Geranium Oil: Uses & Benefits

Do you feel tense at the end of a hard day’s work?

Are you struggling to find a safe and natural remedy to combat the effects of old age?

Are you looking for that occasional floral boost?

Geranium essential oil, sometime referred to as the poor-man’s Rose oil, does more than just pack a floral punch. Not only can it help you unwind after a stressful day at the office, but its medicinal properties can help support your immune system and even help reduce the signs of ageing.

What is Geranium Oil?

Principal Benefits

• Helps calm nerves and ease stress
• Promotes the appearance of clear and healthy skin
• Naturally repels insects
• Gives hair a vibrant healthy glow

How to Use Geranium Oil

Geranium essential oil can be used in several ways. Each type of application has a particular benefit, so you can choose from different options to suit your specific needs. Alternatively, you can try using it in all three ways listed below to optimise its power.

Directions for Use:

What’s great about it is that it is highly versatile. Subsequently, it can be used in a number of ways. Add a few drops to some steaming water as part of a relaxing aromatherapy steam treatment. Add three to four drops to your diffuser of choice to help relieve that pent-up stress and tension. Or why not try applying it directly by diluting one to two drop with a sumptuous carrier oil.

Geranium Essential Oil Uses

• Aromatic Use: can be inhaled as part of an invigorating steam treatment or used with your diffuser of choice to help ease those workplace tensions away.
• Topical Use: Dilute with the perfect complimentary carrier oil and apply it directly to get the most out of its tightening power or to help repel bugs in the night.
• Internal Use:  anti-toxic, which means that it can be ingested in small doses. Try a drop in 4 fl. Oz. of liquid to relax you and improve your blood circulation. It’s also an antispasmodic, which means it can relax your bowels and aid with digestion.

Geranium Oil Essential Health Benefits

• Geranium oil has astringent properties, which means it helps to constrict: gums, muscles, the intestine, skin and even blood vessels. So it’s great for tightening up those abs and helping prevent excess skin from sagging – it can even help straighten out those wrinkles!
• Its antibacterial properties mean that it helps clean wounds and boost your immune system, by helping to focus antibodies to the areas that need the most help.
• The aromatic properties mean that it has a several positive effects on mental health. For example, the sweet floral scents helps relieve stress, raise spirits and has even been found to aid in reducing  sad and anxious feelings.
• Scars and acne are the scourge of many, and have an unfortunately detrimental effect on people’s self-confidence. Rather than paying all that money to rub nasty chemicals over your body, applying a small amount of it will help you achieve flawless skin.
• Geranium essential could  become a staple of your beauty regime. One of the most popular uses is to incorporate a few drops drops into the various parts of your daily cleaning routine. Try adding a couple of drops into your shampoo or conditioner to bring out your hair’s natural shine. Alternatively, add two drops to your soap or body wash to get your skin softer than a baby’s bottom.
• There is a growing body of evidence that shows the anti-inflammatory prowess of Geranium essential oil. Try applying a couple of drops two the affected area to get those joints back to normal.

Geranium Essential Oil Research

Geranium essential oil, not to be confused with rose essential oil, has a history that dates back as far as the ancient Egyptians, yet was only introduced to Europe as recently as the 17th century. Although it is primarily used in the perfumery and aromatherapy industries, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest it could have several important medicinal properties, such as: acting as an anti-inflammatory, aiding in cell regeneration and even contribute to disease prevention. However, trials and studies have been limited and whilst initial results have been impressive, more research will be required before it is used more widely in certain types of treatments. Geranium essential oil has not been approved by the FDA for any type of medical use and should not be used instead of a pharmaceutical option.

Geranium Essential Oil Nutrition

There are some amazing benefits derived from long-term. When used over a long period of time, its aromatic properties help relieve stress, create a calming aura, and even help combat the effects of sad and anxious feelings – much better than pumping your body full with pills. There is also a growing body of evidence to suggest that this super-oil even helps improve overall health and wellness. Its antibacterial properties means that it can actually prevent bacteria growing on your skin, so the next time you get a cut or wound, try applying a couple of drops a day to clean it up and encourage recovery.

As a topical treatment, continued use will help smooth saggy or wrinkled skin, which is  not only a far cheaper alternative to using the expensive creams found in drug stores, but also gives you a powerful, natural alternative. Also, why not give it a go as an acne buster. It acts as a hormonal balancer, which means it helps to regulate the secretion of the oils and grime that lead to acne. A simple solution, that could really bolster your self-esteem.

Finally, mix in 5-7 drops of with ½ fl. Oz. of Olive Old to create a luscious hair oil to breathe new life into dull and limp hair! This sweet smelling essential oil contains antioxidants that reinvigorate and limp damaged hair.

Geranium Essential Oil Safety

Geranium essential oil is anti-toxic and for the vast majority of people. It’s safe. However, some people have reported developing a rash or experiencing a burning sensation – so test it on a small area first (preferably your foot).

It can also cause some eye irritation when applied to the face, so always try to avoid any direct eye contact. For best results dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut. You should also be careful with ingesting too much oil – a drop diluted in 4 fl. oz. have been proven to be beneficial, but too much of any oil can cause illness. Always consult a doctor before ingestion.

Also be aware that the astringent properties mean that it constricts blood vessels. If you have high blood pressure, you should use it with caution.

It’s also worth noting that it does help to balance out the hormonal system, so it might not be a great idea to use it during pregnancy.

Geranium Essential Oil Substitutes

Geranium essential oil is so versatile that it is difficult to find a substitution that can do quite as much, however, there are several other types of essential oil have been reported to have some similar health benefits too. For example, lavender essential oil also helps in reducing anxiety and promoting a good night’s sleep. Moreover, orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, and jasmine essential oil also help to improve your mood. The most popular alternative is to use rose essential oil, which has a far sweeter scent. However, rose essential oil is significantly more expensive, with little further health benefit.

Geranium Essential Oil Blends Well With

Geranium essential oil blends well with almost every oil,especially when being used topically or as part of an aromatherapy treatment. Try mixing  with equal parts coconut, jojoba or olive oil, for a sensual aromatic boost. It also blends brilliantly with chamomile and sage creating an uplifting floral bouquet

For a more sensual experience, try blending it with either a sandalwood vetiver base to create a massage oil that will make your partner weak at the knees.

Personally I prefer blending it with peppermint for a minty, effervescent kick for a quick boost towards the end of the week.

Conclusion

Besides smelling great and making your skin buttery soft, Geranium essential oil has some incredible curative benefits. Regardless of whether you are inhaling it as part of aromatherapy or applying it directly to your skin, it is proven to reduce stress and turn that frown upside down. It’s also an affordable and natural alternative to the growing number of nasty, chemically-laden products on the market. If you haven’t already experienced the healing power of this super-oil, then you’re missing out.

Disclaimer

Despite geranium oil being used for well over 2000 years there are still a few things to be aware of. It is a styptic, which means that can cause blood vessels to contract and restrains the flow of blood. As a result for those with high blood pressure there is a danger of  cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attacks with prolonged use. Pregnant women and those who are nursing should also be wary when using Geranium essential oil. It has an effect on hormone secretion, so there is a possibility that it may have an effect on breast milk. Better to be safe than sorry. None of the claims made are supported by the FDA.