Is there anything better than treating yourself to a you-day with a skincare routine that leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, calm and while enjoying the aroma of the floral and minty scents of geranium essential oil?
What is geranium essential oil?
Geranium comes from a large family of flowers. The specific geranium that is cultivated to produce geranium essential oil is the Pelargonium graveolens. The plant grows into a large multi-branched shrub and is native to Cape provinces and northern provinces of South Africa.
The flowers' color may vary from pale pink to almost white, and the leaves may be strongly rose scented. The oil is produced through a steam distillation process and has been used for a variety of health benefits. Geranium is widely used in perfumes and cosmetics and has also played a role in aromatherapy to treat a variety of health conditions, which we will unpack in this article.
Researchers have done extensive research on the benefits of geranium essential oil, and it is thought to contain antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and astringent properties.
Geranium essential oil - quick facts
🌸 Latin name: Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium asperum
🌸 Country of origin: 🇿🇦 South Africa
🌸 Scent note: Middle
🌸 Annual production: 300-350 tonnes per year
🌸 Popular uses: Calm, balance
How is geranium essential oil made?
Geranium essential oil is extracted from the stems, leaves and flowers of the geranium plant. The oil is extracted through a steam distillation process where steam is injected into the plant containing the oil. The steam releases the plant’s aromatic molecules and turns them into vapor. The vaporized plant compounds are then placed into a condenser to turn the essential oil vapor back into liquid. Steam distillation is the best practice because it provides a better quality oil.
The oil is considered non toxic, non irritating and has mood-boosting and antiseptic therapeutic properties and is often applied to wounds for healing.
Benefits of geranium essential oil
Geranium essential oil has a wide range of benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Some of the main benefits of geranium oil include:
- 🌸 Geranium essential oil for acne
- 🌸 Geranium oil for oily complexion
- 🌸 Geranium oil for eczema
- 🌸 Geranium oil for infection
- 🌸 Geranium oil for reducing anxiety
- 🌸 Geranium oil as mood booster
Let’s take a look at each of these benefits in more detail.
Geranium essential oil for acne
Geranium essential oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help with skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and other skin irritations.
Geranium oil for oily complexion
Hormones and oily skin go hand in hand. Sometimes, the androgens in your body fluctuate and increase sebum production which causes your skin to get oily or break out. Geranium oil helps balance your hormones, regulate moisture in your skin and reduce sebum production.
Geranium oil for eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dryness and rashes on the skin. The skin irritation can spread from a small area on the body and is called atopic dermatitis. When the skin is irritated, it becomes inflamed and itchy and can cause bleeding, allowing bacteria in that can infect and damage the skin.
Many people have turned to alternative therapies such as geranium essential oil to soothe inflamed and irritated eczema because of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that the oil holds.
Geranium oil for infection
Studies have shown how geranium essential oil can fight off bacteria and yeast/fungus. The properties found in geranium essential oil help protect your body from infection. When you use the oil to fight external infections by applying it topically, your immune system can focus on internal functions to keep you healthier.
Geranium oil for edema
Edema is swelling resulting from fluid retention, and it often occurs in the feet, legs and ankles. Less common, but not unheard of, is edema occurring in the hands, face and sometimes other parts of the body.
If you suffer from edema, the anti-inflammatory properties in geranium essential oil may help alleviate inflammation and edema in the body.
Geranium oil as mood booster
And last but not least, geranium essential oil is a terrific mood booster. It can help ease anxiety and depression and lift your spirits, making you feel like you’re in a flower garden in France.
How to use geranium essential oil
Geranium essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use geranium essential oil:
- 🌸 Inhalation/Aromatherapy of geranium essential oil
- 🌸 Bathe in with geranium oil
- 🌸 Topical application of geranium oil
- 🌸 Aromatherapy massage with geranium oil
Let’s take a look at each of these uses of geranium essential oil in more detail.
Inhalation/Aromatherapy of geranium essential oil
Aromatherapy has become increasingly popular and has been found to give profound benefits to the mind and body. When looking at using geranium essential oil for aromatherapy, you will be rewarded with its positive effects, as the oil contains properties that help ease stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and lift your mood.
The easiest way to inhale geranium essential oil after a long day is to add a few drops of geranium essential oil to your diffuser and allow the stunning floral and minty scent fill your space - you'll find the benefits of the oil getting to work in no time!
Bathe in with geranium oil
If you suffer from edema, the anti-inflammatory properties in geranium essential oil may help reduce inflammation in the body. The best way to use the oil in this case would be to add a few drops to your bath water.
A nice hot bath can also help soothe very irritated skin such as for those with acne or eczema. Add a few drops of the oil to your bath water with a carrier oil, mix well and soak up the goodness of the oil. Another perk is the stunning aromatherapeutic floral scent that comes with it!
Topical application of geranium oil
If you’re using geranium essential oil for acne or an oily complexion, mix a few drops into a non-comedogenic carrier oil (one that won’t clog your pores such as jojoba oil) or into your skincare products and apply to the face, ensuring you don’t get it in your eyes. The oil helps regulate moisture in the skin and rebalance the hormones in your skin, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated.
For use with acne or eczema/dermatitis on areas of skin other than the face, follow the same steps above; however, you may be able to use a thicker oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) on other body parts.
Some patients with serious illnesses such as certain cancers, heart failure, kidney disease and others may suffer from edema. If you are caring for such an individual with edema, be sure to dilute the geranium oil in a carrier oil, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and gently dab the affected area.
The other beautiful benefit of using geranium essential oil topically is the aromatherapy it offers, so you will feel more at ease thanks to the floral, minty scent of the oil while it soothes the body with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aromatherapy massage with geranium oil
Aromatherapy massage is another way to benefit from using geranium essential oil topically. This would work well for mild edema and to boost your mood and relieve stress. Mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the skin or affected area. You can use the oil on a specific area or as a full body massage oil.
Geranium essential oil research
Antiseptic and acne-fighting properties of geranium essential oil - 2017 & 2019
A 2019 study found that geranium essential oil was more powerful than five other essential oils against acne-causing bacteria including Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
In 2017, a study showed that geranium essential oil was the most effective of three treatments in reducing sebum production in the skin, helping with acne and with oily skin.
Amoxicillin-like effects of geranium essential oil - 2012
Is geranium essential oil as effective as amoxicillin, an antibiotic that is used to treat infections? A 2012 study found that this may very well be the case, and the antibacterial properties of geranium essential oil were especially effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
Anti-inflammatory and edema benefits of geranium essential oil - 2013
A study on the benefits of geranium essential oil in the treatment of edema has proven beneficial with its anti-inflammatory properties. Since the discovery of homeopathic treatments, more people are relying on essential oils and the abundance of medicinal properties they include to treat ailments, such as inflammatory disorders.
Mood-boosting properties of geranium essential oil - 2015
Geranium essential oil was diffused for pregnant women giving birth, and inhaled geranium was found to reduce anxiety and relieve stress in addition to lowering blood pressure.
Side effects of Geranium essential oil
Geranium oil is usually considered safe when applied to the skin or inside the nose. Some people can develop a rash or burning sensation when it is applied to the skin. Geranium oil can also cause eye irritation if applied to the face too close to the eyes. If the oil is applied inside the nose, geranium oil can cause a bad taste in the mouth.
The oil should never be consumed as essential oils can be toxic to the internal body.
Some essential oils and even carrier oils can cause an allergic reaction, so it would be best to first do a patch test on a small area of the body to ensure that you don’t have any reaction before using it more liberally.
It is always advisable to consult your doctor before adding essential oil to your lifestyle.
Contraindications of geranium essential oil
Since geranium essential oil is known to stimulate hormonal flow and enzymes, it is best for pregnant women to avoid using it.
The oil is also used to constrict blood vessels, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or any heart disease, it is best to avoid using the oil as this could cause some serious side effects like a heart attack or stroke in worst-case scenarios.
Where to buy geranium essential oil
Geranium essential oil is widely available online and in stores. When purchasing geranium oil, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil - not an extract. This ensures that you're getting an authentic product with all the therapeutic benefits of geranium essential oil. If it’s organic, even better!
Here are some of the places where you can purchase geranium essential oil.
Volant
At volant, all our essential oils are produced using only the highest-quality plants, which are harvested and distilled with the utmost care. You can rest assured that when you purchase geranium essential oil from volant, you'll receive 100% pure and organic essential oil with no additives or synthetic ingredients. This ensures that you receive the greatest possible benefit from your geranium essential oil.
Amazon
Amazon is a popular place to shop for essential oils. It's important to note that Amazon is a marketplace rather than a store, so there are many different businesses selling essential oils through Amazon. For this reason, we'd recommend checking the ingredients and reviews of any essential oil that you choose to purchase through Amazon, as not all essential oils sold on the platform are pure, organic and trusted.
Pharmacies
If you prefer in-person shopping, holding the product in your hand to get a better idea of what you’re buying, then you will find that your local pharmacies and homeopathic stores will have just what you’re looking for. Always check that the oil you're buying is an essential oil rather than an extract and that it is 100% pure.
DoTERRA
DoTERRA is a company that manufactures essential oils, including geranium essential oil. If you’re looking for a 100% pure geranium oil for your beauty routine, to soothe irritated skin or to help treat a nail infection, then get your hands on geranium essential oil from DoTERRA.
Geranium essential oil FAQs
What does the smell of geranium do?
It’s not the flower itself that carries the scent but rather the leaves. The scent is floral and minty with a hint of spice and rose. The scent works as a mood enhancer and alleviates stress and anxiety.
What does geranium mix well with?
Geranium is a wonderful essential oil that blends well with other essential oils such as: bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, clove, cypress, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lemon, mandarin, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Does geranium oil help you sleep?
Geranium oil is widely used to help people experience a calm and deep sleep. When the essential oil is inhaled or placed in a diffuser, the scent enhances mood and relaxation while helping to relieve stress and anxiety, so it is easier to fall asleep when you are in a more relaxed state of mind.
How do you use geranium oil on your face?
If you are planning on changing up your skincare routine and opt for facial steams, you might want to consider adding a few drops of geranium essential oil to your steamer. 1-2 drops will be more than sufficient and will help you relax, it moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin, and the anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the oil will be highly beneficial to your skin.
In summary
Geranium is not only a beautiful garden plant but is also useful for its healing properties. In addition to its inspiring aroma, you will enjoy the variety of benefits this essential oil provides. It is best used to soothe skin irritation, rashes and an oily complexion but also helps reduce stress and anxiety, soothe inflammation and edema and kill microbes affecting the skin.
Whether you choose to apply the oil to your body topically or inhale the wonderful aroma of geranium essential oil, the outcome is the same. It is putting your body and mind before anything else. And above all, your living space will be filled with a soft and tranquil scent unlike any other.
We’re here to help if you have any questions about Geranium Essential Oil. You can contact our support team at support@volantaroma.com and we will be more than happy to assist you with any questions you might have!
