Holistic Health Aromatherapy & Essential Oils The Benefits of Rose Geranium Essential Oil By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on April 20, 2020 facebook linkedin Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles. She helped co-author the first integrative geriatrics textbook, "Integrative Geriatric Medicine." Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Bull, ND on April 20, 2020 Print Rose geranium essential oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the flowers and leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, rose geranium essential oil is said to offer a variety of health benefits. Rose geranium essential oil contains a number of compounds thought to enhance health, including citronellol and geraniol. Diana Haronis / Getty Images How It Works Inhaling the aroma of essential oils is thought to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions. This brain region, known as the limbic system, also influences the nervous system which can affect stress levels, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. Essential oils can also exert biological affects through topical use where they can be absorbed into the skin, or when taken orally. Health Benefits While preliminary research suggests that rose geranium essential oil may offer certain health benefits, there is currently a lack of research testing 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 found that rose geranium essential oil may 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's authors determined that animals treated orally with rose geranium essential oil experienced a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. The study's authors note that rose geranium essential oil appears to offer antioxidant effects when taken orally. However, it's important to note that rose geranium essential oil may have toxic effects when ingested. It's also important to note that neither of these studies tested the aromatherapeutic use of rose geranium essential oil and that more research is needed before rose geranium essential oil can be recommended in the treatment of any health condition. Uses Rose geranium essential oil may be used to treat the following problems: AcneAnxietyDepressionInsomniaPost-herpetic neuralgia Rose geranium essential oil is also used to promote emotional stability, alleviate pain, stimulate healing from burns and wounds, enhance mood, and reduce inflammation. In addition, rose geranium essential oil is sometimes used as an insect repellant. When combined with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado), rose geranium essential oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to baths. Rose geranium essential oil also can be inhaled after sprinkling a few drops of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer. Caveats As with all essential oils, rose geranium essential oil should not be taken internally without the supervision of a health professional. Internal use of rose geranium essential oil may have toxic effects. In addition, some individuals may experience irritation or an allergic reaction when applying rose geranium essential oil to the skin. It should not be applied full strength to the skin. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin. Pregnant women and children should consult their primary health care providers prior to using essential oils. Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend rose geranium oil for any health condition. If you're considering the use of rose geranium oil, talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen. Keep in mind that rose geranium oil should not be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of a chronic health condition. Alternatives Several other types of essential oils have been found to offer health effects similar to purported benefits of rose geranium essential oil. For example, lavender essential oil may help reduce anxiety and promote healthy sleep. In addition, orange essential oil, lemon essential oil, and jasmine essential oil may help improve mood. Where to Find It Widely available for purchase online, rose geranium essential oil is sold in many natural-foods stores and in stores specializing in self-care products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ali, B, Al-Wbael, N, Shams, S, Ahamad, A, Khan, SA, Anwar, F. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: a systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2015;5(8): 601-611. doi:10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.05.007 Ghannadi A, Bagherinejad M, Abedi D, Jalali M, Absalan B, Sadeghi N. Antibacterial activity and composition of essential oils from Pelargonium graveolens L'Her and Vitex agnus-castus L. Iran J Microbiol. 2012;4(4):171-6. Boukhris M, Bouaziz M, Feki I, Jemai H, El feki A, Sayadi S. Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of leaf essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Lipids Health Dis. 2012;11:81. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-11-81 Greenway FL, Frome BM, Engels TM, McLellan A. Temporary relief of postherpetic neuralgia pain with topical geranium oil. The American Journal of Medicine. 2003 Nov 1;115(7):586-587.