Benefits of Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Rose geranium essential oil is a type of essential oil widely used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the flowers and leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, rose geranium essential oil is said to provide a variety of health benefits.

Rose geranium essential oil contains a number of compounds believed to improve health, including citronellol and geraniol

How it works

Inhaling the scent of essential oils is believed to transmit messages to a brain area involved in controlling emotions. This brain region, known as the limbic system, also affects the nervous system, which can affect stress levels, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and immune function. Essential oils can also exert biological effects through topical use where they can be absorbed through the skin, or when taken orally.

Health benefits

While preliminary research suggests that rose geranium essential oil may provide certain health benefits, there is currently a lack of research on the health effects of aromatherapeutic use of rose geranium essential oil.

For example, a preliminary study published in the Iranian Journal of Microbiology in 2012 showed that rose geranium essential oil can act as an antimicrobial (a substance that destroys or suppresses the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi).

In addition, a preliminary study published in Lipids in Health and Disease in 2012 indicates that rose geranium essential oil may help protect against diabetes. In tests on rats, the study authors found that animals treated orally with rose geranium essential oil experienced a significant decrease in blood sugar.

It is also important to note that none of these studies have tested the aromatherapeutic uses of rose geranium essential oil, and more research is needed before rose geranium essential oil can be recommended in the treatment of any health condition.

Uses

Rose geranium essential oil can be used to treat the following problems:

Acne
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Post-herpetic neuralgia

Rose geranium essential oil is also used to promote emotional stability, relieve pain, stimulate burn and wound healing, improve mood, and reduce inflammation.