Randomised trial, 2018
Does geranium aromatherapy massage help premenstrual syndrome?
Yes. Both geranium aromatherapy massage and plain massage significantly reduced PMS physical and mental symptoms over 8 weeks.
What they did
120 female university students with PMS were randomly divided into three groups. One received massage with 2% geranium oil in almond oil, one received massage with plain almond oil, and one received no treatment. Treatments ran for 8 weeks.
What they found
Both the geranium aromatherapy massage group and the plain massage group showed significant reductions in PMS physical and mental symptoms (P < 0.001).
What it means for you
Both geranium aromatherapy massage and regular massage helped PMS symptoms. Since plain massage also worked, it is unclear whether the geranium oil itself was the active ingredient or if the massage and touch were what helped. This study included only female university students.
120
female university students
8
weeks of treatment
2%
geranium oil concentration
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of Geranium Aromatherapy Massage on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Clinical Trial
- Authors
- Lotfipur-Rafsanjani SM, Ravari A, Ghorashi Z et al.
- Journal
- International journal of preventive medicine
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 120
- What was tested
- Geranium aromatherapy massage (2% geranium oil in almond oil) or massage with almond oil only, for 8 weeks
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_40_16
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2026
Which traditional Chinese medicine treatments work best for PMS?
Randomised trial, 2025
Do essential oils reduce PMS symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2025
Which is more effective for PMS - Vitagnus, soy, or both together?
Randomised trial, 2025
Does the PMSoff supplement help PMS and PMDD symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2024
Is Jiawei Xiaoyao pill effective and safe for treating premenstrual syndrome?
Randomised trial, 2024
Is Ganyushu Granule effective and safe for premenstrual syndrome?