15 Geranium Oil Benefits For Healthy Skin (And Much More)

15 Geranium Oil Benefits For Healthy Skin. Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Photo – © oksioma – fotolia.com (under license)

Geranium oil is a sweet-smelling essential oil that is commonly used as an element in aromatherapy due to its many health benefits. This aromatic oil is one of the holistic treatments for your physical, mental, and emotional health. It is extracted from the geranium plant through steam distillation of stems and leaves.

There are several properties that contribute to the therapeutic benefits of geranium essential oil which can act as an astringent, deodorant, tonic, and vulnerary agent. The oil has a lot of applications in terms of health. Here are some of the health benefits that are not only enjoyed by many people but are also backed by science.

1. Insect Repellant

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology confirmed the repellent activity exhibited by geranium essential oil against blood-feeding arthropods. The study was conducted in tick-infested areas in central Sweden. ^[1]

2. Anti-inflammatory Agent

A Libyan study carried out in 2013 showed the potential of essential oil of geranium for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. The oil showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity by topical treatment and had fewer side effects than cholesterol and joint pain medications. ^[2]

3. Mood Booster

Geranium oil has a sweet and floral smell that relaxes the body and mind. According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, geranium oil is one of the essential oils that can calm and brighten your day and is a wonderful addition to wellness routine for depression and anxiety. ^[3]

4. Joint Painkiller

Osteoarthritis affects 20 million Americans. Geranium oil was one of the herbal oils that exhibited analgesic and sedative therapeutic properties in a case study by Cathy Boyle on rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The swelling in the hand of the patient diminished after several weeks of applying an essential oil blend that includes geranium oil. ^[4]

5. Respiratory Infection Killer

Geranium oil contains several chemicals that have antibiotic-like effects which may help prevent nose and throat infections. The oil’s antimicrobial properties were affirmed by a 2012 study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease. ^[5]

6. Skin Enhancer

Geranium oil is used as an alternative treatment for acne, dermatitis, and skin diseases. It has some anti-bacterial function that is ideal for dealing with skin-related problems. ^[6] Some people dilute geranium oil with coconut oil and apply the mixture to the infected area twice a day.

7. Natural Deodorant

A study that first appeared in Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin revealed the inhibitory effects of geranium oil against several bacteria. The study analyzed the antibacterial and antifungal activities of geranium oil. ^[7] The results highlight the potential of geranium oil as an ingredient for deodorants.

8. Diuretic

Geranium oil assists in the removal of toxins from your body by increasing the rate of urination. This process is helpful in your digestive function and in inhibiting the excess gas in your intestines. ^[8] This presents evidence on the value of the geranium oil in the strategic treatment of urinary tract infection.

9. Dementia Preventer

Research published in the January 2010 edition of the Journal of Functional Foods posited the importance of geranium oil to the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. ^[9] According to the study, geranium oil can inhibit the production of nitric oxide in activated microglial cells which is involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

10. Muscle Toner

The astringent activity demonstrated by geranium oil helps prevent your muscles and skin from sagging. You can use geranium oil as massage oil which is applied on your skin, focusing on your muscles. ^[10]

11. Vaginal Wash

In August 2008, Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin published a study that showed the vaginal application of diluted geranium oil in suppressing Candida cell growth in the vagina and its local inflammation when combined with vaginal washing. ^[11]

12. Treatment Of Denture Stomatitis

An article in the December 2011 issue of Dental Research Journal showed the efficacy of essential oil of geranium in the treatment of denture stomatitis. ^[12] The study found out that geranium oil in the form of gel is more effective than placebo in the treatment of the disease, decreasing Candida infection and reducing the local inflammation.

13. Heals Cuts, Wounds, And Incisions

The cicatrisant and anti-inflammation properties of geranium oil can help the healing of spots caused by wounds, cuts, or incisions by increasing blood circulation right below the surface of the skin. The oil speeds up the healing of wounds by stimulating blood clotting. ^[13]

14. Reduces Blood Pressure

In 2015, Iranian researchers discovered the effect of inhalation of the aroma of geranium essential oil on diastolic blood pressure. According to the study, diastolic blood pressure decreased in 100 women pregnant women during labor. ^[14]

15. Alleviates The Effect Of Menopause

A 2008 study used essential oils of geranium, rose, and jasmine to determine if aromatherapy was effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. The study confirmed the phytoestrogen effects of essential oils on menopausal symptoms in climacteric women. ^[15]