Geranium / Pelargonium sp.

The Basics

What is Geranium / Pelargonium sp.?

Thought to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Brand names for Geranium / Pelargonium sp.

Na

How Geranium / Pelargonium sp. is classified

Complementary Therapies, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Geranium / Pelargonium sp. During Pregnancy

Geranium / Pelargonium sp. pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Geranium / Pelargonium sp. while pregnant

N/A

Taking Geranium / Pelargonium sp. While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Geranium / Pelargonium sp.?

Geranium (Pelargonium species) leaves contain small amounts of dimethylamylamine which is a sympathomimetic stimulant. Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil contains citronellol, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl formate, and geraniol. Applied topically, the essential oil may have antibacterial and antifungal activity and has been used for neuropathic pain. Topical application of fresh, whole geranium leaves, furry side against the skin has been used for cracked, painful nipples during breastfeeding.[1][2][3] Alternatively, geranium essential oil mixed into calendula cream has been advocated for the same purpose.[2] None of these claims have been scientifically validated. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Geranium (Pelargonium species) leaves contain small amounts of dimethylamylamine which is a sympathomimetic stimulant. Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil contains citronellol, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl formate, and geraniol. Applied topically, the essential oil may have antibacterial and antifungal activity and has been used for neuropathic pain. Topical application of fresh, whole geranium leaves, furry side against the skin has been used for cracked, painful nipples during breastfeeding.[1][2][3] Alternatively, geranium essential oil mixed into calendula cream has been advocated for the same purpose.[2] None of these claims have been scientifically validated. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Geranium / Pelargonium sp. on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Geranium / Pelargonium sp.

None listed