{"id":12563,"date":"2024-06-26T09:27:28","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T08:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=12563"},"modified":"2025-04-14T11:00:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T10:00:56","slug":"rose-geranium","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/rose-geranium\/","title":{"rendered":"Rose geranium"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":12566,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"45619884-3261-4fcb-88e3-b2af2930cb6c","beyondwords_preview_token":"4614400b-cb13-4690-9dfd-845427519e34","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[1767,1726,1768,1727,707],"conditions":[685,693,701,696,698,700,702],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,18,30],"western_action":[990,992,993,994,996,997,999,1000,1001,1003,1017,1018,1019,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1382,1499,1498,1488,1490,1496,1492],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-12563","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antidepressant","tag-haemostatic","tag-insecticide","tag-styptic","tag-tonic","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-skin","conditions-stages-of-life","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-sharp","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-aphrodisiac","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-carminatives","western_action-nervine","western_action-relaxant","western_action-sedative","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-relaxing","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-toning","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240626","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Rose geranium is aromatically uplifting, balancing, and calming","latin_name":"Pelargonium graveolens. Syn. Geranium graveolens \/ Pelargonium roseum<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Geraniaceae","herb_summary":"Rose geranium is an internal and external remedy for the body and mind.","key_benefits":"Uplifting\r\nCalming\r\nDigestive support\r\nMenstrual disturbance\r\nEmotional support\r\nSkin conditions","how_does_it_feel":"The highly aromatic quality of rose geranium is due to the volatile oils in the flowers and foliage. Rose geranium leaves and flowers can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or as a culinary fragrance. Whereas, the extracted volatile oils (essential oil) can be applied topically in a carrier oil or cream, or used in aromatherapy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen making a tea\/infusion with the leaves and flowers (ideally fresh), the volatile oils are easily lost. Cover the cup or use a closed teapot while the tea steeps, to prevent these from evaporating. As the tea is sipped there is a strong aromatic and floral aroma, which comes from the volatile oils. There is a difference between the smell of the tea and the taste, which indicates the presence of these volatile oils in the steam. This aroma has a calming effect as these volatile oils activate the olfactory nerves in the nose, and stimulate the release of calming neurotransmitters in the brain (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe taste is subtly floral, as some of the volatile oils are ingested, which has a warming effect on the digestion by stimulating the digestive processes. It is these aromatic principles that are responsible for the carminative action, which relaxes digestive tension and can soothe any intestinal spasms, bloating and colic (2). The presence of volatile oils is also indicated by a slight tingling and numbing sensation on the tongue. This anodyne action occurs when the volatile constituents come in contact with the mucus membranes and skin. The volatile oils have strong antiseptic and anti-microbial properties and will be more predominant in the form of an essential oil or a tincture with a high strength alcohol (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe dominant flavours in the tea are slightly sour, acrid, bitter and astringent. The sour taste indicates the presence of flavonoids, and the astringent sensation links to the tannins. Flavonoids and tannins are the water soluble constituents which are more prominent in an infusion\/tea than the less water soluble terpenes and volatile oils (4). The flavonoids and tannins contain the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and some antimicrobial activity (5,6). The tannins are responsible for the dry, puckering sensation which remains in the mouth. The tannins have a drying effect on the mucous membranes throughout the digestive system which can heal wounds, tighten the gut wall to improve absorption, and improve loose stools.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nSesquiterpenes and diterpenes in the volatile oils and the mild acrid bitters are responsible for the bitter taste. Bitters contribute to the stimulation to digestion, and have an anti-spasmodic and relaxing action throughout the digestive tract (2). This stimulation of digestion and faint digestive movement can be experienced not long after drinking the tea. There is an overall feeling of calm and soothing throughout the body was the tea is ingested. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":12571,"hdif_image_2":12568,"hdif_image_3":12567,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,31,18,30],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_12571\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Rose Rose geranium flower and leaves (Pelargonium graveolens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nRose geranium is included in the extensive Pelargonium genus, referred to as the sweet geraniums (7). The sweet geraniums all possess astringent properties and have very fragrant foliage (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flowers and leaves are edible and can be brewed as a tea or added to flavour food. Whilst the leaves and flowers can be used to make a tea or tincture, the pelargoniums are more commonly used as an essential oil (EO). Some species, and particularly rose geranium, are cultivated specifically for distillation of the volatile oil from the leaves (8). The EO has the unique geranium aroma combined with rose and touches of peppermint.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTaken internally, rose geranium is an antidepressant, adrenal stimulant tonic, nervine relaxant, and diuretic used to treat urinary tract infections (9). It calms the nervous system during times of anxiety and tension, and provides support to the adrenal glands during periods of prolonged stress or hormonal dysregulation (9). It can be effective for both PMS and menopausal symptoms (9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe essential oil can be applied topically for the astringent properties, used on grazes, cuts, acne, eczema, piles, varicose veins, burns, bruises, cellulite, engorged breasts, mastitis and to improve the condition of mature skin (9,10). The antiseptic properties can help prevent skin infection and to support the treatment of boils, abscesses and head lice (10). It makes an effective insect repellent and can be used as an ingredient in a natural deodorant (1,9,10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is commonly used in aromatherapy for a broad range of stress-related conditions including headaches, muscle cramps, stomach ache, tension, depression, mood swings, PMS and menopausal problems (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor culinary uses, the flowers and leaves can be added to salad, used to flavour desserts, or infused into vinegar, jam or honey. The leaves and flowers can be dried and used as potpourri.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nNote: EO should not be taken internally or applied directly to the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil, cream, balm or wash (11).\u00a0<\/em>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_12570\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Rose Rose geranium flower (Pelargonium graveolens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe highly aromatic quality of rose geranium is due to the essential oils (EO) in the flowers and foliage. The main constituents of the EO are monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes (12). It is the monoterpenes geraniol, linalool and citronellol which make up 50\u201370% of the EO, and are responsible for the fragrance (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe EO have significant antibacterial properties which have been demonstrated against a range of bacteria including: <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> (6,13,14,15); methicillin-sensitive <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/i> (16); <\/span>Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (<\/span><\/i>6,14,15);<\/span> Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis<\/span><\/i> (14); <\/span>Klebsiella pneumonia<\/span><\/i> (6); <\/span>Salmonella enteritidis and Bacillus subtilis<\/span><\/i> (15). In addition to the anti-bacterial properties, rose geranium EO also has antifungal action against <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i> (14) and <\/span>Malassezia species<\/span><\/i> (17), and insecticidal action (12). It should be noted that the effectiveness of the inhibitory activity against many strains of microbes has been demonstrated for 100% EO concentration. When diluted to a recommended level to minimise skin reactions and toxicity the efficacy decreases. One study showed that when the EO is diluted from 100% to 5% the efficacy against <\/span>E.coli, S.aureus<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Salmonella <\/span><\/i>spp. drops from around 85% to 13\u20130% (18). This suggests that when using EO in practice at the recommended dilution, they could be considerably less effective than the laboratory research of undiluted EO\u2019s suggests.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAlcohol extracts (38% alcohol tincture) of fresh rose geranium leaves also have significant anti-microbial activity, which has been demonstrated against <\/span>E.coli, S.aureus;<\/span><\/i> S<\/span>almonella <\/span><\/i>spp.; and, <\/span>Aspergillus niger<\/span><\/i> (18).<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen used in aromatherapy the volatile oils act on receptors in the nose which triggers the limbic system and hypothalamus to release neurotransmitters (1). In the case of rose geranium oil the neurotransmitters decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and stimulates the parasympathetic system, which induces a state of relaxation which reduces stress and anxiety levels (19).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe cool and moist energetics clear heat and inflammation (20). Rose geranium flower essence helps to lift the spirits and is suited to those who feel down and depressed and need to bring joy and happiness back into their life (10). It helps with the energy, clarity, and motivation to get plans and projects organised and into action (10).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_12566\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"347\"]\"Rose Rose geranium leaves and flowers (Pelargonium graveolens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe scented geranium species came from the Cape of South Africa to England in the mid-17th century, where the aromatic and decorative foliage was a popular houseplant to scent the room (7,21). In the early 19th century the perfume industry began capturing the scent (21). Geranium oil is now widely used in perfumes and is a popular essential oil (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the early 20<\/span>th<\/span> century the astringent properties of the pelargoniums were valuable in the treatment of dysentery and for ulceration of the stomach and small intestine (8). Other folk uses include treatment of wounds, fever, haemorrhoids, gonorrhoea, inflammation and diarrhoea (22).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBefore the production of artificial food flavourings the Victorians used scented geranium leaves to flavour their cakes (7). The leaves add a distinctive flavour, better not eaten, being removed after the cooking process (7). The leaves would be used to line the bottom of the baking tin before pouring in the cake mix and cooking as normal. The leaves are then removed once the cake has cooled (7).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_12565\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Rose Rose geranium flowers (Pelargonium graveolens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe astringent and drying actions of rose geranium make it suited to conditions of excess fluid such as in the digestive tract and various skin conditions. The volatile oils can both stimulate and calm the digestive system, depending on the individual. The aromatic qualities of the volatile oils can support the nervous system both physically and emotionally.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nThe astringent action makes rose geranium suits to relieving conditions with loose stools and diarrhoea (20). The high concentration of volatile oils provides a carminative action to the digestive system, used when there is bloating, gas, intestinal spasms and pain (2). An infusion of the leaves will soothe a sore throat when drunk, or can be left to cool and used as a gargle (20,23). Regarding oral health, the essential oil can be diluted and used as a mouthwash for ulcers, infections, gingival bleeding, candida growth, halitosis, toothache, and to reduce anxiety when visiting the dentist (24).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nRose geranium is an uplifting relaxant with a nourishing and restorative action that makes it suited to anxiety, depression, stress and emotional tension (20). When used in aromatherapy, inhalation of rose geranium essential oil (EO) can be used as a nerve tonic to ease stress, tension and anxiety (19). Inhalation of rose geranium EO has been shown to reduce stress in women during childbirth (25); reduce fatigue in sleep-deprived nurses (26); and reduce anxiety and stress in patients with chronic back pain (27).<\/span>\r\n

Pain relief<\/h3>\r\nWhen used in aromatherapy, the inhalation of rose geranium EO can reduce chronic pain and the associated psychological distress, including stress and anxiety (27). A clinical trial has demonstrated the application of rose geranium EO to be effective at relieving post-herpetic neuralgia in patients with shingles (28).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nRose geranium EO has strong anti-inflammatory activity and topical application can suppress inflammatory symptoms such as redness, swelling, oedema and <\/span>pain<\/span><\/a> (29). This makes it a useful addition to topical treatments for painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and sprains (24, 29).<\/span> A <\/span>decrease in inflammation can reduce the level of joint pain and increase mobility in the affected joints (24).<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhen used as a nasal spray, rose geranium has been shown to reduce symptoms of nasal vestibulitis in patients undergoing cancer-directed therapies (30). The spray improved symptoms of dryness, pain, bleeding, and soreness (30).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine system<\/h3>\r\nThe uplifting and relaxing actions are applicable to emotional tension related to hormonal states such as menopause and PMS (20). The astringent action suits rose geranium to excessive menstrual bleeding and damp conditions of leukorrhea and thrush (10). Rose geranium is also an adrenal tonic and aphrodisiac (20), which can balance the emotions, making it a supportive herb during the menopausal transition (11). A combination with lady\u2019s mantle, <\/span>raspberry leaf<\/span><\/a>, white deadnettle, <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>rose petals<\/span><\/a> makes an effective tea blend for all of these female-conditions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_12569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"]\"Rose Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Skin \/ topical<\/h3>\r\nOn herbal medicine, herbs are often taken internally in order to have a therapeutic effect on skin conditions. The skin conditions referred to here are where rose geranium can be used externally as a topical treatment. The combination of the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and astringent actions make rose geranium useful in the treatment of acne, skin infections, wounds, dermatitis, eczema, ringworm, head lice, and fungal infections (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a hydrosol or water extract rose geranium can be used to astringe, dry, and calm damp and irritated skin conditions such as acne, eczema, grazes, cuts, burns (10,20).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe essential oil can be applied to fungal infections, such as those caused by Malassezia fungi. Malassezia species are part the microbiological flora of human skin but can cause skin conditions such as pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, otitis externa, atopic dermatitis and even\u00a0 sepsis (17). Laboratory research has shown antifungal activity of rose geranium essential oil to be effective against Malassezia species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor (17). This suggests it would be effective to be included in a topical skin treatment for such conditions, though this has not been investigated through any clinical trials.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nPessaries are a commonly used herbal treatment for vaginal thrush, combining herbal oils, cocoa butter and beeswax. The antifungal activity and astringent action of rose geranium oil makes this an effective ingredient in herbal pessaries for vaginal thrush. A laboratory study has tested the efficacy of rose geranium EO against vaginal candidiasis and vaginal inflammation in response to candida growth (31). In this mouse model the vaginal application of rose geranium EO successfully suppressed candida cell growth, and when combined with vaginal washing protected against local inflammation (31).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA cream or balm with added rose geranium essential oil can be applied to piles (haemorrhoids), varicose veins, cellulite, engorged breasts, and mastitis (9,10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs part of a skin-care routine rose geranium oil is useful for toning and cleansing the skin due to the astringent and antiseptic properties (6). It is particularly effective on an oily complexion and to improve the condition of mature skin (22). During pregnancy, a cream containing rose geranium can help to prevent the development and severity of stretch-marks (32).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEither the EO or an alcohol extract can be applied to the skin as an effective insect repellent, including protection against mosquitoes (33).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_12567\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Rose Rose geranium oil (Pelargonium graveolens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Nervous system \/ pain<\/h3>\r\nA double-blind, cross over design clinical trial investigated the topic use of rose geranium essential oil (EO) in twenty-four patients with postherpetic neuralgia, following a shingles infection (28). A single topical application of either: 100% EO;\u00a0 50% EO; 10% EO; or placebo was applied and pain measured for one hour. Pain reduced after application in all conditions, in a dose dependent manner, with the 100% EO being twice as effective as the 50% concentration. The only significant difference was the pain reduction when comparing 100% EO to the placebo. This suggests that a single application of 100% rose geranium EO can be effective at reducing post-herpetic neuralgia, although a burning sensation and skin rash did occur in three participants (28).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA placebo-controlled trial employed 100 women to investigate the use of aromatherapy during labour (25). Rose geranium EO was applied to the clothing of 50 women during labour, and compared to 50 women given a distilled water placebo. There was a significant decrease in anxiety in both groups, with a greater decrease in the intervention group. There was a significantly greater decrease in blood pressure in the intervention group. The authors recommended aromatherapy with geranium EO as an effective, non-invasive way to reduce anxiety during labour and childbirth. However, this should be interpreted with caution, as a small reduction in anxiety was also seen in the placebo group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (25).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA recent clinical trial demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of rose geranium EO aromatherapy in 57 patients with chronic pain from lumbar spinal stenosis and associated symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression (27). The study found that inhalation of rose geranium EO was effective in lowering perceived pain, anxiety, and stress in the patients with moderate to severe pain (27).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nKarimi et al. (2024) conducted a double<\/span>\u2010<\/span>blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of aromatherapy with rose geranium EO on fatigue and sleep quality of 84 nurses working in intensive care units during the Covid<\/span>\u2010<\/span>19 pandemic (26). There was no effect on sleep scores, however fatigue was significantly reduced immediately after inhalation, and 60 minutes later. (26)<\/span>\r\n

Insect repellent<\/h3>\r\nA small study of three male participants demonstrated that an alcohol extract of rose geranium was more effective than a placebo control, against mosquito bites for three hours after application (33).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Skin<\/h3>\r\nA cream containing a combination of <\/span>Pelargonium graveolens<\/span><\/i> (rose geranium), calendula, chamomile, and cocoa butter was evaluated for the prevention of stretch marks (striae gravidarum) in 54 women during pregnancy (32). The triple-blind, randomised clinical trial split the women into two groups: herbal cream and placebo moisturizing cream. The cream was applied twice daily, three days per week from 14\u201316 to 27\u201330 weeks of gestation. At the gestational weeks 38\u201340, the incidence and severity of striae on the abdominal skin was significantly lower (p<0.0001) in the herbal treatment group. The prevalence of striae gravidarum was 43% and 88% for the herbal and placebo groups, respectively (32).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The name <\/span>Pelargonium<\/span><\/i> derives from the Latin word <\/span>pelargos<\/span><\/i>, meaning \u2018a stork\u2019, due the seed pod resembling a storks bill (7).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":12574},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"The pelargoniums are a large genus of over 250 species, in the <\/span>Geraniaceae<\/span><\/i> family (4,18). The pelargoniums are commonly referred to as the \u201cscented geraniums\u201d (7). Rose geranium (<\/span>Pelargonium graveolens<\/span><\/i>) is a half-hardy, perennial, evergreen, shrub which can grow to around three feet (60 cm\u20131 m) high, with a spread up to a metre wide (7,9). Rose geranium has green, pointed, lobed, serrated leaves with deeply cut leaf margins and small pink flowers (4,9). The leaves are soft and velvety due to the fine hairs, and have a strong \u201cgeranium\u201d aroma combined with a rose and peppermint scent (7). The whole plant is aromatic with the rose-scent being more pronounced while flowering and the mint-scent more prominent at other times of the year (22). It is one of the more hardy species of the scented geraniums with good growth in the more temperate climate of the UK (7). <\/span>","common_names":"