Geranium Essential Oil: A Practitioner’s Guide
Plant Part & Extraction
Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of Pelargonium species (commonly referred to as Geranium oil, especially “Rose Geranium” types).
Geranium essential oil is a balancing floral-green oil traditionally used for skin health, emotional stabilization, and hormonal support. It has a rosy, slightly herbaceous, sweet-green aroma.
Properties of Geranium Essential Oil
Traditionally described as:
Antibacterial
Anti-depressant
Antiseptic
Astringent
Diuretic
Insect repellent
Refreshing
Relaxing
Sedative
Tonic
Traditionally recognized for:
skin balancing and regeneration
emotional stabilization
hormonal regulation (traditional use)
circulatory support
nervous system calming
detoxification support
Aromatic & Emotional Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil
Aromatically, Geranium is traditionally associated with:
emotional balance and stabilization
releasing emotional tension and old memories
promoting openness to new ideas
softening emotional defenses
restoring inner calm
supporting mood balance
wonderful to put on dryer balls for a fresh meadow scent
It is often described as emotionally harmonizing—helping bridge stress, grief, and emotional rigidity.
Common Uses for Geranium Essential Oil
Traditionally used for:
air purification
autism (traditional aromatic support use)
bleeding
bruises
chapped lips
cradle cap
diarrhea
dry skin
jaundice
paralysis (traditional use)
physical stress
sensitive skin
staph/MRSA (traditional antimicrobial claims)
Additional traditional uses include:
acne
burns
circulatory problems
convulsions
depression
digestive imbalance
eczema
hormonal imbalance
inflammation
insomnia
kidney stones
bile and liver support
detoxification
menstrual issues
neuralgia
nerve regeneration (traditional claim)
pancreas support
ringworm
shingles
oily skin conditions
sore throats and wounds
Traditional energetic association includes liver detox and emotional release through stored tension patterns.
French Medicinal Uses
(Traditional French aromatherapy systems)
Used for:
diabetes (supportive use)
diarrhea
gallbladder support
gastric ulcers
jaundice
liver conditions
sterility (historical traditional use)
urinary stones
Aromatic & Traditional Therapeutic Applications
Geranium is widely used for:
skin care formulations (especially mature or sensitive skin)
emotional balance blends
hormonal cycle support blends
stress relief diffusion
circulatory and lymphatic support routines
natural insect-repelling blends
It is often considered both a “skin oil” and an “emotional harmonizer.”
Historical Uses of Geranium Essential Oil
Botanical Origin
Native to South Africa
Introduced to Europe in the late 1600s
Named from Greek pelargos (“stork”), referencing seed shape
Cultivation & Production
Over 200 species exist, but only select varieties are used for oil
Major production regions include:
Réunion (Bourbon geranium — high quality)
Madagascar
Egypt
Congo and North Africa
Spain, France, Italy, Corsica (smaller scale)
China, India, Russia
Historical Development
First formal distillation studies began in the early 1800s
Research by Recluz (1819) and later Demarson helped establish therapeutic use
Rose geranium cultivation expanded in France in the mid-1800s
Became widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy due to its rose-like scent
Geranium oil gained importance as both a fragrance and therapeutic oil, especially in skin care and emotional balancing traditions.
Aromatic Profile
rosy
floral
green
slightly minty
sweet-herbaceous
fresh and soft
meadow-like
Geranium is often described as a “natural floral harmonizer.”
Esoteric & Energetic Uses of Geranium Essential Oil
Astrological Association
Venus
Element
Water in ether (fluid emotional energy + spiritual refinement)
Crystal Association
Red Tourmaline
Number
4
Character
Yin
Chakra Associations
2nd Chakra — Sacral (creativity, emotions, sexuality)
5th Chakra — Throat (communication, truth expression)
Geranium is traditionally associated with:
emotional healing and release
restoring inner balance
heart-centered emotional regulation
reconnecting emotional flow and expression
grounding emotional overwhelm into stability
Contraindications
Not for children under 6
Use cautiously for children over 6
Additional Practitioner Notes
Geranium essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for:
skin balancing blends
emotional regulation formulas
hormonal cycle support
natural fragrance and perfumery
laundry and household aroma use (e.g., dryer blends)
It is often described as a “balancing bridge” between emotional states and physical skin expression.
Source References
Information sourced from:
Aromatherapy Bible (aromatherapybible.com)
The Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley
historical French and South African botanical records
traditional perfumery and aromatherapy cultivation practices
Healing Drops Wellness Geranium Blends:
This blend may be applied with a carrier oil to targeted areas, used as a scrub when combined with Epsom salts and botanical soap, or added directly to a bath. It is designed to support changes in the appearance of cellulite by supporting circulation.
Use 1–2 drops per affected areas.
Formerly called Anti-Cellulite
This blend is formulated to support nerve health, circulation, and overall limb wellness. It may benefit those with diabetes, scarring, MS, or reduced sensation in the hands or feet.
Apply 1 drop to each hand or foot as needed, up to once per hour.
Formerly called Neuropathy Blend
This blend is designed to support liver detoxification, strengthen the lymphatic and digestive systems, and assist in managing addictive cravings.
Apply 1–2 drops over the liver area, repeating every hour as needed
A gentle, nurturing blend that promotes calm, emotional healing, and heart-centered connection. Perfect for mothers and babies, mothers-to-be, or anyone reconnecting with their inner child. Encourages serenity, self-love, and the blossoming of new beginnings. Apply to body, add to lotions, or diffuse. Excellent for skin cell renewal and stretch marks.
Formerly called Inner Child
A deeply exotic, uplifting blend that creates emotional harmony, supports feelings of confidence and clarity, and helps balance all chakra energy centers.
Diffuse it to create a serene, uplifting atmosphere, perfect for meditation, yoga, or anytime you want to restore calm and clarity. This powerful combination of 16 oils was created by naturopathic doctor to balance all chakras (energetic centers), supporting emotional wellness and inner harmony.
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