Rose Geranium

Essential oil of Rose Geranium is extracted from a plant called Pelargonium graveolens, which is a member of the Geraniaceae family and throughout history, geraniums were believed to help keep evil spirits away.

From the over seven hundred types of rose geranium, only ten produce enough oil to make oil production feasible. 

Rose Geraniums generally have a scent much more reminiscent of actual roses than the Pelargonium Odorantissimum, the better known geranium in the family. 

Most geranium essential oil does have a more citrus-fruity scent, and you can easily smell the difference in the two related species.

Rose geranium oil can vary in content and composition.  The oil is made from the leaves of the plant. The leaves and stalks are used for extraction, and the oil is obtained through steam distillation.

When the rose geranium is distilled, if the leaves have begun to yellow, the rose scent will be ‘rosier’ and when the leaves have not yet began to turn, the scent is greener and not as rosy. 

Some processors even make imitation rose geranium oil, so it is important to be certain that your essential oil is actually made from pelargonium graveolens, rather than P.odorantissimum oil.

Home Remedies using Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

Benefits of Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

Essential oil of rose geraniums helps with nervous complaints and can help with fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or jitters.  It works well to alleviate even clinical depression.  It regulates hormones, cleans and refines oily skin, and promotes wound healing.

Rose geranium oil is very balancing, and helps make coping with stress easier.  One way in which stress is alleviated is through balancing the body’s hormones. 

Rose geranium oil has been beneficial in reducing heavy menstruation, treating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and balancing vaginal secretions and conditions such as common yeast imbalances.

Rose geranium oil helps eliminate excess water that has been retained in the body.  This is good to treat gall stones, cystitis, jaundice, and other illnesses and common complaints. 

Rose geranium is also useful as an astringent, and can help to achieve skin tone and clarity.  This oil is also very good for treating burns, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and other skin conditions.

  • Rose geranium essential oil can be used to relieve menopausal and menstrual symptoms.  It works well in diffusers, simmer pots, and steam therapy.
  • Rose geranium oil can be blended with other essential oils and carriers to form massage oil to be used in massage therapy. 
  • It can be diluted in a warm bath for therapeutic soaks.
  • This oil may be added to cream or lotion bases to be applied to wounds, various skin conditions, and burns.
  • Rose geranium oil is a powerful insecticide, and when a few drops are added to shampoo, it can be effective therapy against head lice.

Side Effects of Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

Geranium oil is not toxic, not known to be sensitizing, but has caused sun sensitivities in some people, so it should be avoided when you are going to be in the sun.

This should not be used by pregnant women.