Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil is an essential oil staple for many different clinical applications. Geranium essential oil is a natural and safe tool that will improve your skin, mood, and general health. While it is best known for its skin care benefits, other uses include:

• Hormone balance
• Stress relief
• Depression
• Inflammation
• Circulation
• Menopause
• Dental health
• Blood pressure reduction

You can apply geranium essential oil to your skin, but it should be diluted in a carrier oil prior to application to avoid adverse skin reactions. Geranium oil affects hormone levels, so it’s not advised for use by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. It’s also not advised for use by babies and young children due to the delicate nature of their skin and the possibility of toxicity.  Be sure to check with your health care practitioner before starting ANY aromatherapy regimen.

Geranium essential oil blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lime, Wild Orange, and Rosemary essential oils.

Geranium essential oil has significant antidepressant, antiseptic, and wound healing properties.  It is often used as a cost-effective substitute for Rose essential oil.

8 Essential Geranium Essential Oil Uses

Did you know that Geranium made the list for the Top Ten Essential Oils for Home Health Care?  It is an essential oil staple for many different clinical applications.

1. Promotes Skin Health and Regeneration

Geranium essential oil has antibacterial and soothing anti-inflammatory properties, and is great for keeping skin healthy. It is effective for the treatment of acne, dermatitis and skin diseases.

2. Promotes Blood Clotting and Wound Healing

Geranium essential oil causes blood vessel contraction.  As a result, it helps to stop blood flow and promotes wound healing.

3. Eases Stress and Anxiety

Geranium essential oil calms and relaxes the mind, and is one of the top essential oils for stress management. It improves mental functioning and uplifts spirits, and can treat depression, anxiety, and anger. 

4. Naturally Balances Hormones

Geranium is one of the top essential oils for hormone balance. It effectively and naturally influences the release of adrenal sex hormones.  Women who suffer from PMS or symptoms of menopause often use geranium oil to help balance the hormones and relieve those conditions.  Geranium is also a natural remedy to help women recover more qulickly from miscarriages or difficult births.

5. Naturally Detoxifies

Urination releases toxic chemicals, heavy metals, sugar, and sodium from your body.  In addition, urination removes excess bile and stomach acids.  Geranium essential oil is a diuretic, so it promotes urination and acts as a natural detoxifier.

6. Relieves Respiratory Conditions

A 2013 scientific review detailed the effect of geranium for the treatment of acute respiratory infections. The reviewers found that the geranium extract may be effective in relieving acute rhinosinusitis and common cold symptoms. In addition, it may also effectively relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis  and sinus infections in adults. (1)

To take advantage of this benefit, use a diffuser, inhale geranium oil twice a day, or rub the oil on your throat and under your nostrils.

7. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is associated with just about every health condition.  Data shows that geranium oil reduces inflammation in the body. Results from a 2013 study show that geranium essential oil effectively reduces inflammation in the body with fewer side effects than cholesterol and joint pain medications. (2)  

8. Acts as a Natural Bug Repellant

Geranium oil repels mosquitoes and other insects, and is commonly used in natural bug repellants.