Geranium carolinianum (Geranium carolinianum), a winter annual or biennial weed native to North America, is frequently seen on lawns, flowerbeds, fields, and by the sides of roadways. It has erect stems covered in spiky hairs, and two leaves per node on each stem called opposite leaves.
The flowers are white to lavender and borne two to several together on stalks from the upper nodes. The seeds have a distinctive elongated beak which gives the plant its nickname, cranesbill. It blooms mainly in April and May and can be considered invasive depending on the region.
Geranium carolinium is a species of geranium that is not succulent and not nutrient-rich. It has palmate leaves ranging from 3-8 cm. with a growth pattern of alternate and usually divided into five segments. The inflorescence is a cluster of one to several small flowers with five-pointed sepals and five-notched petals in shades of white, light pink, to lavender. The flowers form in short tight clusters and do not have nectar spurs.
The fruit has a hairy body and a style up to 1.5 centimeters long, and the seed surfaces are finely reticulated. The root system is a taproot structure that can grow to a depth of 15 centimeters, and the plant has a superior ovary.
Carolina geranium is usually found in part shade areas with poor, dry, clay, rocky soil and does not interfere much with crops or ornamental plants. However, its profuse seeds have a hard coating impenetrable by many herbicides, making it a nuisance plant. Its early spring blooms provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinators, and the seeds are also a valuable food source for many birds and small mammals.
Health Benefits of Carolina Geranium
1. Stress and Anxiety
Inhaling geranium essential oil has been shown to have a calming impact and minimize the anxiety associated with first-stage labor, according to a randomized clinical trial of women experiencing their first labor.
Anecdotal evidence suggests it may promote relaxation and alleviate the depressive mood.
One animal study analyzed the calming, anti-depressive effects of the Reunion geranium (Pelargonium roseum wild) essential oil strain and found it effective for reducing stress. Geranium can impact the nervous system, which has been known for a long time. The plant has been used in this way for many years. A cup of tea can improve your mood and clear your mind.
2. Carolina geranium may make inflammation less.
When put on the skin, geranium essential oil’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties can help reduce acne, skin irritation, and skin infections. It can also stop inflammation, so that it could be used as an anti-inflammatory drug with few side effects. A 2013 study also found that geranium tea or putting rose geranium essential oil on the skin can help with sore joints, aching muscles, or inflammation in the gut or heart. Lastly, you can use it to ease the pain of postherpetic neuralgia for a short time.
3. Diabetes
In Tunisia, the Carolina geranium essential oil has been used for a long time as a folk remedy to treat high blood sugar. In a study on rats, daily oral administration decreased glucose levels by a significant amount. This suggests it may help people with diabetes who have high blood sugar. Of course, people shouldn’t eat geranium essential oil, but adding it to an aromatherapy diffuser or rubbing it on the skin may have the same effect. A study published in the Lipids in Health and Disease also found that the oil helped reduce diabetic complications arising from oxidative stress.
4. Allergies
Geranium essential oil’s citronellol content is potentially effective for reducing allergic reactions, but more study is needed. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that topical use may reduce itching caused by allergic reactions due to its anti-inflammatory action.
5. It may Reduce Nosebleed Severity.
Geranium essential oil may have the unique health benefit of reducing nosebleed severity. A study published in The Laryngoscope journal found that topical application of rose geranium-sesame oil compounds can reduce the severity of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) associated epistaxis.
6. Neurodegenerative disease
People with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may benefit from geranium essential oil. In a study, citronellol, a part of geranium essential oil, was found to stop nitric oxide production. This stopped inflammation and cell death in the brain.
7. May Boost Immunity
Geranium is known to have immunity-boosting qualities and has been used in South African medicinal culture for respiratory issues. In addition, it has antimicrobial and antiviral properties and the potential to be developed into a medicine.
8. Infection
Geranium essential oil is effective against many types of bacteria because it is antimicrobial and antibacterial. But one study found that it worked as well as amoxicillin against Staphylococcus aureus but not as well against Listeria monocytogenes.
9. It may Aid in Digestion.
Geranium tea can be an effective remedy for cramping, bloating, and upset stomachs, as its beneficial organic compounds can help soothe inflammation and eliminate bacteria.
10. Edema
Geranium essential oil may be beneficial for leg and foot swelling caused by edema, and anecdotal evidence suggests adding it to bath water may be an excellent way to treat it. But more research is needed to determine how geranium essential oil affects edema.
Side Effects of Carolina Geranium
Geranium oil is safe for most people, but some may experience a rash or burning sensation when used on the skin. It is safe to consume trace amounts of geranium oil, such as those found in baked goods, but the effects of taking excessive amounts are unknown. Never use any essential oil on the skin unless diluted with a carrier oil.
Conclusion:
Geranium has been used for centuries to reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. In addition, you can use it for temporary pain relief from postherpetic neuralgia pain. Geranium essential oil’s citronellol content is potentially effective for reducing allergic reactions, but more study is needed.
Where to Buy
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LINKS TO RESEARCH REFERENCES
Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs – PMC (nih.gov)
Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of geranium oil in microglial cells – ScienceDirect
DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE
This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the information or commodities on this website.
