Geranium Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Blends
Scientific Name: Pelargonium Graveolens
Origin: Egypt
Plant Part: Leaves
Scent: Floral, rosy and sweet
Color: Golden
Consistency: Middle to thin
Perfumery Note: Middle
Initial Aroma Strength: Moderate
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Suitable Blending Oils: Geranium Essential Oil blends well with lemony smells like lemon verbena, lemongrass, and Melissa. It also blends well with other flowers like lavender, rose, or chamomile. Beautiful with herbs like coriander leaf, hyssop, or dill. It goes with any kind of wood, spice, or resin.
Breaking Down the Geranium Essential Oil’s Chemical Components
Citronellol 33.97%
Citronellol offers a pleasant floral aroma. Its calming and mood-enhancing properties are thought to reduce anxiety and uplift spirits.
Geraniol 13.63%
Geraniol, also abundant in rose and citronella oils, is prized for its sweet and rosy scent. With potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities, geraniol is believed to aid relaxation, relieve pain, and balance emotions. Its fragrant presence enriches aromatherapy blends, promoting a soothing and therapeutic ambiance.
Isomenthone 5.95%
Isomenthone is also found in peppermint and spearmint Essential Oils. Its invigorating scent promotes mental clarity, eases headaches, and alleviates fatigue. Isomenthone's refreshing and uplifting qualities make it valuable for enhancing focus and revitalizing the mind during aromatherapy sessions.
10-Epi-gamma eudesmol 4.1%
10-Epi-gamma-eudesmol has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that make it intriguing for managing inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress. Further research explores its potential in cancer therapy, as an anti-allergenic and for wound healing, contributing to its significance in natural medicine.
Linalool 3.79%
Linalool is found in many Essential Oils and is probably best associated with lavender and bergamot. Its soothing aroma is believed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep in aromatherapy. Linalool's calming properties make it a popular choice for creating a serene atmosphere and enhancing overall well-being.
Geranyl acetate 0.41%
Geranyl acetate also found in rose and lemongrass Essential Oils, provides a delightfully fruity and floral aroma in aromatherapy. Its calming and uplifting qualities promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and enhance mood. Geranyl acetate's sweet fragrance enriches aromatherapy blends, fostering a serene and enjoyable atmosphere.
Geranyl acetate also holds the potential for skin healing. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may aid in soothing skin irritations, promoting recovery, and reducing redness. When incorporated into skincare routines, geranyl acetate can contribute to enhancing the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Geranyl formate 2.76%
Geranyl formate, also found in lemongrass and citronella Essential Oils, offers a pleasant fruity aroma to geranium Essential Oil. With potential antifungal properties, it might assist in combating fungal skin infections. Its fragrant essence and potential skin benefits make geranyl formate a valuable ingredient in aromatherapy and skincare formulations.
Citronellyl formate 7.5%
Citronellyl formate boasts antimicrobial potential. Research indicates its efficacy against various bacteria and fungi.
Guaia-6,9-diene 0.36%
Guaia-6,9-diene is a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon present in Essential Oils like guaiac wood. Its distinct aroma contributes to perfumery. Limited research hints at its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Guaia-6,9-diene holds promise as a fragrance and could offer health benefits, though further exploration is needed.
FYI: We also stock a Geranium Essential Oil from China which is known as Rose Geranium. This is the outline of its main constituents, for ease of comparison only. As you will see, they are very similar.
- Linalool 3.09%
- Isomenthone 5.89%
- Citronellol 36.71%
- Geraniol 7.77%
- Geranial 0.33%
- Citronellyl formate 1.8%
- Geranyl formate 1.8%
- Guaia-6,9-diene 5.44%
Historical Uses of Geranium Essential Oil
Skincare is especially for dry skin.
Menstrual problems.
Stress Especially regarding romance or money.
Tonic for the adrenals.
Styptic (reduces bleeding).
Circulatory: excellent for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, broken capillaries in the complexion.
Anti-fungal.
The Energetics of Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium Essential Oil moistening, cooling, balancing,
Hydrates:
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness.
- Dry, sore eyes (use geranium Essential Oil on a cold compress)
Cools:
- Hot skin, sunburn, especially with some chamomile,
- Stings and sore skin especially with some lavender.
Balances:
- Hormonal
- Tempers
Geranium Essential Oil for Skin
Choose Geranium Essential Oil for skin treatments if your complexion is normal or dry.
The skin doesn’t enjoy having too much Carrier Oil put onto it. It confuses the sebaceous glands into stopping oil production. Instead, add geranium Essential Oil to moisturizing bases to hydrate dry skin.
Geranium Essential Oil is beautifully nourishing and hydrating and is also gorgeous for the occasional facial massage treatment. Your skin will adore these, as long as you don’t do them more than once a week. Geranium blends well with rosehip Carrier Oil, or perhaps jojoba, peach kernel, or apricot kernel Carrier Oils to nourish and feed the complexion.
Traditionally it is also used for making ointments for eczema because it is lovely for dry flaky skin. It may be successful for eczema because it is so good for fighting stress, or maybe because of its antifungal and antimicrobial nature.
Geranium Essential Oil for Relaxation
Geranium is wonderfully relaxing and soothing. It’s the perfect oil to use at the end of a hard day. There is now a great deal of research into geranium Essential Oil so we now know intricate things about what happens in your body when you use it.
A 2015 trial from Iran demonstrated the relaxation aspects of geranium Essential Oil.
One hundred first-time mums, admitted to the labor ward between 2012-213 were divided into two groups. The first group was given geranium Essential Oil to sniff as their labor progressed, and the other group was given a placebo. They were then given a questionnaire to assess their anxiety levels which showed that the geranium group had much lower anxiety than those who had been given the placebo. (Fakari, 2015)
When you inhale an Essential Oil, the molecules get to the brain very quickly. Then they start to get to work.
But get to work doing…what, exactly?
A recent trial asked participants to inhale 10 different Essential Oils and then monitor what happened in their brains with the aid of an EEG.
They reported two key parameters for each Essential Oil. How each affected patterns of brain waves, and where they affected them - the left or right prefrontal cortex.
Alpha waves are usually observed in the prefrontal cortex when someone is in a semi-awake state of REM sleep, they are meditating or have an inner state of peace and stillness. Beta waves from the frontal cortex usually show good cognitive performance such as being able to evaluate information and make decisions.
Geranium Essential Oil stimulates beta waves( frequencies between 12 to 30 Hz), associated with focused attention, critical thinking, problem-solving, and engaging in tasks requiring cognitive effort.
The Geranium test showed brain waves moving to a Relative Low Beta (RLB) state linked to more relaxed states. RLB is activated when someone is in a stress-free state of concentration, working in a relaxed state, and capable of learning.
How Does Geranium Essential Oil Make You Feel?
Whether the left or the right prefrontal cortex is stimulated dictates how thoughts and feelings will be affected.
The right prefrontal cortex is linked to the part of the brain involved in avoiding negative situations and maintaining emotional distance. It may play a role in down-regulating negative emotions and decreasing any negative responses to stress we may have. It is associated with balancing mood and reducing emotional reactivity.
Stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex is linked to improvement in mood and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Research suggests that increased activity in this area may lead to more positive emotions.
Stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex is associated with approach-oriented behaviors, such as engaging in social interactions, seeking rewards, and taking initiative. It is thought to be involved in the processing of positive decisions and motivation.
What’s interesting is that geranium Essential Oil is often described as being a “poor man’s rose.” Rose activates the right prefrontal cortex which makes sense. We use it when people feel depressed and withdrawn during grief. But Geranium Essential Oil did more than that. Geranium activated both left and right prefrontal cortexes. Its effects on how the brain was processing information were far more complex and profound. It has the potential to lift your mood, reduce the desire to bury your head in the sand or run away, and motivate you to take positive action to work things out.
So, if you feel overwhelmed and low, but it’s important to concentrate and make decisions, the geranium Essential Oil is perfect.
Further, rodent trials suggest that the primary ingredient of geranium Essential Oil (citronellol) may have anti-conflict abilities too. (Umezo,2002)
Geranium Essential Oil and Stress
So, we are starting to see the effects of geranium Essential Oil on the mind. But of course, the mind and the body are intricately linked. When our thoughts and feelings change, then our bodies tend to respond to that too.
An interesting Japanese trial was done in 2019 Japan proved that inhaling Essential Oil reduces heart rate and blood pressure. (Masubuchi, 2019)
However experiencing less stress also has wider benefits on many aspects of mind-body medicine, but especially on pain.
In 2002, A study was done on the effects of inhaled geranium Essential Oil on post-operative pain. Sixty-eight children between 3 and 6 years old, in a pediatrics ward, were split into geranium Essential Oil versus placebo. They were asked to sniff the geranium Essential Oil when they came into the ward, after 3,6,9 and 12 hours post-operative.
In all cases, 30 minutes after inhaling, the pain scores of the geranium Essential Oil sniffers were lower than those who had been given the placebo. (Sirousfard, 2014)
Geranium Essential Oil - A Rejuvenating Essence
Geranium Essential Oil also supports the adrenals and is a really important tool to employ if someone has been under stress for a long time. (Karimi, 2023)
A lovely study was done during the pandemic. Eighty-four intensive care nurses were given oil to inhale to examine the effects on their fatigue. They were divided into two groups, sunflower or geranium Essential Oil, and then were given just one drop to inhale, twice during a shift, for twenty minutes, throughout three consecutive shifts.
An hour after the sniffing, their questionnaires showed those who had been given the geranium Essential Oil had significantly lower fatigue scores. (Karimi, 2023)
So…consider Using Geranium Essential Oil in The Bath
You will often see lavender recommended in the bath as a way to relax.
Perfectly, good, correct, and brilliant.
However…
Lavender has a very drying nature. Too many lavender baths are eventually going to dry your skin.
Geranium Essential Oil benefits are relaxing, rejuvenating, and refreshing - so you’re still sleepy when you get out of the bath, but your skin has had the added benefit of being nourished rather than being dried out.
It’s a great oil to use to balance lavender’s drying effects.
The Circulatory Effects of Geranium Essential Oil
Massage with geranium Essential Oil is, of course, superbly soothing, but it’s also amazing for aches and pains. Specifically geranium stimulates circulation. Massage also stimulates the muscles and their blood supply, geranium adds to that.
So, for something like Raynaud’s disease, or poor circulation in the feet, blend it with something like ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon, and you’ll be cooking on gas!
In terms of circulation too, it would be a great choice if you wanted to make a cream for someone with varicose eczema. The geranium not only helps the surface skin condition, but the circulatory issue causing it. Incidentally, massage would be contraindicated over the veins, so you’d just stroke on a very thin lotion and let the geranium Essential Oil benefits do the work.
Geranium Essential Oil for Hormonal Balance
Aromatherapist and TCM practitioner Peter Holmes describes how geranium Essential Oil nourishes the blood to regulate menstruation and menopause .” Geranium addresses many female hormone issues by balancing estrogen and progesterone deficiency.” (Holmes, 2016)
Most aromatherapists would agree with this and will tell you they use geranium Essential Oil for menstrual and menopausal issues. This is great because it works. However, there are still very few trials that can prove this. Battaglia gives voice to our frustration when he says of research into geranium Essential Oil and the female reproductive system:
“Often studies involve geranium oil blended with other Essential Oils and used in massage. Typically in such studies it [is] difficult to ascertain if the effects were from geranium Essential Oil or the massage.” (Battaglia, 2018)
You’ll have to take the word of many generations of therapists when we tell you this weakness lies in the research, not the Essential Oil.
Antimicrobial Abilities of Geranium Essential Oil
About 20% of the population are carriers of staph aureus, but it can be a nasty thing causing skin eruptions like pimples impetigo, boils, and abscesses. It also resides in the upper respiratory tract and can cause real nasties like pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia.
Like many oils, geranium fares very well in petri dish trials against staphylococcus aureus. (Bigos, 2017)
Is Geranium Essential Oil Safe To Use?
Geranium Essential Oil is incredibly safe and easy to use however, people with flame-red hair seem to react to it sometimes, and actually, to geranium plants in general. It’s probably obvious to say that using geranium Essential Oil may not be your best plan if you have an allergy to geranium plants.
Like all Essential Oils though, avoid using geranium Essential Oil in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy
Geranium Essential Oil Uses: For Wholesale Purposes
Aromatherapy
Soothing, calming, reviving
Soapmaking
Gives a beautiful floral scent.
Natural Perfumery
Romantic, seductive, playful.
Works delightfully in chypres perfumes and woody fragrances.
Geranium Essential Oil Blends: DIY Recipes
Geranium Essential Oil Blend for Dry Skin
- 50ml Aqueous Cream Base (Available from local pharmacy)
- 5 drops Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens)
- 3 drops Galbanum Essential Oil (Ferula Galbaniflua)
- 3 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum splendida)
Method of Preparation: Add the Essential Oils to the Aqueous Cream and combine well.
Method of Use: Decant into a jar and massage gently into the skin of the face, neck, and decolletage. Use small upward, circular motions. Massaging the skin well promotes blood flow, improves circulation, and encourages cell renewal. Use twice daily.
Safety: Not suitable for use during pregnancy.
Helichrysum Specific -Blood thinning - Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease the use of Helichrysum Essential Oil 48 hours before any planned surgery
Geranium Essential Oil Blend for Calm
- 19ml Grapeseed Carrier Oil (Vitis Vinifera)
- 4 drops Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens)
- 1 drop Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia)
- 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Method of Preparation: Add the Essential Oils to the Grapeseed Carrier Oil and combine well.
Method of Use: To be used at pulse points at the wrist and inner elbows. Use up to 8 times a day.
Safety: Not suitable for use during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Geranium Essential Oil Blend for Balancing Hormones
- 19ml Grapeseed Carrier Oil (Vitis Vinefera)
- 5 drops Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens)
- 1 drop Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia)
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Method of Preparation: Add the Essential Oils to the Grapeseed Carrier Oil and combine well.
Method of Use: To be used at pulse points at the wrist and inner elbows. It can also be used as a massage oil over the body. Use up to 8 times a day.
Safety: Not suitable for use during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Geranium Essential Oil Quick Clot Powder for Stopping Bleeding
- 50g Powdered Kaolin Clay
- 10 drops Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens)
Method of Preparation: Add the Essential Oil to the Kaolin clay, making sure to distribute the drops evenly over the clay and combine well. Break up any clumps. Leave to stand overnight and combine well again. Decant into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Method of Use: Keep in your medical kit apply a generous amount of the clay mix onto a minorly bleeding wound and apply pressure.
Do not use it for serious bleeding, seek immediate medical attention instead.
Safety: Not suitable for use during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Precautions
Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
To reiterate, it’s often a good idea to do a skin test if you have never used an oil before. This may be even more so, with this one if you do have red hair or have a geranium allergy.
Why Choose VINEVIDA
At VINEVIDA, we love botanicals and the planet they come from. We believe in stocking the best at affordable prices and supplying to the discerning, which is why we are also members of both the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. In recognition of our excellent standard of product, we are proud to hold a 2021 Certificate of Registration as a Cosmetic Products Establishment with the U.S. Drugs and Food Administration.
Our joy at seeing people make beautiful things means we stock from the smallest amounts to the largest. Our bulk Essential Oils’ prices begin with our smallest Essential Oil of 10ml to our largest of 396lb, meaning any manufacturing company can afford to stock as many or as few oils as their business can accommodate without running the risk of spoilage of some of nature’s most precious commodities. So why not see if you can save money by buying your Geranium Essential Oil in bulk? Remember how stable it is proven to be, so as long as you store it carefully, it should last and last.
Don’t forget too; we like to look after our customers with reasonable prices and excellent customer service and reward the loyal ones with money-off discounts over the year.
Conclusion
So, why not check out if you qualify for our loyalty scheme and start saving today with an environmentally friendly choice of oil for skin, hair, massage oils, and soap making? Add VINEVIDA Geranium Essential Oil to your cart today.
Safety Data Sheet
