Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

Geranium oil (Pelargonium graveolens) is a volatile essential oil not consumed as a food and therefore has no conventional macronutrient profile (no protein, carbohydrates, fiber, or dietary fat in meaningful dietary quantities). Its value lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical composition. Key compounds include: Monoterpenols – Citronellol (25–40% of oil), Geraniol (5–18%), Linalool (2–12%), which are responsible for much of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing activity. Esters – Citronellyl formate (5–12%), Geranyl formate (2–8%), contributing to anti-spasmodic and calming effects. Sesquiterpenes – Guaia-6,9-diene (up to 5%), 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (1–5%), offering anti-inflammatory support. Ketones – Isomenthone (4–8%), Menthone (trace–3%). Oxides – cis-/trans-Rose oxide (trace–1.5%), contributing to the characteristic rosy aroma. Phenylpropanoids – trace amounts of eugenol. The oil also contains minor amounts of flavonoid-related compounds and polyphenolic residues depending on extraction method. Total phenolic content in hydrodistilled oil can contribute to antioxidant capacity (ORAC-equivalent values vary by lot). Minerals and vitamins: Essentially absent; essential oils are not a source of vitamins or minerals. Bioavailability notes: Monoterpenols such as citronellol and geraniol are lipophilic and readily absorbed through the skin (dermal bioavailability estimated at 10–30% depending on carrier medium). When inhaled, volatile terpenes cross the blood-brain barrier rapidly. Oral ingestion (in very small therapeutic doses, typically 1–3 drops diluted) results in rapid hepatic metabolism of terpenoids via cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2B6, CYP3A4), with a plasma half-life of approximately 1–3 hours for citronellol and geraniol. The esters are hydrolyzed in the gut and liver to their constituent alcohols and acids. Topical application in a lipid carrier (2–5% dilution) optimizes transdermal absorption and minimizes irritation.