10 Healing Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil

Not just a pretty floral scent, geranium essential oil benefits the mind and body in a myriad of ways from wound healing to skin soothing. Floral essential oils are most familiar to us when we think of essential oils and aromatherapy. It’s not surprising, since the aromatherapy and perfumery industries – arts, really – are so closely intertwined. But the medicinal uses of geranium shouldn’t be overlooked.

Pelargonium Graveolens Plant

While the scent of geranium essential oil is floral, the oil itself is distilled from the leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant. It is native to South Africa and has since been cultivated further north into Middle Eastern and Asian countries.

While the Latin name usually gives us clarity as to what kind of oil we have, geranium is a bit trickier. The strains of Pelargonium graveolens aren’t necessarily indicated by those two names; the strain and location of growth can make a huge impact on the chemical composition of the oil in spite of sharing the name P. graveolens. (1)

For the most part, with trusted suppliers, we can tell based on the common name – this is not the norm for other oils. Geranium Bourbon is grown in a specific region and is mostly used for fragrances rather than therapeutic purposes. Rose Geranium is ever-so-slightly ‘rosy’ smelling.

If your supplier provides the GC/MS evaluation for their oils, look for something with at least the compounds geraniol, linalool, and citronella – again, remember that a trusted supplier is important. Any of these compounds can be synthesized for affordability in spite of lessened quality!

10 Healing Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil is a powerful therapeutic oil that is also relatively gentle and safe, used primarily in inhaled and topical application methods. Add it to your diffuser or topical blend to enjoy the following healing benefits.

1. Geranium Oil for Hormone Balance

Ladies, this one is a lifesaver. Geranium oil is known for bringing balance when your hormones feel all over the place. Whether it’s PMS mood swings, hot flashes, or just those days when your emotions run high, this sweet floral oil can help calm the storm. In fact, research has shown that simply inhaling geranium oil can support healthy estrogen levels in women, especially during menopause. That’s why we love pairing it with clary sage and lavender to create a soothing, hormone-friendly blend.

How to use it:

• Diffuse in the bedroom at night if you’re struggling with hot flashes or restless sleep.
• Mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage over your lower abdomen to ease cramps.
• Combine with clary sage in a roller bottle for an on-the-go “hormone helper.”

This is a gentle but powerful way to support your body naturally, and it’s one of our favorite oils for women’s health.

2. Geranium Oil for Anxiety & Stress

Sometimes life feels heavy, and your mind just won’t stop racing. That’s where geranium oil shines. Its light, rosy aroma brings a sense of calm without knocking you out or making you feel drowsy. In one study, women in labor who inhaled geranium oil reported feeling less anxious and more at peace. Another trial found that it helped lower blood pressure and calm nerves before a medical procedure. Think of it as God’s natural “peace oil” for your mind and body.

How to Use It:

• Diffuse in the living room after a stressful day to set the whole family at ease.
• Add a drop to a cotton ball or diffuser necklace and breathe deeply when anxiety hits.
• Blend with lavender and sweet orange for a calming synergy that feels like a hug.

3. Geranium Oil for Glowing Skin

If there’s one oil every woman needs in her beauty cabinet, it’s geranium. It helps balance oily and dry skin, supports healing from blemishes, and even encourages your skin to age gracefully. Researchers have found that geranium oil can speed up wound healing and reduce inflammation in the skin. It also helps your skin cells regenerate, which means fewer breakouts and a more radiant glow. This is why you’ll often see geranium oil in natural serums and anti-aging recipes.

How to Use It:

• Add 1–2 drops to your daily moisturizer or serum for balanced, healthy-looking skin.
• Blend with frankincense and lavender for a rejuvenating anti-aging facial oil.
• Apply diluted (1–2%) on blemishes or minor cuts to encourage quick healing.

4. Geranium Oil for Natural Defense

God created plants with built-in protection, and geranium oil is one of nature’s defenders. Studies show it can stop the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, including Candida and Staph. That makes it a great go-to when you’re fighting off everyday germs, caring for wounds, or simply wanting to freshen the air in your home. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, geranium offers a safe, gentle way to protect your family.

How to Use It:

• Diffuse to purify the air when sickness is going around.
• Add a few drops to a DIY cleaning spray with vinegar and water.
• Apply diluted (2–3%) on cuts or scrapes, blended with tea tree oil for extra power.

5. Geranium Oil for Healthy Blood Sugar

Keeping your blood sugar steady can be tough, especially with today’s diet and stress levels. Early research suggests that geranium oil may help protect the pancreas and support healthy glucose balance. While it’s not a replacement for healthy eating and exercise, geranium oil can be a gentle companion for those watching their blood sugar. Its stress-reducing effect also helps minimize those spikes we often see when life gets overwhelming.

How to Use It:

• Diffuse when sugar cravings hit to help curb the urge.
• Add to a massage blend over the abdomen (always diluted) for supportive care.
• Pair with cinnamon and clove oils in a diffuser for a “sweet” balancing blend.

6. Geranium Oil for Pain & Inflammation

Chronic pain wears people down, but geranium oil can help bring natural relief. Its soothing properties calm inflammation and may even reduce nerve pain, like post-herpetic neuralgia. Whether it’s stiff joints, sore muscles, or everyday aches, geranium can help you feel more comfortable without harsh side effects.

How to Use It:

• Massage into sore joints with a carrier oil (3–5% dilution).
• Add to an Epsom salt bath for soothing full-body relief.
• Blend with frankincense and lavender for an “ache-away” roller blend.

7. Geranium Oil for Heart Health

Stress and worry weigh heavy on the heart — literally. Geranium oil’s calming aroma not only soothes the mind but also supports healthy blood pressure and heart rate. It’s a reminder that God designed plants not just to heal the body but to bring peace to the soul.

How to Use It:

• Diffuse during prayer or quiet time to calm the heart and mind.
• Blend with ylang ylang and lavender for cardiovascular support.
• Add a drop to a cotton pad and breathe deeply before stressful situations.

8. Geranium Oil for Liver Support

Your liver is your body’s detox powerhouse, constantly filtering out toxins. Animal studies suggest geranium oil helps protect the liver from oxidative stress. While lifestyle choices play the biggest role in liver health, geranium can be a supportive part of a detox-friendly routine.

How to Use It:

• Apply diluted over the liver area (right side, below the ribs) to stimulate circulation.
• Blend with lemon and rosemary for a gentle detox massage oil.
• Diffuse with grapefruit for a fresh, cleansing aroma.

9. Geranium Oil for Strong Immunity

When stress is high, our immune defenses can drop. Geranium oil steps in to help. Studies on Pelargonium extracts show they can boost macrophage activity, the white blood cells that fight infection. Its antimicrobial and calming properties work hand in hand to strengthen your body’s natural defense system.

How to Use It:

• Diffuse during cold and flu season to keep your home environment strong.
• Add to a chest rub (with eucalyptus and tea tree) for extra support.
• Carry an inhaler stick with geranium oil to give your immunity a quick lift on the go.

10. Geranium Oil for Respiratory Relief

Breathing easy is a gift we often take for granted. Geranium oil has been used traditionally to ease coughs, clear congestion, and support the lungs. Research on its cousin, Pelargonium sidoides, shows it can shorten the duration of bronchitis and ease symptoms. When diffused, geranium oil not only calms the nerves but also opens up the airways, helping you breathe deeply and freely.

How to Use It:

• Diffuse during seasonal sniffles for easier breathing.
• Add to a steam bowl (hot water + a few drops of geranium) and inhale deeply.
• Blend with eucalyptus and peppermint for a powerful “breathe easy” chest rub.

Blending with Geranium

One of the geranium essential oil uses include that it blends well with oils that share its properties, so keep that in mind when playing with combinations and scents.

• Antianxiety: lavender, bergamot, rose, chamomile
• Antimicrobial: citrus, thyme, clove
• Healing: lavender, lemongrass, tea tree

Geranium has a heavy scent, so lightening it up with citrus essential oils or those with floral, herbaceous scents can make an enjoyable and effective combination.

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