Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Posted on October 29, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

With a much similar aroma of rich roses, Rose Geranium essential oil is known as the poor people’s Rose oil as it is less expensive than the original Rose essential oil. Botanically known as Pelargonium roseum, this plant belongs to the Geraniaceae plant family and is indigenous to Cape Province, South Africa.

Often used as a substitute for Rose essential oil, Rose Geranium oil is extracted from the soft rosy flowers with the touch of deep fuchsia of this perennial shrub. With a smooth, rosy, fresh, warming, herbaceous, purifying and sensual aroma, Rose Geranium oil is known for regenerating female energies and for treating an extensive array of skin problems in Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing practices.

Purchase Rose Geranium Essential Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Purchase Rose Geranium Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Purchase Rose Geranium Essential Oil – 5% Dilution in Pure Jojoba – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

Rose Geranium is said to have originated in South Africa along with Egypt, Morocco, Reunion and Madagascar. It was then introduced to the European countries like France, Italy and Spain in the early 17^th century.

The herb and the essential oil of Rose Geranium has been used in the pre-historic period as a powerful injury healer including cuts, abrasions, burns, skin ulcers and infections. This is attributed to the antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The sweet citrus-floral fragrance of this oil made its use prominent in the fragrance industry since the ancient times.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties:

A 2009 study on ‘Volatile Components of Pelargonium roseum’ proved that Rose Geranium essential oil contains thirty-two compounds and the major ones among them are citronellol (27.3%), citronellyl formate (17.2%), β-caryophllene (10.3%), limonene, a-pinene, terpenes, myrcene, menthone, geraniol, cetones, ϒ-muurolene, geranyl butyrate, linalool, aldehydes and geranyl acetate.

The most significant healing properties are antiseptic, vulnerary, antidepressant, cicatrisant, vermifuge, astringent, styptic, diuretic, deodorant, cytophylactic, haemostatic and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil:

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing methodology that means science of life. It is more than just a system of dealing or diagnosing illnesses, it is a common sense science that guides humanity on leading a holistic life preventing illnesses for an enduring bliss.

Ayurvedic approaches rely on nature for their treatment and trust that nothing else other than essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, balanced living and spiritual oneness can grant optimal wellness to a human’s life.

Ayurveda classifies individuals based on their unique constitution that is composed of three basic energy elements namely vata, pitta and kapha doshas. Imbalances of any one of these doshas open door to diseases and interrupts a human’s body’s balance with nature.

Vata is the lightest of these 3 doshas and imbalance of vata ends up in insomnia, constipation, PMS, stress, nervousness and fatigue. Pitta being the hottest energy element and when out of balance it causes digestive disorders, anger, emotional distress, high blood pressure and lack of interest.

Kapha is the heaviest dosha and its disparity leads to sluggishness, blockage, depression, improper blood circulation, high cholesterol, weak metabolism, depressive thoughts and fluid retention. Ayurvedic texts classify Rose Geranium essential oil as an ideal healing force for pacifying and controlling the imbalances of all the three doshas with its balancing effects.

The most important Ayurvedic health benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil are:

1. Lessens stress, depression and treats autonomic nervous system imbalances:

A German based research has clinically proven that the presence of the Geraniol component in Rose Geranium essential oil is very effective in treating autonomic nervous system imbalances known as Vegetative dystony.

A balanced autonomic nervous system is highly essential for the normal functioning of the body, mind and its emotions as it influences the production of hormones and the corresponding responses in the system. Imbalance of which can cause nervousness, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, headache and irregular heartbeat.

The essential oil of Rose Geranium has a perfect harmonizing effect on the central nervous system, making it idyllic in uplifting the spirits and handling stress. Using 2 drops of this oil in your potpourri or diffuser, in bath or as a massage oil blended with carrier oils like coconut oil transforms positive energy in your body and your atmosphere.

This helps greatly in alleviating stress, depression and anxiety at it best. The convincing aromatic molecules present in Rose Geranium oil reach the limbic system through the nasal passages and inculcates a stimulating force in the adrenal cortex.

Renowned author K.G. Stiles says that Rose Geranium oil is “Definitely a first-aid oil everyone should consider having on hand Rose Geranium oil’s tonic action helps relieve nervous emotional conditions like anxiety, confusion, depression, lethargy, energy swings and tearfulness.”

2. Athlete’s companion:

Rose Geranium oil is used in many popular health supplements for body building, athletic performance and weight loss for a fit physique. This is mainly due to the stimulant property of this oil where certain supplement manufacturers claim that the presence of the stimulant component dimethylamylamine in Rose Geranium oil makes it powerful naturally.

The University of Wisconsin Steven Point suggests an effectual massage oil blend that contains few drops of Rose Geranium oil with few drops of Lavender essential oil with the base of Almond and Vitamin E oil for relieving muscular tension and grant a relaxing effect on the mind and body. This is what an athlete would essentially require to trigger his/her efforts and chase their passion without any blocks.

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt quotes Rose Geranium oil as, “The tonifying effect of the terpene alcohol combined with the soothing influence of the esters are responsible for the fact that geranium is perceived differently for each individual. One person will perceive it as antiseptic, another as calmative, and a third as stimulant…because of this versatile character, geranium is an excellent foundation for massage and body oils.”

3. Women’s friend:

The regenerative and haemostatic properties of this oil enhances circulation, has positive effects on the functions of liver and spleen, stop hemorrhages and helps in treating blocked menstruation, PMS, hot flashes and mood swings in menopausal women.

Using 2 to 3 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil with Sesame oil for massaging your abdomen or added to your warm bathing water helps in regulating the lymphatic system, promoting the release of toxic substances in the body while checking heavy periods and vaginal secretion. This oil is also known to ease labor pain and childbirth.

4. Benefits for the skin:

The great news is that Rose Geranium oil benefits all types of skin including dry, oily, sensitive and normal skin. 2 drops of Rose Geranium oil blended with 2 drops of Lavender oil along with soothing carrier oil like jojoba oil applied on the affected area aids in reducing dryness, sting, itching and peeling of skin due to severe sunburns.

Adding few drops of Rose Geranium oil in your skin care cream or lotion helps in controlling the excess secretion of sebum responsible for acne and dull oily skin. It balances the skin naturally, treats congestion, sluggishness and leaves your skin supple and healthy.

Topical application of Rose Geranium essential oil is known for treating cellulite by fighting against fat metabolism, varicose veins, breast soreness, eczema, psoriasis, broken capillaries, premature symptoms of aging and dermatitis. The anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of this oil makes it effective against acne, ringworm, burns, cuts, wounds and other skin problems.

5. Other health benefits:

Rose Geranium oil is also used as a diuretic for eliminating toxins through urine in case of fluid retention. It also assists in the treatment of nerve pain, inflammation, shingles, dry cough, nose bleeding, head lice and as an effective insect repellent.

Disclaimer: Do not use essential oils directly on your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and might be harmful. Never take essential oils internally without the guidance of your Ayurvedic practitioner. Keep it away from children and avoid using if you are pregnant.

Thought for the day:

Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

HEALING POWERS OF ROSE GERANIUM OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
Natural solutions: Women’s health conditions by Ann Lisette Wesso
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

Ayurvedic Essential Oils And Mood Blends

Posted on October 26, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Mood differs from season to season, from person to person, from time to time and from odor to aroma. Sounds confusing? Let me put in more specific terms, Christmas brings in joy, New Year brings in newness, Halloween brings in adventure, Valentine’s Day brings in romance and Independence Day brings in patriotism. Each and every occasion is special on its own. Aromatic therapy or Aromatherapy is a part of Ayurveda, where aroma is used in treating illness and improving health conditions. It is based on the principle that natural fragrances, especially from pure essential oils can affect our moods, and consequently change the way we think or feel at any given time. Aroma affects our moods through the action or the start of the limbic system where the therapeutic properties of natural essential oils are slowly passed on to the entire system.

Pure essential oils support wellness and are extracted from various parts of a plant like flower, leaf, stem, resin, stalk, root, fruit, bark and seed. Ayurveda suggests the use of natural and wholesome essential oils instead of the synthetic or artificially fragranced oils because only pure essential oils will have the prana, otherwise known as the vital celestial energy to revivify your senses, enliven the mind and stimulate the key channels of the body for spreading the essential energy for strength and efficacy in an uniform manner. There are innumerable Ayurvedic essential oils, each of which can support some or the other moods of human beings. Let’s now look at the most predominant types of moods and the mood swings along with the essential oils that support such situations with their therapeutic properties.

1. Oils for depression: Depression is a deadly disorder that can literally spoil your days. The National Institute of Mental Health says that “Depression is a common but serious illness”. It causes extreme pain to you and to your near ones also. Ayurveda is the best way of treating depression as it has everything to soothe your senses and calm your mind. It suggests meditation and yoga for replenishing your mind, soul and spirit, while granting you an opportunity to realize your worth and come out of your deep mental worries. The best Ayurvedic essential oils for depression are Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, Frankincense essential oil, Jasmine essential oil and Ylang Ylang essential oil that can help one come out of depression with their calming, stimulant, antidepressant, nervine, sedative and hypotensive properties.

2. Oils for stress: We never knew that stress is the root cause for many major health disorders. Stress brings with it certain threatening symptoms like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, muscular tension, improper functioning of the digestive system, insomnia, weakened immune system and much more. Practicing an Ayurvedic routine along with the comforting and relaxing essential oils like Lemon oil, Bergamot oil, Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, Ylang Ylang oil, Patchouli oil, Peppermint oil and Orange oil.

3. Oils for loneliness: Nothing else like isolation and the feeling of loneliness can harm us, during the adverse times when we really need someone besides us. The best thing that Ayurveda, the mother of all healing sciences suggests is to speak with God through meditation and by offering a small prayer. This brings in the real difference and you will naturally inculcate the feeling that ‘You are not lonely anymore’. Few drops of Rose oil, Roman Chamomile oil, Frankincense oil, Clary Sage oil or Bergamot oil added either to your bath tub, diffuser or to your hankie will bring in the real energy to fight lonesomeness and support your mind.

4. Oils for anxiety and grief: Anxiety imparts nervousness along with an uneasy feeling, leading you to worry, stay restless, experience difficulty in sleeping, concentrating and few other health problems like nausea, headache and diarrhea. Most of the times work pressure, post-pregnancy blues, difficult terms in relationships, health problems or financial crisis may lead to anxiety disorder and would gradually make you sad. Ayurvedic essential oils like Sandalwood oil, Lavender oil, Cedarwood oil, Frankincense oil, Mandarin oil, Neroli oil, Rose oil, Ylang Ylang oil and Jasmine oil will regain the strength and confidence to face the tougher situations of life.

5. Oils for fatigue and fear: Oh! A single day with 3 important meetings, 2 conference calls, 4 reports to submit and attend to the queries of your subordinates is more than enough to make you tired, twisted and weary. This is called as fatigue. The fear of losing a job, a relationship or failing the examination, insecurity, pregnancy etc will make you panic. The best way to get out of it is to practice Pranayama, the art of breathing. Ayurveda suggests that deep breathing and meditation grants inner peace and strength, helping one to come out of fear and fatigue. A warm bath after your tiresome work with few drops of consoling essential oils like Peppermint oil, Rose oil, Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, Lemon oil, Bergamot oil, Frankincense oil, Sandalwood oil and Basil oil can grant you the warmth and energy that your mind and body demands.

Ayurveda considers that unhealthy or problematic relationships are the fundamental reason behind most of the problems mentioned above. This vitalizing science also grants incredible ways to maintain healthy relationships for your well-being.

Caution: Do not apply essential oils directly to your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and may harm your skin or cause other allergic reactions. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using the right essential oils for your individual body type.

Thought for the day:

Nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around. –Bill Watterson

Suggested Reading:

Reference Links:

Wormwood Essential Oil

Posted on October 4, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Wormwood is botanically known as Artemisia absinthium. It is widely known as an effective remedy for treating worms like tape worms, round worms, hook worms etc in the human body. With its narcotic effects, Wormwood was an important part of the popular alcoholic beverages like Absinthe, which is prohibited now.

Wormwood essential oil is extracted from the flowering tops, twigs and leaves through steam distillation process. Ginger is an incredible part of numerous Ayurvedic remedies and with an alternative name as Green Ginger, wormwood herb and its therapeutic oil has been used for more than thousands of years in Ayurveda, the ancient wisdom of healing humanity.

Historical uses of Wormwood and its essential oil:

The spectacular fact about Wormwood is that it was used by Hippocrates, the ancient Greek Physician and the father of western medicine. Many ancient monks and nuns used this bitter herb in the form of an elixir for its detoxifying properties.

The prehistoric use of Wormwood has been mentioned in Bible and the first century writings of Greece and Rome, where the herb was said to be placed in the sandals of Roman warriors to pacify their sore feet.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen, known as the Doctor of the Church and Sibyl of the Rhine was highly celebrated for her brilliance in medicinal and botanical writings, philosophy, music and much more. She used Wormwood herb to treat melancholy, digestive disorders, elimination process, improper functioning of lungs and heart.

She advised her patients to consume the fresh juice of wormwood leaves mixed with honey and warm wine on empty stomach on every third day from the month of May to October. Hildegard trusted that the use of wormwood herb helped in promoting the functioning of the entire system by effectively eliminating the toxins from the arteries through kidneys and preventing the accumulation of black bile, which is the melancholic humor.

Health benefits of Wormwood essential oil:

Wormwood was used for spiritual and psychic work in the primordial times and the essential oil of Wormwood is trusted to treat numerous health disorders ranging from fever to flatulence.

The predominant health benefits of Wormwood essential oil are:

1. Effective against worms and parasites:

Worms and parasites in the body are often the main reason for curtailing the normal growth, especially in children. This is mainly because these foreign bodies absorb the nutrients from the food and restrict the system from gaining the required nourishment.

With its Vermifuge property and high toxic effects, wormwood herb and its essential oil is considered as the most powerful natural remedy in killing worms and parasites. In certain cases this oil is given as an enema in treating worms in the rectum and intestines.

2. Supports the digestive system:

Wormwood essential oil nurtures the digestive system and effectively helps in removing the toxic substances known as ama from the body. According to Ayurveda, improper digestion is the root cause for all kinds of illnesses as the undigested food particles turn as toxins and curb the normal functioning of the body. Wormwood essential oil strengthens the entire digestive system with its carminative, stomachic, cholagogue, anthelmintic, tonic and stimulant properties.

The presence of artabsin and absinthin in Wormwood oil are responsible for the bitter taste, which acts as a stimulant in enlivening the taste buds and improving the secretion of saliva and perking up the natural appetite of an individual.

It promotes proper discharge of bile secretion from the liver to the stomach and effectively counterbalances the excess acid substance while assisting the complete process of metabolism. All these healing properties of Wormwood essential oil make it a promising remedy in the treatment of acidosis, ulcer, liver and gall bladder problems and numerous other digestive disorders.

3. Alleviates stress and depression:

Disturbed sleep, insomnia, convulsions, fatigue, nervous afflictions, epileptic attacks and certain other mental disturbances often end up in unwanted stress and deep depression. Wormwood essential oil has a natural narcotic effect that helps in calming your nerves and grants complete relaxation by pacifying the entire system.

A well-known research on ‘The Debate About Wormwood and Thujone Psycho-activity‘ proved that the presence of α-thujone (alpha thujone) and β-thujone (beta thujone) in Artemisia absinthium are responsible for Psycho-activity and the higher-potency α-thujone is considered as the primary psychoactive agent. Adding 2 drops of Wormwood essential oil to a tissue and placing it near your pillow can give you great relief for a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Womanly essential oil:

Being a promising emmenagogue, wormwood essential oil is extremely beneficial in treating womanly problems like irregular menstruation, obstructed periods, uterine fibroids, menopausal problems, dysmennorhea and all other symptoms that accompany menstruation.

The emmenagogue property in this oil enhances the blood circulation in the uterus and pelvic region while strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. This oil is also used as a pain reliever during labor.

Ayurveda recommends Abhyanga or the art of massaging in an Ayurvedic manner for treating problems related to menstruation and menopause. Gently massaging 2 to 3 drops of wormwood essential oil along with sesame oil or coconut oil can grant significant relief and support the health of the female reproductive system.

5. Keeps away fever and infections:

Wormwood essential oil is effectual in treating fever due to bacterial and viral infections and this healing property is attributed to the presence of the toxic components like α-thujone and β-thujone, which act as a shield to the body and protects it from microbes and other harmful infections.

A research by the Cancer institute on the effectiveness of Complementary and alternative medicine in 2004 witnessed that Wormwood is powerful in treating fever and was used in Malaria treatment. The ancient Africans and Asians used Wormwood to combat malaria and to treat few other mosquito-borne diseases.

6. Fights against cancer:

The chemical properties of Wormwood have been proved as a potent cancer treatment by the Bioengineering researchers of the University of Washington. It has been witnessed that this derivative killed almost all the human breast cancer cells exposed to it within a time span of 16 hours. They also said that this wormwood derivative is “highly toxic to the cancer cells, but has a marginal impact on normal breast cells”.

7. Enriches the human body:

The great news is that Wormwood essential oil acts as a tonic to the entire system by stimulating the digestive system, improving the functioning of the circulatory system, strengthening the immune system, acting as a cardiac tonic, fortifying the nervous system and supporting the working of the excretory system, enabling the body to expel the unwanted toxic substances and stay vigilant at all times.

The natural and strong aroma of Wormwood essential oil makes it an important component of certain deodorants. This oil can also be used as a powerful insect repellant with its poisonous effects. Adding few drops of Wormwood oil to your vaporizers, sprays and fumigants can help you keep the harmful insects at bay.

Disclaimer:

Wormwood essential oil is a neurotoxin and has narcotic effects so never ingest this essential oil as it may harm the system. Essential oils are highly concentrated and do not apply this oil directly to your skin and always remember to blend it with carrier oils. Consult your medical practitioner before using the right essential oil for your health and your constitution.

Wormwood Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

Greener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 – Possible Skin Issues:

See => http://www.essentialdepot.com/GreenerLifeDiamond.html

Wormwood oil is considered as a narcotic oil when used in higher doses. The adverse effects of Wormwood oil is attributed to the presence of chemical constituent thujone, which contributes to about 50 percent of the oil. Thujone containing oils are restricted prevalently, mainly due to the concern of its psychotropic, nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects. It may cause skin irritation, redness, eruptions in sensitive skin and dermatitis.

Studies witness the excitation of the autonomic nervous system due to convulsions and binding of the GABA receptors caused due to α and β-thujone. It is also a known fact that high amount of thujone and its metabolites can induce convulsions, unconsciousness, seizures, gastrointestinal cramps, insomnia, tremors, dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, headaches, retention of urine, renal lesions, congestive heart failure and rhabdomyolysis (collapse of muscular fibers).

Wormwood should never be used internally as there are numerous studies witnessing the severe toxic effects of ingesting this oil and few cases include absinthism and the acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis in a person who drank about 10 ml of Wormwood oil; In an another case, the intake of 60 ml of Wormwood oil ended up in seizure, altered mental faculty, attention disability, rhabdomyolysis and hyperthermia.

Blend Wormwood oil in mild carrier oils like Coconut oil or Avocado oil before topical use as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and can harm the skin surface if used in a concentrated form. The safe level of dermal use for this oil is 0.4% by IFRA (International Fragrance Association).

Dr. William Smith in a Medico-Chirurgical transaction study talks about the case of poisoning by Wormwood oil. It is stated that this oil has narcotic influence that may have negative impact on the nervous system, causing headache, convulsions, giddiness, vomiting, tremors and paralysis.

The PanAfrican Medical Journal study talks about the burning effects of Wormwood herb, where a 50 year old woman reported a severe pain in the facial skin with a dry and delicate erythema in the cheeks and forehead classified as an initial degree burn.

It was concluded that the presence of toxic agents, like thujone and malic acid were responsible for the adverse effects like redness, skin sensitivity and chemical burns. It was termed as a phytodermatose, which are lesions on the skin due to the frequent contact with certain herbs. Research reports also state that thujone is porphyrogenic in nature and can be hazardous for patients with defective hepatic heme synthesis.

With thujone being the toxic component, using Wormwood oil can act as a threat to pregnancy as it may affect the health of the uterus with its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects and is good to continue avoiding this oil during lactation as well.

It is advisable to restrict the use of this oil on children as they have a sensitive skin. Wormwood oil can also cause allergic reactions on the skin for those who are susceptible to plants of the Compositae/Asteraceae family like the Marigold, Ragweed, Chrysanthemum etc.,

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Wormwood Oil:

Thought for the day:

Life is not living, but living in health.

– Martial, Roman poet

Suggested Reading:

Artemisia (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) by Colin W. Wright
Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health by Susanne Fischer-Rizzi
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links: