigmentation as well as early signs of ageing.

If these points were not sufficient for you to start formulating skincare products with Geranium essential oil, we’ve got a few more reasons.
It also protects from UVB radiation as well as provides photoprotective properties.

9. Oral Care

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of geranium oil make it a great addition to oral care products. It helps keep germs away and prevents any infections.
A clean and germ-free mouth acts will help you get rid of bad breath, oral diseases and infections.

10. Detoxifies The Environment

A lot of you might not know this but diffusing geranium oil not only scents the space but detoxifies the environment too. It helps get rid of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the air.

Geranium Oil Uses

Using geranium oil is actually quite simple. The easiest way is to add it to a diffuser and let its floral aroma fill your home with spring. You can make hair care products, soaps and cosmetics with it. Another great use of geranium essential oil is to make your own natural incense sticks. Here are 10 other ways to use geranium oil simply and effectively.

1. Wax melts
2. Hair masks
3. Reed diffuser oil
4. DIY Face serum
5. Aroma jewellery
6. Insect repellent spray
7. Deodorant
8. Surface cleaner
9. Grounding roll-on oil
10. Pillow mist

Side Effects Of Geranium Essential Oil

It is quite safe to use geranium essential oil, however just like most EOs, it is always advisable to use it with caution.

When applied to skin: Geranium is usually safe, but some people might experience sensitivity and allergic symptoms. Discontinue using if you feel any itching, redness or tingling sensation and consult a doctor.

When inhaled: It is safe to inhale it unless you are pregnant or lactating.

Other common side effects are:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomitting
• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness

Concluding Thoughts

Geranium is a flowering plant that has been used for natural healing since ancient times.

Modern science continues to look into its potential benefits and uses for health and wellness. While more research is needed to establish solid proof, geranium is considered to be helpful for stress, anxiety, bad breath, acne and body odour.
Check with a medical professional to understand if geranium oil is a good fit for you.