Have you ever smelled geranium essential oil? It’s subtle, floral, and very feminine. A high-quality geranium is moderately priced, so it’s not a super expensive oil, nor is it a cheap oil. I included geranium essential oil in Defend Argan Oil Moisturizer for its ability to reduce inflammation, redness, balance skin, and help with acne. It’s also suitable for all skin types, so it was a great addition to my argan oil blend. Learn more about geranium essential oil below and see how you incorporate it into your skincare regimen or life in general.
Medicinal Uses
Geranium has quite a few medicinal uses and is beneficial for the following:
- diabetes
- gallbladder
- gastric ulcer
- jaundice
- liver
- sterility
- urinary stones
- depression
- digestion
- hormonal imbalance
- inflammation
- liver detoxification
- neuralgia
- regenerating tissue and nerves
- pancreas (balancing)
- ringworm
- shingles
- sore throats
- wounds
Geranium essential oil is generally regarded as safe (GRAS), so you can take geranium orally by diluting 1 drop of oil in 1 tsp. honey (Higley, 2010).
Cosmetic Uses
Geranium essential oil is wonderful for insect bites, eczema, acne, and enhances skin repair. It’s also great for scarring, stopping bleeding, stretch marks, and enlarged veins (Keville, 2009). You can use geranium in your hair too. Mix a bit of olive or argan oil with a few drops of organic geranium for an aromatic and beneficial hair treatment.
I love geranium in skincare products as I mentioned earlier. You can make your own facial and body oils with your favorite carrier oil and organic geranium essential oil. Just make sure you store your concoctions in a dark glass bottle and jot down your recipe in case you need to make it again or modify it.
Emotional Uses
Geranium essential oil has been known to help release negative memories and bring more peace and joy into one’s life. You can diffuse a few drops of geranium with distilled water and take in the beautiful, calming aroma. Geranium essential oil is also great to help you relax and release tension, stress, and lift the spirit.
Geranium Essential Oil Profile
Botanical Name – Pelargonium graveolens Botanical Family – Geraniaceae Plant Origin – Egypt, India Cosmetic Use – Reduces inflammation, eczema, acne, burns, enhances skin repair, balances skin Skin Types – Suitable for most skin types. Aromatic & Emotional Effects – Relieves anxiety, depression, stress, hormonal imbalance Medical Properties – Antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic Key Constituents – Citronellol, geraniol, linalol, nerol, geranyl formate, butyrates, menthone
Chemical Analysis
Alcohols 50-70%
- citronellol 22-42%
- geraniol 17-25%
- linalol 10-14%
Esters 15-30%
- citronellyl formate 9-15%
- geranyl formate 1-6%
- geranyl acetate 1-55%
Ketones 5-10%
- isomenthone 4-8%
- menthone 1-3%
- piperitone 0-1%
Sesquiterpenes 4-8%
- guaiadene 4-8%
- a-copaene 0-1%
References
Higley, C. & A. (2010).Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils. Twelfth Edition. Abundant Health: Spanish Fork, Utah.
Keville, K. (2009). Aromatherapy. Crossing Press. Berkeley, CA.
Stewart, D. (2010). The Chemistry of Essential Oils. Care Publications: Marble Hill, MO.