Some people take rose geranium oil for nerve pain (neuropathy) and for diarrhea. It is also applied directly to the skin for nerve pain, especially pain following shingles. Some people also use it topically as an astringent to tighten skin.
Rose geranium oil is sometimes listed on the label of supplements promoted for weight loss, athletic performance, and body building. That’s because supplement manufacturers claim that rose geranium oil contains small amounts of a stimulant drug called dimethylamylamine. However, laboratory analysis shows that this drug probably does not come from rose geranium oil. It is thought that these manufacturers have artificially added this drug to the supplement rather than obtaining it from rose geranium oil.
Rose geranium oil is used in foods and beverages as a flavoring.
In manufacturing, rose geranium oil is used as an inexpensive substitute for rose oil. It is also used as fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes.
How does it work? Rose geranium oil contains several chemicals that seem to have antibiotic-like effects. The oil might also have a soothing effect when applied to the skin.