Geranium Essential Oil

Pelargonium roseum/ Pelargonium graveolens

Known Uses

As an astringent, Geranium Essential Oil can minimize the look of wrinkles because it tightens facial skin and slows down the effects of aging. It also helps in tightening and contracting muscles. It can prevent your muscles and skin from sagging.

The antibacterial properties found in geranium oil help to protect your body from infection. It aids in eliminating bodily odors and can be used as a natural deodorant. Geranium Oil helps in the treatment of acne, dermatitis and skin diseases and can prevent nose and throat infections. Geranium oil helps to speed up the healing process of cuts, wounds and incisions. It also helps in fading scars and other spots on the skin quickly.

Geranium Essential Oil increases blood circulation right below the surface of the skin, which helps with the healing of spots caused by acne, cuts or wounds, surgical incisions or skin irritations. Geranium oil causes the contraction of blood vessels and, therefore, helps to stop blood flow; it also speeds up the formation of blood clots. Geranium oil is as a natural bug repellant and also heals insect bites and stops itching.

Because Geranium Oil is a diuretic, it increases urination, leading to fewer toxins in the body. Geranium oil has the power to fight nerve pain when it’s applied to the skin. It inhibits the inflammatory responses and works with the natural chemistry of the brain to prevent inflammation that leads to memory loss. Geranium Oil has the power to improve mental functioning and uplift your spirits. It’s known to help people who suffer from depression, anxiety and anger.

History

Pelargoniums (Geraniums) are believed to be of South African descent. But after their introduction to Europe in the 17th century they now bear little resemblance to the original species due to massive hybridization. A century later, a large number of these European hybrids were returned to South Africa, and were then introduced to Algeria, Australia, Comoros, India, Israel, Madagascar, Morocco, Reunion Island and North America. In the 1940’s pelargoniums were introduced to the Yunnan province of China, which still remains one of the largest geranium oil producing countries of the world.

Warnings

Some people can develop a rash or burning sensation when applying Geranium Oil to the skin. Test the oil on a small area first and always dilute the oil with a carrier oil. Geranium oil can also cause eye irritation if applied to the face. If you take geranium oil by mouth, dilute it and consume small amounts because the safety of the oil when taken in larger amounts is not known.

Since that geranium oil is a styptic, it causes the blood vessels to contract and slows down or stops the flow of blood. This can be a health concern for people with high blood pressure and who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases or stroke. Geranium oil influences hormone secretions, so it’s not advised for use by pregnant women or for women who are breastfeeding.

Geranium oil should not be used on babies and young children due to the delicate nature of their skin and the possibility of toxicity.