Rose geranium essential oil is derived from the leaves and stems of the Pelargonium graveolens, through a simple process of steam distillation. This perennial and evergreen shrub hails from South Africa and it has been admired for its design and appearance as well as for its functions as it can be used in various applications.

The oil has a rich and sweet rose-like fragrance, thus it is widely used in the perfume and cosmetics industry. If you like the smell of geranium essential oil, then the scent of rose geranium oil will be equally pleasing for you! It is also used as a food flavoring but fret not, because rose geranium essential oil has a range of useful medicinal properties that make it a viable oil to help alleviate and treat various conditions of the body. Read on to find out more!

Health Benefits of Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

1. Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Rose geranium essential oil, with its useful anti-inflammatory properties, can help to mitigate a range of diseases which are caused by inflammation. For example, there was a 2013 research study published in the Libyan Journal of Medicine which investigated the efficacy of rose geranium oil as a new and alternative yet safe source of anti-inflammatory drugs.

The researchers found that rose geranium oil was able to significantly reduce paw edema and exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity when topically applied to ear edema. Its anti-inflammatory activity was compared to diclofenac, which is a well-known anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis actually.

As such, this exhibits rose geranium potency to soothe red and inflamed conditions, thus preventing a whole host of diseases and helping to provide pain relief brought about by such inflammatory conditions.

How to Use it: You can apply it topically onto affected areas, but be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil first (such as coconut, olive or jojoba oil) in a 1:1 ratio.

2. Helps to Prevent Infections

Rose geranium essential oil also has potent antibacterial properties, thus making it a good antiseptic agent to add to your first aid kits. It helps to eradicate bacteria which can fester in open wounds, cuts or sores and prevents them from becoming septic or developing infections, which can complicate the healing process further.

A 2012 study published in the Iranian Journal of Microbiology found that rose geranium oil showed the strongest inhibitory activity against the bacterial strain of Staphylococcus aureus, which is the key bacteria that leads wounds to becoming septic. As such, this demonstrates the antimicrobial nature of rose geranium essential oil.

Not only can it help to heal wounds, it also helps to treat skin fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and jock itch because it possesses anti-fungal components as well. Thus, rose geranium is a multi-functional oil that helps to address a range of skin problems and facilitates the healing process.

How to Use it: After dilution with a carrier oil, proceed to gently apply it directly onto the affected areas, but do not apply it directly on open wounds or open sores. For feet fungal conditions, you can also make a footbath by adding 4-5 drops of the oil to a tub of hot water and soak for a few minutes.

3. Promotes Skin Health

Because of its antibacterial quality, coupled with its beneficial antioxidant compounds, rose geranium oil can be a useful ally for combating a range of dermatological skin complaints such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. It can also help to treat skin conditions like oily and congested skin as it effectively cleans out the pores in your skins and prevents bacteria from being trapped inside.

Not only that, it helps to fight off free radical damage and prevents the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin, thus keeping your skin’s healthy, youthful and radiant glow! Its cicatrisant abilities also means it can help to speed up the healing of scars, stretch marks and any other dark spots which promotes a much smoother complexion!

How to Use it: Simply dilute it with a skin-friendly carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, in a 1:1 ratio and apply it onto the affected areas.

4. Promotes Emotional Health

There are a lot of essential oils out there in the market that helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. Rose geranium essential oil is one such oil that also has this aromatherapy benefit! Its aroma is especially uplifting as it improves your mood and makes you feel happier, more relaxed and more calm. Try using this oil after a long, tiring and exhausting day at work to destress and to rejuvenate your senses.

How to Use it: You can diffuse rose geranium oil in your diffuser and vaporizer or massage 2 drops of diluted rose geranium oil onto your neck and temples.

5. Promotes Detoxification

Rose geranium oil also has diuretic properties, which induces increased frequency and quantity of urination. When this happens, it helps to remove unwanted and harmful toxins from the body, such as urea, uric acid, excess salts, fats and water. Thus, this helps to purify and cleanse the blood as well as the internal organs such as your kidneys and liver, thus helping to prevent a range of diseases and lowering blood pressure in the process.

How to Use it: You can diffuse the oil in a diffuser and inhale the aromatic wafts emanating out, or you can add about 4-5 drops of it in a tub of warm, bathing water to soak inside.

6. Promotes Teeth Health

Rose geranium essential oil also can help to treat denture stomatitis, as seen in the 2011 study which was published in the Dental Research Journal. Denture stomatitis is basically caused by the yeast or fungus candida which affects the mouth.

Patients who were eligible wearers of complete dentures were asked to apply geranium oil gel twice daily for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, it was found that 34% of the patients had reported significant improvement in their condition, with a significant reduction in fungal growth. This further attests to its anti-fungal nature and antiseptic nature.

How to Use it: You can add 1-2 drops of the oil in your toothpaste or you can add 3-4 drops of the oil in a cup of water to be used as a gargle mixture. However, be sure to avoid ingesting the mixture while gargling.

7. As a Deodorant

Rose geranium oil is also a good deodorant because it is a mild and non-harsh as well as non-irritant oil. Thus, it is safe to be applied onto the body if you want to get rid of body odours or any foul smells. It will leave you smelling rosy and you will feel refreshed as well!

Besides that, you can also diffuse the oil in your homes or rooms to bring in the musky and sweet rose scent, thus helping to ward away any bad lingering smells in your houses.

How to Use it: You can diffuse it using a vaporizer or burner. Alternatively, mix it with a carrier oil and massage onto your body (wrists, neck and behind the ears) for a body perfume.

Safety Precautions:

• Rose geranium oil is considered to be a safe and non-toxic oil but it should not be ingested.

• If you wish to apply it topically onto the skin, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first in a 1:1 ratio and perform a skin patch test first to ensure there are no sensitive or allergic reactions.

• If you are pregnant or nursing, it is wise to exercise caution and seek the advice of a professional health expert before using rose geranium oil as a form of treatment.

• Avoid use on small children as not enough research has been done on its effects.

Rose geranium essential oil blends well with basil, cedarwood, clary sage, lavender, jasmine and bergamot essential oils.

References:

Boukhatem MN, et al., “Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs”, The Libyan Journal of Medicine (2013)

Ghannadi A, et al., “Antibacterial activity and composition of essential oils from Pelargonium graveolens L’Her and Vitex agnus-castus L.” Iranian Journal of Microbiology (2012); 4(4)

Sabzghabaee AM, et al., “Clinical evaluation of the essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens for the treatment of denture stomatitis”, Dental Research Journal (2011)