DrFeb
Health Guide

Rose Geranium

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a fragrant, flowering plant native to South Africa, celebrated for its beautiful scent and potent wellness properties. While often found in perfumes and skincare, it's gaining popularity as a dietary supplement for its ability to balance the body and mind. Often confused with the flower 'Geranium', Rose Geranium is distinct, offering a sweeter, rose-like aroma packed with active compounds like geraniol and citronellol. For your health, it acts as a powerful antioxidant and adaptogen, helping your body manage stress while supporting hormonal balance and skin health from the inside out.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Rose Geranium
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Primary Health Impact Areas

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Relative Efficacy (Scientific Consensus)
System →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Hormonal Harmony: Helps alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause.
  • Skin Glow: Reduces inflammation and acne from within.
  • Stress Relief: Calms the nervous system.
  • Antioxidant Power: Fights cellular damage.

Deep Dive

Rose Geranium works primarily by interacting with the body's hormonal and nervous systems. Its essential oil is rich in compounds that mimic human hormones, which is why it is often used to help regulate the endocrine system. For women, this can mean a reduction in the severity of menstrual cramps and menopausal hot flashes.

Furthermore, Rose Geranium is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. When ingested (usually as a tea or tincture), it helps reduce systemic inflammation, which often manifests as skin issues like acne, eczema, or rosacea. It also supports the liver's natural detoxification processes, helping to clear toxins that can burden the skin. Finally, its aroma has a direct calming effect on the limbic system, helping to lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of grounded well-being.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike essential vitamins found in specific vegetables or fruits, Rose Geranium is a specific botanical. You consume the plant itself, usually prepared as a tea, tincture, or culinary garnish. It is distinct from the common backyard 'Geranium' and must be the Pelargonium graveolens variety for dietary benefits.

Food SourcePreparationActive Compound Level
Rose Geranium TeaDried leaves steeped in hot waterHigh
Fresh LeavesInfused in water or used in saladsMedium
Rose Geranium ExtractConcentrated liquidVery High

Supplementation

Dosage: There is no standard Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Rose Geranium as it is a botanical.

  • Tea: 1-2 cups daily.
  • Extract/Tincture: Follow product label instructions (usually 30-60 drops daily).

Who Should Take It: Ideal for those experiencing hormonal acne, mild anxiety, or menstrual irregularities. It is generally safe for short-term use in healthy adults.

Top Food Sources

Rose Geranium Tea
Steep 1-2 tsp dried leaves
Infused Water
Add fresh leaves to pitcher
Herbal Tincture
Alcohol-based extract
Culinary Sugar
Leaves infused in sugar for baking
Capsules
Dried leaf powder

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While they look similar, Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) has a distinct, sweet, rose-like scent and is the variety used for medicinal and dietary purposes. Common garden geraniums do not have the same health benefits.
Generally, NO. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed. Stick to teas, food-grade extracts, or tinctures specifically designed for internal use.
Most users report seeing improvements in skin clarity and reduction in inflammation after 4-6 weeks of consistent daily use.
Yes. Many women use Rose Geranium to help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and to stabilize mood swings due to its balancing effect on the endocrine system.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Side Effects

Rose Geranium is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in food amounts.

Potential Side Effects:

  • Digestive Upset: High doses may cause mild nausea or stomach cramps.
  • Allergic Reaction: Rare, but possible if you are allergic to the Geraniaceae family.

Who Should Avoid It:

  • Pregnancy: Because it can influence hormones, avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy unless cleared by a doctor.
  • Estrogen-Sensitive Conditions: Those with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers should consult an oncologist before supplementing, as plant estrogens can theoretically impact these conditions.
  • Surgery: Stop use at least 2 weeks before surgery due to potential blood sugar and blood pressure effects.

Scientific References

  • [1]Sadeghi, N., et al. (2015). 'Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Pelargonium graveolens.' *Journal of Essential Oil Research*.
  • [2]Boukhatem, M. N., et al. (2014). 'Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs.' *Indian Journal of Pharmacology*.
  • [3]Lis-Balchin, M., & Hart, S. (1999). 'A preliminary study of the effect of essential oils on skeletal and smooth muscle in vitro.' *Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology*.