Geranium or Pelargonium Odoratissimum is a certain herb, which is known for its extensive use in aromatherapy. An essential oil is prepared from the stem, leaves and sometimes flowers, of Geranium through steam distillation procedure. The entire Germanium plant excluding the roots can be used for the production of this oil. The cherry on the cake is that the Germanium flower is simply beautiful (1)!
Due to its amazing properties, Geranium essential oil is used for a number of medicinal, skin care and hair care purposes. Have a look below to know more:
Geranium oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic by nature. It averts the attacks of bacteria and fungi on our wounds and injuries and safeguards those from developing infections (2).
Due to its antimicrobial effects, geranium works as an immunity booster (3). It strengthens the defensive cells of our body so that we can deal with various internal as well as external toxic challenges successfully.
Geranium is an excellent anti-hemorrhagic substance. It can put a stop to hemorrhage in two-fold ways. Being a styptic, it prevents the normal flow of blood by contracting our arteries and veins. On the flip side, the hemostatic properties make the coagulation procedure faster, thereby facilitating blood clot. Both of these are helpful in curing wounds and averting infections (4).
Researchers have proved that geranium has cytophylactic properties. It is capable of boosting our metabolism, which is essential for maintaining the health as well as growth of our body cells and reproductive cells. Geranium also plays in important role in restoration of our new cells by recycling the dead ones (5).
The herb is also widely known for its diuretic properties. It facilitates the discharge of urine from our urinary bladder. As a result, we get rid of a number of toxic materials and excess elements like sodium, acid, bile, fat, water, etc (6).
Geranium has indirect effects on our gastrointestinal system and cardiovascular system (7). As it increases urination, our digestion procedure gets improved and no gas is accumulated in the intestine. Similarly, it lowers the level of sodium in our body, which keeps our blood pressure normal.
Another great advantage of using Geranium is that it can make our microglial cells active and facilitate the release of Nitric Oxide. Being a potent pro-inflammatory factor, it can reduce inflammation in our brain cells and keep neural degeneration at bay. Therefore, we can prevent fatal neural disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (8), etc.
Geranium takes care of our overall health. It can be used as a tonic for stimulating our endocrine glands and normalizing the secretion of hormones. We can also regularize the functionalities of different internal systems to maintain the standard amount of acid, bile and enzymes in our body (9).
The vermifugal properties of geranium is extremely beneficial for kids (sometimes adults also). It can help them get rid of intestinal worms.
A number of respiratory conditions like sore throat, nose infection, etc. can be treated with geranium successfully (10).
Geranium is highly effective in solving various women’s health issues. From premenstrual cramps to postmenopausal syndrome, the herb is good for reducing each and everything that women can suffer from (11).
The essential oil prepared from the geranium herb has a pleasant, captivating and long-lasting aroma. Hence, it is widely used as a deodorant for regulating perspiration and purging body odor (12).
You can also use geranium essential oil as an anti-depressant (13). It can relieve our stress, tension, anxiety and gives us a feel of relaxation.
Geranium is well-known for its deep positive effects on various skin disorders like acne, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections, etc. The best thing about the Geranium essential oil is that it is a cicatrisant. So, it can help scars fade away gradually and make our skin flawless (14).
The Geranium essential oil is a natural cleanser. It can be used directly onto the skin for cleaning or added to the water for bathing. You can have a glowing radiant skin both ways (15).
The astringent properties of geranium are also very advantageous for our skin (16). Our muscle contractions get significantly boosted with these. Consequently, we get a firm and toned look.
As the contractions of our muscles and tissues are increased by geranium, we do not suffer from untimely sagging. Our facial skin gets tightened and no wrinkles or fine lines are seen. In short, we can combat various anti-ageing symptoms effectively (17).
Geranium essential oil is also used as skin tonic. It can provide proper nourishment to our skin cells and keep those young and healthy for long.
Geranium is a perfect solution for both dry and oily hair. It can balance the oil in our scalp and hair so that each of our hair strands gets vitalized and looks healthy. It works on the sebaceous glands present on our scalp and regulates the secretion of sebum. As a result, we get smooth and silky tresses (18).
Geranium can promote our hair growth by nourishing and toning our scalp (19).
The essential oil can be mixed with regular shampoo to give the hair a magical flowery aroma.
Hope the article was helpful for you. Stay healthy!