African Geranium
Pelargonium graveolens
Rose geranium, the South African source of geranium oil. In small trials, breathing in the oil eased pain and tiredness, and a gel helped a denture-related fungal infection.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is African Geranium?
- Plant family
- Geraniaceae, the geranium family
- Parts used
- The leaves, mainly for their essential oil
- Where it grows
- South Africa
- Genus
- Pelargonium
- Species
- graveolens
Also called
Rose Geranium, Rose-Scented Geranium
Traditionally used for
- Essential oil
- Pain
- Tiredness
- Denture sores
Traditionally described as
- Aromatic essential oil
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Rose geranium is the source of geranium oil, one of the two major commercial plant oils South Africa has given the world, along with buchu oil.[1]Study
Research in people
In a trial of 59 people with lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing in the lower spine), breathing in geranium oil lowered pain more than a placebo. In those with moderate to severe pain, it also eased anxiety and stress.[2]Study
In a trial of 84 intensive-care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, breathing in geranium oil reduced tiredness compared with sunflower oil. It didn't change their sleep quality.[3]Study
In a trial of 80 denture wearers with a fungal mouth infection under the denture, a 1% geranium oil gel used twice daily for two weeks cleared or improved the infection in 90% of people, compared with 30% on a placebo gel.[4]Study
In short
No safety studies were found.
Sources
- [1] 'Buchu' – Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Rutaceae): A review · DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.036Peer-reviewed study
- [2] Inhalation of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil Alleviates Pain and Related Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Moderate to Severe Pain · DOI: 10.3390/ph17010001Peer-reviewed study
- [3] The effect of Aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) on the fatigue and sleep quality of critical care nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial · DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.006Peer-reviewed study
- [4] Clinical evaluation of the essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens for the treatment of denture stomatitisPeer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.