9 Uses & Benefits of Rose Scented Geraniums

Known by its scientific name as Pelargonium graveolens var. Roseum, the rose scented geranium is widely used in the cosmetic industry, but it has applications in aromatherapy and even as a food additive.

With so many uses and benefits, it’s no wonder then that the rose scented variety is one of the most popular of the leaf-scented geranium varieties.

In what follows, I’ll cover 9 of the most common uses and benefits of rose scented geraniums, so you can discover how to use this versatile plant in your home.

Repel Insects

Looking for a natural bug repellent? Rose scented geranium should make it into the top of your list. Because of its potent smell, it can repel flies, mosquitos, ants, fleas and cockroaches.

It’s also a potent tick repellent, so if you live in tick-infested areas, rose scented geranium oil can be a great ally in keeping ticks off your pets.

You can rub the plant on your hands or use a few drops of rose scented geranium essential oil to keep bugs away.

Many commercially available natural bug repellents have scented geranium in their composition.

Smells Good

Rose scented geranium is also used in aromatherapy. It’s rose-like smell relaxes, soothes anxiety and it has even been shown to have analgesic properties.

It is yet unclear whether these effects are caused by the scent itself triggering a reaction in the brain or whether there’s a chemical in the scent that causes a reaction in the brain that leads to enhanced relaxation and pain relief.

The rose fragrance of scented geraniums makes them a great choice even as a food additive in baked goods or salads.

The leaves of the rose-scented geranium can also be used in garden-fresh salads but also to enhance the taste of drinks.

What’s more, it is often used as a food preservative by the food industry because of its antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

Good for Tea

Fancy a cuppa? Rose scented geraniums can be steeped into hot water for a refreshing, calming and relaxing tea.

A herbal tea prepared from fresh or dried rose scented geranium can relieve tension, nervousness and fatigue. It can even help with depression and anxiety.

So, next time you’re feeling a bit tense or tired, pour yourself a cuppa of rose scented geranium, and enjoy a moment of deep relaxation.

Essential Oil

There are many essential oil blends that use scented geraniums in their blend. But they are also used on their own.

Rose scented geranium essential oil can be applied topically, inhaled or used in an infuser. When applied topically, it should be diluted in a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil) and tested on a small section of your skin to check for a possible allergic reaction.

The plant has antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can be harnessed even better through an essential oil extract.

That said, always be careful about using essential oils topically or internally, and always check for possible allergies by testing it on a small section of your skin.

Skin Care

If applied to the skin, scented geranium can have an astringent, brightening, and soothing effect. It can treat various degrees of skin acne because of its antiseptic properties.

Make sure to always dilute it when applying it to the skin to counter any potential side effects. In people with allergies, it can cause rashes, so it’s best to spot test it before you apply it onto your face.

It can also help with skin wounds and bruises. It can be used to combat pimples and soothe skin rashes and eczema.

Rose scented geraniums are used in creams and other cosmetic products as a fragrance, but also because of the plant’s antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

Hair Conditioner

Beyond their use as fragrance in cosmetic products, rose scented geraniums are also used in shampoos and hair conditioners.

Geranium essential oil can improve hair growth and improve scalp health by regulating dryness, excess oil, and the production of sebum.

You can also use scented geranium essential oil to massage your scalp. The result? Stronger, healthier hair that grows faster.

Calming Effect

The calming effect of rose scented geranium oil is backed up by research, although the mechanism by which it happens is still being studied.

Whether you inhale geranium essential oil or use it in an aromatherapy diffuser or in massage therapy, the deeply soothing effect it triggers is undoubtable.

Health Benefits

So far I have mentioned some of the various health benefits of rose scented geraniums such as its anti-anxiety properties, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral effect, and antioxidant effect.

But there are a few other benefits as well including its anti-inflammatory effects that were revealed by a study in mice, which revealed that it reduced swelling in mice paws and ears.

This finding could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs that could be potentially administered without side-effects.

Rose scented geranium oil can also be used to alleviate premenstrual pain or in the management of menopausal issues.

Decorative Plant

Last but not least, rose scented geraniums also make great decorative plants due to their interesting leaves and spectacular blooms.

Whether they’re planted in flower beds, windowsills or in hanging baskets, make sure they have enough light.

You can also grow them indoors as houseplants, where they’ll bloom if conditions are optimal.

Make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and give them adequate sun exposure (around 6 hours of direct light) so they can bloom and develop into strong plants.

Wrap Up

As versatile house or garden plants rose scented geraniums have many benefits that extend well beyond their decorative purposes.

They’re widely used in the cosmetic industry, in the fragrance industry, and even for therapeutic purposes in aromatherapy and massage therapy.

Whether you’re growing scented geraniums for their decorative appeal or their many uses and benefits, you can’t go wrong with rose scented geraniums.

They’re also easy to grow with little ongoing requirements once you manage to plant them correctly and learn what they need in order to thrive as houseplant or garden plants.

Scented Geraniums or Pelargoniums   Updated: April 25, 2022
avatar Hi, I'm Amy, a devoted horticulturist and the creator of PlantIndex.com, where I use my expertise to help beginners foster their green thumbs. My blog is a vibrant community where I unravel the complexities of gardening and share my profound love for nature.
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