The geranium essential oil is distilled from the fragrant leaves of Pelargonium spp. Of the many pelargonium species, rose-scented P. graveolens is the most popular, but some others such as P. odoratissimum, P. roseum, and P. radula are also used for distillation.
The almost colorless or green tinged essential oil is highly fragrant due to the many volatile compounds it contains, the main ones being geraniol, citronellal, nerol, limonene, linalool, isomenthone and myrcene. The oil has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, hemostatic and diuretic effect.
Geranium oil benefits and its uses
Not surprisingly, geranium oil is very popular in aromatherapy and herbal medicine for its health benefits, especially in relation to skin health and emotional well-being.
The oil is often used to adulterate the even more expensive rose oil. The oil pure geranium required for therapeutic use, and must be obtained from a reliable producer.
It can relieve stress and fatigue
Inhaling the sweet scent of geranium oil can lift your spirits, reduce fatigue, and provide a feeling of happiness and well-being. It has a positive effect on the body and mind, and you can enjoy this feeling with just a drop or two of this powerful oil.
When you feel stressed or depressed, or just need a stimulant, take a drop of oil on one palm and rub the palms together. Open your palms over your nose and inhale deeply.
It will instantly energize you and put you in a good mood. You can diffuse 2-3 drops of the oil in an essential oil diffuser to set the tone for the day.
Increases mental function
Along with geranium oil’s anti-stress action, it can improve your mental functioning and can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The presence of a toxic deposit called amyloid plaques in brain tissue is a marker for neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s disease. The chronic inflammation that results from its presence inflicts additional damage to brain tissue and drives the rapid progression of the disease.
Geranium oil is able to reduce inflammation in the brain by interfering with the production of pro-inflammatory substances. Inhaling geranium oil vapors has been found to be beneficial in increasing cognitive function and slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
Geranium oil is detoxifying
Many toxins from the environment enter our body through food and through the skin and respiratory tract. Some are formed within the body during normal metabolic processes. Some of the toxins are eliminated through the digestive tract, and sweat also plays a minor role.
But most of the toxic substances in the bloodstream are filtered by the kidneys and eliminated through the urine. Geranium oil is a diuretic; increases the production and elimination of urine. This facilitates the removal of not only toxic substances, but also excess salts and pathogenic bacteria from the body.
Diuretic substances play many roles. They help prevent kidney and urinary stones, as they considerably dilute the urine. Eliminating uric acid helps prevent gout, a painful condition that results from the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Removing excess sodium reduces water retention in the body and lowers blood pressure. It should be mentioned here that increased fluid intake should accompany the use of diuretics to avoid dangerous dehydration. It is also true in the case of geranium oil.
Geranium oil can stop bleeding from wounds
Geranium oil can be used to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds. When applied topically diluted in a carrier oil, the oil constricts the blood vessels and promotes the formation of blood clots to seal them off. This helps control blood loss not only from wounds but also from bleeding hemorrhoids.
It is strongly antimicrobial
The strong antimicrobial property of geranium essential oil can protect you from pathogens and infectious diseases. It is particularly effective as an antiseptic to disinfect cuts and wounds on the skin. When applied to scrapes and cuts, it stops bleeding quickly.
Wash the area with water to which 2-3 drops of geranium oil are added. Follow with the spot application of just one or two drops diluted in a carrier oil and cover the area with a simple bandage. This prevents bacterial infections in the wound and facilitates faster healing. Repeat once or twice a day until the wound heals completely.
The antimicrobial property is effective against fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and itching. After a bath, wash the affected area with water to which 5-6 drops of geranium oil are added. After drying the area thoroughly, apply a mixture of geranium oil diluted in olive oil in a thin layer. Continue until after the rash completely disappears.
Geranium oil is excellent for skin care
Our skin cells are continually shedding and replaced with new cells, but age and certain disease conditions slow down this process. Geranium oil promotes cell regeneration, ensuring that the skin is regularly renewed. The increase in collagen, the connective tissue protein that underlies the skin, helps maintain the smoothness and elasticity of the skin.
Fine wrinkles form when the collagen layer is damaged due to aging, sun exposure, the action of chemicals, and mechanical wear and tear caused by muscle activity and rough handling.
Gravity also pulls on the skin, leaving it limp and limp. The astringent effect of geranium oil can help tighten the skin and give it a smoother texture.
Acne, as well as minor cuts and abrasions, can leave scars that damage the smooth appearance of the skin. The healing property of geranium oil accelerates the repair and regeneration of the skin, quickly heals injuries and fades scars. It can also help with stretch marks and surgical scars. Add a few drops of the oil to your normal skin lotion or carrier oil. Apply it regularly as part of your skincare regimen.
Improves muscle tone
The astringent effect of geranium oil draws excess fluid from the skin and muscle tissue, tightening them and eliminating sagging. The diuretic action of the oil relieves swelling (edema) of the face, abdomen and extremities, significantly improving the tone of the skin and muscles.
Massaging the body with geranium oil is especially beneficial for those who have recently lost weight. Helps remove sagging skin where fat and muscle loss have occurred, giving you a leaner body. Mix 5-6 drops of geranium oil in a tablespoon of olive oil or jojoba oil and apply it all before bathing.
Geranium oil has a hormonal balancing effect
Geranium oil has a tonic effect on the body, regulates endocrine function and improves general well-being. Because of this, the essential oil has a positive effect on various organ systems, including the respiratory and circulatory systems. Inhaling the aromatic vapors can provide relief from physical and mental exhaustion. It also regulates the production of stomach acids and other digestive enzymes, improving digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Geranium oil is an effective pain reliever
It is the geranium oil is effective for pain, especially pain resulting from damage to nerves and peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, or autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Nerve compression also causes sharp and excruciating pain at times, as does shingles caused by the herpes virus and post-herpetic neuralgia. As nerve pain is often chronic, natural remedies are a better alternative to pain relievers that come with many side effects.
Massaging the affected area with geranium oil and using the oil in a diffuser can help reduce nerve pain. Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil and add 3-4 drops of the essential oil to make an analgesic massage oil. Use 5-6 drops of geranium oil and 3-4 drops of lavender in a diffuser to combine the pain-relieving effect with mild sedation, especially around bedtime.
It is a natural insect repellent
Geranium oil can be used as a natural insect repellent in and around the house. When trekking and camping, keep a small bottle of geranium oil handy to prevent fluttering and insect bites.
Mix 10 drops in a liter of spray water and spray all over yourself and around the store openings. As geranium oil is non-toxic, you can repeat the application without fear, but avoid getting it in your eyes.
In case of being bitten or stung, control the itching with geranium oil. Apply directly to the bite site after diluting with any carrier oil. You can soothe rashes and contact dermatitis too.
Warning: Geranium essential oil is considered hypoallergenic. However, test a small area for skin sensitivity before using it. Also, dilute it with carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil.
Considered safe for use in older children, this oil has a capillary restriction action that can have a negative impact on hypertensive people. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or taking prescription medications. The geraniol and linalool that occur in the essential oil are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep away from them.