Geranium, also known as Cranesbill, is a plant with small beautiful flowers that offer a wide range of health benefits. The roots of cranesbill possess a compound called tannin, which is responsible for alleviating diarrhea, soothing the digestive system, and preventing inflammation in the bladder and other symptoms linked with Crohn’s disease.
Traditionally, Geranium was also used to stop abnormal bleeding, including that related to uterine issues, hemorrhoids, and menstruation. The tannins present in the herb can also function as a natural astringent to reduce inflammation connected with skin conditions, including sores. The herb also has the ability to treat eye conditions, such as mild retina irritations and conjunctivitis. Diabetics may also find Geranium an effective treatment for eye problems.
Apart from the root, oil extracts from Geranium are commonly used to improve physical, mental and emotional health. Geranium oil is used to alleviate anxiety, regulate hormones, treat acne, and reduce inflammation. This oil can also improve mood, alleviate fatigue, and boost emotional health.
Interestingly, Geranium oil is non-irritant and nontoxic and acts as an antiseptic and antidepressant. It is, in fact, one of the best oil for treating skin problems like dermatitis, eczema, and oily skin.
Health Benefits of Geranium Oil
Since Geranium essential oil is a safe treatment for a number of health conditions, let’s take a closer look at its top benefits.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation has been found to be associated with just about every health condition, and studies have shown the chronic inflammation effects it has on a person’s health. According to these studies, Geranium essential oil has significant potential for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs that are safer.
Geranium oil prevents the inflammatory responses in the skin; this helps your body to combat various health problems. Studies suggest that geranium oil is a safer and more effective component for anti-inflammatory medication. Geranium oil reduces inflammation in the body and contains fewer side effects than cholesterol medications.
Combats Infections
The antibacterial properties found in geranium oil helps to protect your body from infection. Geranium oil can stop bacteria from growing on the skin, like on a wound. To do this, apply two drops of geranium oil onto the affected area and cover it with gauze; you can repeat this remedy twice a day until the wound or cut is healed.
When you use geranium oil to fight external infection and boost the immune system to keep you healthier. Athlete’s foot is another bacterial infection that can be cured with geranium oil. To treat this condition, add give drops of geranium oil to a foot bath with warm water and sea salt. Do this twice a day.
Has Diuretic Properties
The Geranium essential oil has diuretic properties, which means that it increases urination. Urination is one of the three natural ways to remove toxins from the body. The other methods are excretion and perspiration, but urination is the most effective of the three. These eliminated toxins are urea, uric acid, bile salts, pathogens, and other synthetic or chemical substances, heavy metals, pollutants, and even sugar.
Moreover, urination removes fat from the body, aid digestion, prevent the production of excess gas in the intestine, and remove excess bile that is secreted by the liver. Urination can also lower blood pressure because the more you urinate, the more sodium is eliminated, preventing high blood pressure.
Stimulates Blood Clot
Geranium oil causes the contraction of blood vessels and, therefore, helps to stop blood flow; it also speeds up the formation of blood clots. This helps in the healing of wounds and it keeps toxins from entering the body. This health benefits will even help to prevent hemorrhoids. Try adding one drop of geranium oil to ice cream or frozen soy milk. You can also add the oil to a teaspoon of flaxseeds.
Increases Urination
An increase in urination means fewer toxins in the body, and being that geranium oil is a diuretic, it will promote urination. Through urination, you release toxic chemicals, heavy metals, sugar, sodium, and pollutants. Urination also removes excess bile and acids from the stomach.
Good for the Skin
Geranium oil helps in the treatment of acne, dermatitis and skin diseases. Try mixing a teaspoon of coconut oil with five drops of geranium oil, then rub the mixture onto the infected area twice a day until you see results. You can also add two drops of geranium oil to your daily face or body wash.
And since geranium oil is an astringent, it also induces contractions in several parts of the body. It has the power to minimize the look of wrinkles because it tightens facial skin and slows down the effects of aging.
Treats Respiratory Infections
Geranium oil can prevent nose and throat infections, as it contains several chemicals that have antibiotic-like effects. When applied to the nose or throat, topically, the oil has a soothing effect and will reduce soreness. To take advantage of this benefit, use a diffuser, inhale geranium oil twice a day, or rub the oil on your throat and under your nostrils.
Tones the Muscle
Geranium oil helps in tightening and contracting muscles – this is again due to its astringent properties. It can prevent your muscles and skin from sagging, and it can get your stomach toned. Create a massage oil by mixing five drops of geranium oil with one tablespoon of jojoba oil and massage it into your skin, focusing on your muscles.
Repels Insects
Geranium oil is used as a natural bug repellant. To make your own bug repellent, mix geranium oil with water and spray it on your body – this is much safer than sprays that are filled with chemicals. You can also add baking soda to this mixture to boost the effects. It can also heal insect bites and stops itching; use it as a massage oil on itchy or irritated spots for relief.
Acts as a Natural Deodorant
Geranium oil is a circulatory oil, which means that it exits the body via perspiration. Now your sweat will smell like flowers! Because geranium oil has antibacterial properties, it helps to eliminate bodily odors and can be used as a natural deodorant. The rose-like smell of geranium oil is a perfect way to keep you smelling fresh every day. Add five drops of geranium oil to a spray bottle and mix it with five tablespoons of water. This is a natural and beneficial perfume that you can use every day.
Improves Mental Health
Geranium oil has the ability to boost mental health and improve your mood. It is believed to help people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and anger. The sweet and floral smell of geranium oil calms and relaxes the body and mind.
Side Effects of Geranium Oil
- When applied to the skin, Geranium oil can lead to rashes or burning sensation. It’s advisable to test the oil on a small area of the skin first.
- Geranium oil can also result in eye irritation if applied to the face.
- Always take geranium oil in smaller amounts because the safety of the oil, when taken in larger amounts, has not been ascertained.
- Geranium oil facilitates the secretion of hormones, so it’s not advised for use by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. It’should not be used on babies and young children affect their skin and cause toxicity.
