6 Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium oil comes from the botanical family Geraniaceae and is extracted via steam distillation from the leaves. Historically, the citrusy-rose scented oil was used for inflammations, heavy menstrual flow, bone fractures, wounds, hemorrhoids, dysentery, and if the folktale is correct—even cancer (1). 

Today, common primary uses include agitation, airborne bacteria, autism, wrinkles, broken capillaries, bruises, diabetes, diarrhea, endometriosis, environmental stress, gallbladder stones, dry or oily hair, insomnia, jaundice, jet lag, low libido, osteoporosis, pancreas support, pelvic pain syndrome, PMS, post-labor, dry or oily skin, vertigo, and wrinkles. 

I know—that’s a lot of possible uses. We won’t go into all of them today, but we will talk about the top six benefits and how-tos of this lovely oil. 

Before we dive in, let’s talk about geranium oil’s potent properties and uses that make this oil what it is.

Properties:

• antibacterial
• antidepressant
• anti-inflammatory
• antiseptic
• astringent
• diuretic
• insect repellent
• refreshing
• relaxing
• sedative
• tonic

To reap all these incredible benefits, you can use geranium oil topically, aromatically, or internally. For topical oil use, always remember to dilute with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut. For aromatic use, geranium blends well with all oils and can be harnessed for its ability to release negative memories, ease stress and nervousness, and balance emotions. Internal use of geranium oil requires a veggie capsule, some EVOO, or just a little bit of raw honey. It’s important to always mix and dilute essential oils before taking them internally. Always remember to avoid these four mistakes when taking oils internally. 

Now that we know why geranium essential oil is so powerful and offers so many health benefits let’s get into the top six ways to use geranium oil. 

6 Benefits and Uses of Geranium Essential Oil

Skin Care & Anti-Aging 

Geranium oil is one of the best essential oils for skincare. It can be used to combat wrinkles, oily and aging skin. Topical use of geranium oil tightens the skin while minimizing the effects of aging. So get ready to say goodbye to saggy skin and hello to a toned and glowing complexion.

While geranium essential oil is excellent for all skin types and ailments, it’s especially helpful for oily and acne-prone skin. 

A 2017 review of studies indicated that geranium oil’s antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties make it a potential natural remedy for reducing acne, irritation, and skin infections. 

To use geranium to bring your skin oils back to balance and minimize wrinkles’ appearance, add two drops to your toner or moisturizer and apply. You can also try facial steam to revitalize dull appearing skin and combat dark circles. 

Fighting Infections 

Geranium has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties making it a great oil for fighting infections. 

Research done on the antibacterial and antifungal activity of essential oils found geranium oil to stand up against 24 different strings of fungi and bacteria. 

If your little one (or you) gets a boo-boo, keep geranium on hand to prevent infection. Dilute two drops of geranium with a teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the scrap or wound. Do this twice a day for best results. 

To fight fungal infections like athletes’ feet, mix a couple of drops of geranium oil with a ½ cup of Epsom salt, and take a foot bath. This will help with the fungus, and it will also feel amazing and help relax your feet after a long day of standing. 

For fungal infections like a yeast infection, research shows that geranium doesn’t combat vaginal infections alone, but in combination with vaginal washing treatments can help prevent spreading. After showering, massage a drop of geranium with a carrier oil like evening primrose or coconut oil on the area. 

Hair Care

Geranium will truly help you with all your beauty needs. Just as geranium works to help balance excess skin oil, you can use geranium oil to remove excess oil and create the moisture and shine you crave. 

Add a drop or two to your favorite organic and natural shampoo or conditioner and massage into the scalp. 

Insect Repellent 

The benefits of geranium oil make it one of the most commonly used oils in natural bug repellent recipes. It’s known to keep insects and mosquitoes away. 

Mosquito Repellent Diffuser Recipe 

• 3 drops citronella essential oil 
• 3 drops geranium essential oil 
• 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Go Away Bug Spray 

• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 9 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil 
• 1 teaspoon neem oil (optional) 
• 1 tablespoon vodka 
• Distilled water 
• Dark-colored glass spray bottle (8 ounces at least) 

Instructions: add essential oils followed by neem oil if using and vodka. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water and shake well to combine. Spray exposed skin areas as well as clothing. 

Help with Anxiety and Mood 

If you’re struggling with brain fog, down spirits, or anxious feelings (who isn’t right now?), then keeping geranium on hand is a great natural alternative to stimulants and prescription medications. 

Research found that aromatic use of geranium oil helped pregnant women with anxiety during labor. The 2015 study of 100 women discovered that geranium’s aroma effectively reduced anxiety during labor and can be used as an alternative to invasive anti-anxiety aid during childbirth. 

More research found that geranium could improve depression in postmenopausal women when used as a topical massage agent (1). 

To use geranium oil to help balance emotions, lift the spirit, and foster peace, diffuse five drops or inhale directly from the bottle. I love to add some to Epsom salt and take a bath when I need to center myself. 

Nasal Vestibulitis 

Nasal vestibulitis is a condition that sometimes comes with cancer drug treatment. 

A small 2018 study looks at the effects of rose geranium oil on common painful nasal symptoms linked to cancer treatment. Researchers looked at 40 women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer between 2007 and 2017. Each woman was given a rose geranium oil spray in a sesame oil base and asked to use it as needed and then score the severity of symptoms before and after use. 

Common nasal symptoms were discomfort, bleeding, dryness, scabbing, and sores. The average severity score was three (out of four). All of the women said the nasal spray helped ease their symptoms, while 55 percent said there were moderate benefits, 30 percent said there were substantial benefits, and 10 percent said their symptoms cleared completely.

While there is still research needed on the benefits of geranium oil for nasal vestibulitis, this research is promising.  

While there is more evidence needed to prove geranium essential oil as a potent natural remedy for a host of conditions, current research makes us hopeful. Now that you know the key uses of geranium oil, what are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below. 

Cites

1. Modern Essentials Handbook, 2019.