According to a study, geranium essential oil, which contains citronellol, inhibits the generation of nitric oxide, hence lowering brain inflammation and cell death.
Researchers believe that geranium essential oil may be advantageous for those who suffer from neurodegenerative conditions that include neuroinflammation.
Menopause and perimenopause
A study discovered that using geranium essential oil in aromatherapy helped to increase salivary estrogen secretion.
Researchers hypothesized that geranium essential oil would be helpful for women dealing with low estrogen levels and other menopausal and perimenopausal-related symptoms.
Stress, anxiety, and depression
Even in hospitals, aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular. Inhaled geranium essential oil was found to have a calming effect and to be able to lessen the anxiety related to first-stage labor in a randomized, clinical experiment of first-time laboring mothers.
Additionally, anecdotal data suggests that geranium essential oil may encourage relaxation and lessen low mood. Reunion geranium essential oil (Pelargonium roseum willd) was found to provide soothing, antidepressive effects in a study on mice and to be effective at lowering stress.
Shingles pain
Postherpetic neuralgia, a very painful disorder that affects the nerve fibers and skin that run along a nerve, is frequently brought on by shingles.
According to one study, geranium oil applied topically greatly reduced postherpetic neuralgia pain within minutes of application. These transient effects required reapplication as necessary.
Allergies
One exploratory investigation found that the citronellol content of geranium essential oil makes it potentially efficient for lowering allergic responses. More research is, however, required.
Anecdotal data indicates that topical application may lessen allergic reaction-related itchiness. This is as a result of this essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Wound care
Anecdotal evidence indicates that geranium essential oil may be useful for halting the bleeding from small wounds. This might be accomplished by accelerating coagulation and forcing blood vessels to constrict. Its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities are also advantageous for healing.
Diabetes
In Tunisia, geranium essential oil has long been used as a traditional medicine to treat hyperglycemia.
In a test on animals, daily oral treatment drastically lowered rats’ glucose levels. Researchers hypothesized that geranium essential oil might help diabetics with elevated blood sugar levels, but they also cautioned that more research is required.
Geranium essential oil is not suitable for human consumption. Aromatherapy added to a diffuser or applied topically might have the same effect, but further research in humans is still required.
Wellness Uses for Hydrosols
Internal uses: Hydrophilic (water-loving) plant components are removed to make hydrosols, similar to how herbal tea is made. Internal use of hydrosols is permitted, subject to the safety debate that follows.
In her book Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy, aromatherapist Suzanne Catty refers to hydrosols as “herbal espressos,” and as such, these potent compounds should be diluted in water rather than drunk neat (Catty, 2001). When taking hydrosols internally, the recommended dilution ratio is two teaspoons of hydrosol to one liter of water (Catty, 2001). Consider beginning out slowly and observing how your body reacts. For digestive support, Catty advises consuming diluted coriander (Coriandrum sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), or basil (Ocimum basilicum) hydrosol. Elecampane (Inula helenium) hydrosol is also advised for allergy relief, peppermint (Mentha x piperita) hydrosol is suggested for headache relief, and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) hydrosol is (Catty, 2001).
Although many hydrosols are safe for people of all ages, there are a few rare exceptions. The qualities and applications of hydrosols are based on anecdotal evidence (Price & Price, 2007), hence it is always advisable to conduct extensive study before ingesting a hydrosol. If you want to utilize hydrosols for a child or have pre-existing medical concerns, it’s also a good idea to think about working with a licensed aromatherapist. It should be noted that peppermint hydrosol should not be given internally to children under the age of three. Since commercial witch hazel hydrosol is likely to include hazardous preservatives, it shouldn’t be consumed internally (Catty, 2001). Read the label carefully before using any other commercially available hydrosols because they might include preservatives or not be suitable for internal use.
External uses: Hydrosols can be simply included into bathwater or sitz baths for a soothing soak because they are entirely composed of water. Depending on the bather’s age, you should add different amounts of hydrosol to the tub, ranging from 1/2 teaspoon for infants to 1 cup for full-grown adults (Catty, 2001).
To use as the saline solution in your neti pot or as a gargle if you have a sore throat, you can also dilute one part hydrosol with four parts warm salt water. For youngsters, dilute one part hydrosol with ten parts saltwater (Catty, 2001).
Hydrosols don’t need to be diluted or combined with a carrier when applied topically to people. It’s always a good idea to dilute a hydrosol by roughly 50% with water or aloe when working with kids. Many aromatherapists advise applying astringent, antiseptic hydrosols to wounds to help clean and sanitize them, such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or thyme (Thymus vulgaris) (Harman, 2015), or combining the hydrosol with clay or powdered herbs for a DIY poultice. Additionally, hydrosols make wonderful natural eye rinses. During allergy season, we keep calendula (Calendula officinalis) hydrosol on hand to spray into our eyes after working in the yard. It’s remarkable how quickly it provides cooling assistance! After lengthy, international flights when the cabin air dries up my eyes, cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) hydrosol is frequently suggested as an alternative to eye drops (Stillpoint Aromatics, n.d.).
Hydrosols for Cosmetic Use
The simplest cosmetic use for hydrosol is already familiar to you if you’ve ever used witch hazel as a skin toner. After washing your face, try spritzing it with a hydrosol before using a cream moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), and lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) hydrosols are all fantastic choices for this application (Evanhealy, n.d.a; EvanHealy, n.d.b; EvanHealy, n.d.c).
By substituting your preferred hydrosol for the water in the recipe, you can increase the decadence of your homemade lotions and creams. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and rose hydrosols (Rosa damascena) are all excellent choices for handmade creams. Watch as I work with Rosemary Gladstar to create her amazing face cream with rose hydrosol in this video.
When fresh cucumber slices are unavailable, cucumber hydrosol (Cucumis sativus) might help minimize red, swollen eyes. Hydrosols are also good makeup removers. For a truly luxurious homemade face mask, try adding a few teaspoons of a hydrosol to a facial steam or combining it with clay or oats.
As you can see, there are a ton of different ways to use hydrosols into secure, all-natural cosmetic formulas.
Cooking with Hydrosols
The simplest and most convenient way for me to ingest hydrosols is to simply add a splash to my sparkling water. I appreciate that the natural flavor has no calories or other sweeteners, and it also encourages me to drink more water throughout the day. Try adding a 1/2 teaspoon of rose (Rosa damascena) hydrosol, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), neroli (Citrus aurantium), or lemonade (Citrus aurantium) hydrosol to your glass of iced tea. You’ll be happy that you did! (See the above safety notes.)
My spouse and I have discovered that if you don’t apply a lot of heat to hydrosols, they will retain their flavor the best. We’ve had fantastic luck making our own sorbets with a few teaspoons of rose (Rosa damascena) hydrosol and a basic salad dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and mustard using a few teaspoons of basil (Ocimum basilicum) hydrosol. Baklava is usually sweetened with orange flower (neroli) (Citrus aurantium) hydrosol. Culinary hydrosols can be thought of as “liquid spices.”
Cleaning with Hydrosols
Although many individuals use essential oils in their DIY cleaning solutions, I favor using hydrosols because they are more environmentally friendly, water soluble, and can contribute antibacterial characteristics (Harman, 2015). Combine 1/4 cup of lemon (Citrus x limon) hydrosol with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol or 190-proof grain alcohol to get streak-free windows. And do try the recipe for my preferred countertop spray below!
Are hydrosols okay to consume?
In the United States, there isn’t a lot of evidence to support the safety of hydrosols. Similar to essential oils, hydrosols are not subject to FDA regulation (FDA). You utilize them at your own risk as a result.
The majority of hydrosols are regarded as safe and efficient, according to a 2017 study on hydrosol drinks in Iran. The study’s authors also noted that since essential oils are dilute with water, drinking hydrosols is safer than consuming essential oils.
But the safety of hydrosols has received little attention in Western culture.
Aromatherapy and other plant-based treatments are regarded as complementary or alternative therapies in the United States. This indicates that they are alternative forms of treatment.
When you utilize these items along with the medications or treatments that your doctor has given, you are practicing complementary medicine. When you use these items in place of traditional medications, you are using alternative medications.
There is inconclusive research on these treatments. They are therefore not supported by science as treatments.
Before consuming these products, you should consult a doctor. Discuss any potential interactions between these medicines and any medications you currently take. If you get a reaction, stop using them.
May Lower Stress
Geranium has been utilized for generations despite its potential effects on the neurological system being well understood. Its plant’s leaves can be brewed to make a pleasant tea with calming characteristics that comes from organic components that have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system and help regulate hormones that cause tension and anxiety. When you’re under stress, a short cup of tea might help clear your head and improve your mood. According to a 2015 study, even the smell of geranium can help women feel less anxious during labor. [4]
May Reduce Inflammation
The 2013 study by researchers found that geranium had anti-inflammatory qualities. Geranium tea or applying rose geranium essential oil topically with a carrier oil will relieve discomfort while easing pressure on your body’s delicate areas if you experience achy joints, aching muscles, or even internal inflammation of the gut or cardiovascular system. [5]
Another study came to the same conclusion, saying that the oil may be useful for providing short-term relief from postherpetic neuralgia pain.
[6]
May Boost Immunity
It is well known that geranium can strengthen the immune system. Geranium has long been used in South African traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems, according to a study that was published in the Pharmaceuticals journal. Because of its potency, it may have both antibacterial and antiviral qualities as well as the potential to be developed into a pharmaceutical using its extracts. [7]
May Treat Respiratory Disorders
Because geranium is a potent antiviral, it is well known for easing the symptoms of bronchitis, sinusitis, and nose infections. A report that also states that it is effective against the common cold confirms this. [8]
May Reduce Nosebleed Severity
Perhaps one of the most unusual and very little-known uses for geranium essential oil is its potential ability to lessen the severity of hemorrhages. Studies are being conducted to determine whether rose geranium oil can treat epistaxis, or acute nasal hemorrhage, which is a symptom of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). According to a study in the Laryngoscope journal, these patients’ epistaxis can be less severe when rose geranium-sesame oil mixtures are applied topically. [9]
May Aid in Diabetes Management
Geranium essential oil was discovered in a study published in the Lipids in Health and Disease to be an efficient antihyperglycemic medication, despite being used for millennia in Tunisian traditional medicine culture as a diabetes management choice. The oil assisted in reducing diabetes problems brought on by oxidative stress, according to the animal study that compared its effects to those of glibenclamide. [10]
May Aid in Digestion
One of the simplest and most painless treatments for cramps, bloating, or a generally unsettled stomach is to drink a cup of geranium tea. The advantageous organic ingredients can swiftly reduce inflammation and get rid of any germs that can be the source of your discomfort, returning your digestive system to normalcy! [11]
May Aid in Skin Care
Choose geranium essential oil if you want a natural skin cleanser and tonic. It can be diluted and applied sparingly to the skin, or you can add it to your bathwater. It maintains the skin clear of blemishes while helping to tighten and tone it.
May Aid in Hair Care
Geranium may control sebum secretion on the scalp, which encourages the growth of new hair. Shampoo or carrier oils can both include the essential oil. This contributes to the hair’s flawless gloss and pleasant, subtle rose scent.
Word of Caution: Keep in mind that only the rose-scented variety can be ingested without risk. If you are not purchasing your herbs from a specialist, you should be assured of the type you are utilizing for herbal medicines. Additionally, before including it in your routine of herbal supplements, be sure to see a medical practitioner.
How is rose geranium hydrosol used?
A pleasant, graceful botanical water, organic rose geranium hydrosol can help balance your skin and foster a positive environment that is good for your mood. Use straight on your skin in the bath or right after a shower or in exquisite body care recipes in place of water.
Originating in South Africa, the rose geranium is a member of the Pelargonium genus. They are a very well-liked garden plant because to their exquisitely fragrant blossoms, which come in a variety of lovely pinks and purples.
When applied straight to the skin, organic geranium hydrosol is fantastic for promoting a uniform complexion. Any skin type can benefit from it, and it is calming for sporadic skin irritations. Rose geranium is a fantastic balancer, whether you need help with your skin or your mood!
Because it helps hold moisture, rose geranium hydrosol works well as a preparing mist on your skin before using creams or oils. It mixes well with other hydrosols like helichrysum and lavandin. For a luxurious body splash, combine chamomile and jasmine essential oils. In addition, geranium hydrosol works well when combined with citrus essential oils like lemon or grapefruit in homemade cleaning formulations.
In the Pacific Northwest, the aerial part of Pelargonium spp. is water-steam distillated to produce our rose geranium hydrosol. acceptable for use in cosmetics.
Packaging The 3 oz. quantity is packaged in a mister-topped amber glass container. Our bulk sizes of 8 ounces, 16 ounces, 64 ounces, and 1 gallon come in plastic bottles without misters.
Labels For our hydrosols, we are now switching to a new label. As we make the shift, you might get either label on the various sizes at this time.