Popular across the world as a garden plant, for decorative and ornamental purposes, thanks to its bright pinkish flowers, geranium is the blossomed produce of the Pelargonium graveolens shrub. These radiant florals, which come in various hues of salmon-pink, vibrant red, pastel white, vivid scarlet and deep crimson, are prized for their sweet smell, similar to that of roses. They are native to the hot, tropical areas of countries, islands in the region of Africa.
In fact, ancient civilizations and royal kingdoms in Egypt often added geraniums to beautifying rituals and they have been a part of skincare routines since time immemorial.
Nowadays, geranium extracts are mainly used to make perfumes in the cosmetics industry, besides infusing them in spa massages for aromatherapy and a wide range of bath soaps, face washes, shower gels, shampoos and conditioners, hair serums. However, these scented flowers, along with their fragrant leaves and stems, also yield a vastly beneficial ingredient upon steam distillation – geranium essential oil.
Being inherently non-toxic as well as causing no irritation when applied topically, this pale yellow to olive green tincture abounds in medicinal elements. These comprise potent antioxidants and plant chemicals such as geraniol, citronellol, eugenol, myrtenol, terpineol, geranic and methone, with noteworthy antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory traits.
Geranium essential oil, although less famous and quite undervalued, when compared to other flower-based residues like lavender, jasmine or rose, undoubtedly confers a plethora of benefits for overall wellbeing. Also Read: Small Seeds, Big Beauty Benefits: 5 Sensational Natural Oils For Gorgeous Skin
From treating skin disorders and easing depression symptoms, to promoting flawless complexion and warding off bugs, this floral isolate is truly a panacea for a host of illnesses. Read on, to discover the fantastic health incentives of geranium essential oil.
Astounding Uses Of Geranium Essential Oil For Beauty And Wellness:
Stress Reliever
The invigorating odour of geranium essential oil works wonders in pacifying the mind and reducing stress after a long, hectic day, easing all signs of tension, worry and nervousness. When inhaled as such or used in potpourri to create a pleasing environment at home, it significantly lowers blood pressure and balances the emotions.
Anti-Ageing Solution
Geranium essential oil offers superb merits for reversing the age clock, to reveal a youthful, glowing appearance. Packed with astringent properties, as well as ample antioxidant, hydrating and cooling effects, it visibly fades wrinkles, fine lines, sagging in the face, cleanses, tones, tightens the pores and imparts plentiful moisturisation to revive dull, dry skin.
Insect Repellant
The citronellol complexes in geranium essential oil are powerful in preventing pests like mosquitoes, wasps, flies from stinging the body. Moreover, the perfumed flower balm is a natural insect repellant, as it does not trigger any itching when spread over the skin and is also efficient in healing bulging patches due to swollen, reddened bug bites.
Anxiety Remedy
Geranium essential oil is blessed with a rejuvenating smell, in addition to numerous therapeutic constituents, for enhancing mental wellbeing. It is an excellent restorative blend for resolving low moods, uplifting brain functions, memory, concentration. Moreover, it remarkably alleviates angry temperaments, anxious feelings and depressive thoughts, to effectively relax the mind. Also Read: Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Skin Infection Cure
Geranium essential oil is laden with valuable anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as inherent antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Dabbing on a thin layer of this rectifying essence, to peeling, aggravated tissues, instantly assuages conditions of eczema, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and yeast infections, to mend wounds and soothe damaged skin.
How To Make Geranium Oil At Home?
- Take about 12 ounces of rose geranium leaves into a clean glass jar, and fill up halfway with olive or sesame oil, until the leaves are covered fully
- Close the jar tightly and keep it under sunny window for a week
- Now strain the oil via a muslin cloth into another glass jar and then again add some amount of fresh geranium leaves
- Cover the new jar and let it stay on a sunny window for one more week
- Repeat the same steps for another 3 to 5 weeks
- Finally filter and store essential oil into a bottle in a cool, dry place and use within a year’s time
Side Effects of Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is well tolerated and considered safe for use for most people. However, some people may experience a rash or burning sensation when applying it to the skin. Avoid using any essential oil on the skin directly without diluting it with a carrier oil.
A small quantity of geranium oil is at times added to baked products and it is considered fine to have in small quantities. But the impact of having it in large quantities is not known yet.
