Yes, You Can Drink Geranium Tea, But Only the Scented Kind

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

While many garden enthusiasts enjoy the beauty of geraniums, a lesser-known fact is that some varieties are perfectly safe for consumption. Specifically, scented geraniums, or pelargoniums, can be brewed into a flavorful and aromatic herbal tea, though not all varieties are edible. This guide helps you identify the right plants and learn how to prepare a delicious and soothing cup of geranium tea.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to safely make and enjoy tea from edible scented pelargoniums, clarifying the distinction between ornamental and culinary varieties, and exploring its potential health benefits and brewing methods.

Key Points

Edible Varieties Only: Only certain types of scented Pelargoniums (often called geraniums) are edible, not all plants in the Geranium genus.
Check Your Plant: Always confirm the botanical name of your plant, such as Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium), to ensure it is safe to consume.
Calming Effects: The tea can help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system due to its organic compounds.
Digestive Aid: Used traditionally to soothe digestive issues like bloating and cramping due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help alleviate general aches and pains.
Simple Brewing: The tea can be made easily by steeping fresh or dried leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
Fresh vs. Dried: Fresh leaves provide a more intense flavor than dried ones, with the latter being more practical for long-term storage.
Check for Allergic Reactions: As with any herb, monitor for allergic reactions, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Consult a Professional: Pregnant or nursing individuals and those with underlying health conditions should consult a doctor before consuming herbal teas regularly.

Scented Geraniums vs. True Geraniums: Know Your Plant

Before brewing your first cup, it is crucial to understand the difference between true geraniums (genus Geranium) and the scented varieties often referred to as geraniums, which actually belong to the genus Pelargonium. Many common garden varieties of ornamental Geraniums are not suitable for consumption, while many scented Pelargoniums, such as rose and lemon varieties, are. Always confirm the specific species to ensure it is one of the edible scented pelargoniums.

Edible Scented Pelargonium Varieties for Tea

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): The most popular and well-researched variety for tea, known for its distinctly floral aroma and calming effects.
Lemon Geranium (Pelargonium crispum): Offers a bright, citrusy flavor that is refreshing and uplifting.
Nutmeg Geranium (Pelargonium fragrans): Provides a warm, spicy flavor reminiscent of nutmeg, perfect for pairing with other spices.
Peppermint Geranium (Pelargonium tomentosum): Delivers a strong, minty flavor ideal for a refreshing tisane.

Health Benefits and Traditional Uses

Throughout history, scented pelargoniums have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their soothing and restorative properties.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The leaves contain organic compounds that positively impact the endocrine system, helping to balance hormones and promote relaxation. A calming cup of tea can help relieve stress and improve mood.
Aids Digestion: Geranium tea can be a simple remedy for digestive discomforts like bloating, cramping, and an upset stomach. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
Reduces Inflammation and Pain: With anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, the tea has been traditionally used to relieve general inflammation, sore joints, and mild headaches.
Boosts Immunity: The herb possesses natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which can help boost the immune system and support recovery from illness.

Brewing Your Own Geranium Tea

Making your own tea is a straightforward process, whether you use fresh or dried leaves. For the best flavor, most herbalists recommend using fresh leaves.

Classic Rose Geranium Tea Recipe

Gather: Pick 4-5 fresh rose-scented geranium leaves. For dried leaves, use 1-2 teaspoons.
Prepare: Gently bruise or muddle fresh leaves to release their aromatic oils.
Steep: Place leaves in a mug or teapot and pour one cup of boiling water over them.
Cover & Infuse: Cover the vessel to trap the volatile oils and steep for 5-7 minutes.
Strain & Serve: Strain out the leaves and enjoy. Add honey or lemon to taste if desired.

Brewing Methods: Fresh vs. Dried Leaves


Feature	Fresh Geranium Leaves	Dried Geranium Leaves
Flavor	More vibrant and intense due to higher oil concentration.	Subtler flavor, can lose potency over time.
Preparation	Requires a gentle bruising to release fragrance.	Can be crushed before steeping to maximize flavor.
Quantity	Use approximately three times more fresh than dried.	Use a smaller quantity for a similar intensity.
Storage	Best used immediately after harvesting.	Can be stored for longer periods in an airtight container.
Accessibility	Best for those with a garden or access to fresh plants.	Widely available commercially as loose leaf tea.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Precautions

While geranium tea is generally safe for consumption, especially for culinary use, there are a few important considerations. It is critical to use only edible scented varieties and consult a healthcare professional before adding large amounts to your diet, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a pre-existing medical condition. Some people with sensitive skin may also experience a mild rash if they come into contact with the leaves.

Conclusion

For those seeking a fragrant and soothing herbal beverage, the answer to "Can you drink geranium tea?" is a definitive yes, provided you use the right varieties. By selecting an edible scented pelargonium, such as rose or lemon geranium, you can enjoy a delicious, caffeine-free infusion with a range of potential health benefits, from easing stress to supporting digestion. Always ensure you know the specific species of your plant before consuming to avoid any confusion with non-edible relatives. Brewed fresh from your garden or purchased as a dried herb, geranium tea offers a simple and natural way to enhance your wellness routine.

For more information on the botanical differences, you can refer to the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only scented Pelargoniums are suitable for tea, not true Geraniums. Look for varieties like Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Lemon Geranium (Pelargonium crispum), or Peppermint Geranium (Pelargonium tomentosum).

The flavor depends on the specific scented variety. Rose geranium tea has a distinctively floral and sweet taste, while lemon geranium offers a bright, citrusy flavor.

While generally safe for most people, it's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical consultation. Individuals with immune system diseases should also be cautious, as some species might stimulate the immune response.

To make a simple cup, take 4-5 fresh, bruised rose geranium leaves or 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves. Steep them in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes before straining. Cover while steeping to retain the aroma.

Traditionally, rose geranium tea has been used for its calming and mood-lifting effects. The soothing properties of its organic compounds can help reduce stress and anxiety, but scientific evidence is limited.

Yes, fresh leaves generally produce a more potent and vibrant flavor than dried ones. You should use more fresh leaves than dried leaves to achieve a similar strength.

Yes, traditional use suggests that geranium tea can aid digestion by soothing discomforts such as bloating and cramping. It has mild anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects on the digestive system.

Yes, the flowers of edible scented pelargoniums are also edible and can be used to decorate food or add a mild flavor to tea.

To be certain, you need to know the specific botanical name of your plant. If you are unsure, it is best to avoid consuming it. Purchasing from a reputable herbal nursery is the safest option.

No, geranium essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be ingested for medicinal purposes. Geranium tea is made from an infusion of the leaves and flowers, not the oil.