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Geranium oil

Geranium oil (rose geranium oil), sometimes called geranium oil, is extracted from the leaves and stems of Pelargonium odoratissimum. Some people use geranium oil for nerve pain and diarrhea It is also applied directly to the skin for nerve pain and especially for pain associated with shingles. Some people use geranium oil on the skin as a drying agent to tighten the skin. Geranium oil is found in some supplements that are used to support weight loss and athletic performance, as well as for bodybuilding purposes.

The reason for this is that the manufacturers of these products claim that geranium oil contains small amounts of the active ingredient dimethylamylamine. However, laboratory tests have shown that this active ingredient is probably not derived from geranium oil. Rather, it is believed that these manufacturers have added this active ingredient to their supplements in artificial form, rather than extracting it from geranium oil. Geranium oil is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. In industrial manufacturing, geranium oil is used as an inexpensive substitute for rose oil. It is also used as a fragrance in soap, cosmetics and perfume.

How does geranium oil work?

Geranium oil appears to contain some chemicals that seem to have antibiotic-like effects. The oil may also have a calming effect when applied to the skin.

How effective is geranium oil?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of geranium oil for nerve pain when applied to the skin. Recent research suggests that applying geranium oil to the skin can significantly reduce pain associated with shingles. The strength of the product used plays a role here. Geranium oil at a concentration of 100% appears to be about twice as effective as geranium oil at a concentration of 50%. There is also a lack of scientific information on the effectiveness of geranium oil for diarrhea, weight loss and improving athletic performance. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of geranium oil in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Geranium oil applied to the skin is usually safe and harmless. However, some people may experience a rash and a burning sensation after applying geranium oil to the skin. Geranium oil can also cause irritation to the eyes when applied to the skin of the face. If you take geranium oil orally, you should stick to normal food quantities. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of taking larger quantities orally.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Geranium oil is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women in normal amounts. However, larger medicinal quantities should be avoided until more is known about their safety.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of geranium oil with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of geranium oil depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for geranium oil. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Daniells S. AHPA takes '1st stand' on labeling of DMAA-geranium oil. Nutraingredients-usa.com, August 9, 2011. available at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/AHPA-takes-1st-stand-on-labeling-of-DMAA-geranium-oil.(Accessed August 12, 2011).
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21, Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  3. Fang HJ, Su XL, Liu HY, et al [Studies on the chemical components and anti-tumor action of the volatile oils from Pelargonium graveoleus]. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao 1989;24:366-71.
  4. Greenway FL, Frome BM, Engels TM. Temporary relief of postherpetic neuralgia pain with topical geranium oil. Am J Med 2003;115:586-7.
  5. Lis-Balchin M, Buchbauer G, Hirtenlehner T, Resch M. Antimicrobial activity of Pelargonium essential oils added to a quiche filling as a model food system. Lett Appl Microbiol 1998;27:207-10.
  6. Pattnaik S, Subramanyam VR, Kole C. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios 1996;86:237-46.
  7. Starling S. Synthetic geranium substance raises ephedra-like red flags. Nutraingredients-use.com, May 11, 2010. available at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Synthetic-geranium-substance-raises-ephedra-like-red-flags.(Accessed August 12, 2011).
  8. Vorce SP, Holler JM, Cawrse BM, Magluilo J. Dimethylamylamine: A drug causing positive immunoassay results for amphetamines. J Anal Toxicol 2011;35:183-7.