Guide To Geranium Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Geranium essential oil "signifies the archetypal energy of goddess culture, and encompasses the energy of the feminine," writes aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. She also says the emotional benefits of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens or Pelargonium x asperum) are to encourage solace, regeneration, adjustment, balance, tranquility, and steadiness.

Basic Geranium Facts

You may also hear of an oil called rose geranium—it is a variation of the geranium plant, Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum or Pelargonium roseum. The properties of geranium and rose geranium are similar. The difference is rose geranium has a scent that smells more like roses. There are more than 250 species of geranium.

Plant family: Geraniaceae

Production: Steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. An absolute is also available and commonly used in perfumes. Learn about the history and cultivation of geranium oil.

Aroma: Combination of rose, citrus, and herb.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle

Is geranium safe to use during pregnancy? Yes, in low dilutions to freshen rooms and after six months for skin application, according to Aromatherapy and Massage For Mother and Baby.

Is geranium essential oil safe for children? Yes, but do not use on babies.

Main components: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition, lists components for four varieties of geranium: Chinese, Egyptian, Moroccan, and Reunion. The main components for all four are citroneliol, geraniol, and citonellyl formate, in varying amounts, with a range of other constituents depending on the variety.

Geranium Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: Geranium is a balancing agent for many conditions. The scent may help regulate blood pressure. This essential oil is useful for relieving PMS, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, and fluid retention. Geranium essential oil benefits skin by balancing all hair and skin types and helping relieve many skin conditions. Emotionally, the scent may help reduce anxiety, depression, irrational behavior, and stress-related headaches.

The Heart of Aromatherapy: Uses for geranium essential oil include daily skin care, rejuvenating damaged skin, calming inflammation, and feeling relaxed and uplifted.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Geranium may help relieve female reproductive disorders, menstrual cramps, varicose veins, depression, fatigue, emotional crisis, and stress-related conditions.

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use geranium essential oil for skin care, improving circulation, relieving sore throat, reducing PMS and menopausal symptoms, and lessening nervous tension and stress-related conditions.

Aromatherapy For Healing the Spirit: In Traditional Chinese Medicine geranium is one of the few essential oils considered cool and moist in energy. The oil clears heat and information, relaxes the nerves, calms anxiety, and can strengthen Qi-energy and encourage the circulation of Qi and blood. Conditions geranium may help relieve include psoriasis, eczema, acne, athletes foot, nerve and joint pain, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, excessive menstrual bleeding, and symptoms associated with menopause.

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume I: Psychologically, geranium promotes emotional security, inner strength, emotional stability, and calm. Physically, the oil regulates, decongests, and relaxes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the essential function of geranium is to nourish and invigorate the Blood, strengthen the Spleen, and harmonize the Shen.

The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Spiritually, geranium is beneficial for personal transformation and keeps away negative energy. Mentally, the essential oil helps you focus and calms your mind. Emotionally, the oil helps you rebalance yourself when hormones are running amok.

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Geranium has a nurturing quality that helps calms and balance the emotions. Especially useful for the second chakra.

Geranium Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Aromatica suggests the following essential oils to blend with geranium:

• For fungus, adrenal fatigue, and menopausal symptoms: palmarosa.
• For PMS, menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, and chronic stress-related conditions: clary sage.
• To relieve edema (swelling): juniper.
• For loss of stamina and burnout: rosemary.

Brain Energizer Diffuser Blend

Put a few drops of this blend into your aromatherapy diffuser.

• 6 drops geranium essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
  

Source: Astrological Aromatherapy Guide

Facial Moisturizer

Gently massage a little of this blend onto your face every night.

• 4 drops geranium essential oil
  
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil
  

Adapted from Rocky Mountain Oils

Homemade Body Wash

Use this blend as a body wash.

• 1 cup distilled or purified water
• 2/3 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• 30 drops geranium essential oil
• 8-ounce PET or glass lotion dispenser

Add ingredients to a small bowl and stir gently until smooth. Pour into bottle. Makes 30 washes.

Source: Essential Oil DIY Recipes by Dr. Axe

Menopausal Bath Blend

Here's a bath blend designed to relieve menopausal stress:

• 1/2 cup sea salts
• 1 tablespoon Epsom salts
• 2 drops geranium essential oil
  
• 2 drops clary sage essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil

1. Combine the salts with the essential oils in a dark jar.
2. Add one tablespoon of baths salts to warm bath water in the evening for restful sleep.
3. Store the salts in a cool, dark place.

Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Source: Elizabeth Ashley, "Menopausal Personality Changes and Anxiety," NAHA Aromatherapy E-Journal, Autumn 2016.3, p. 49.

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