Delicate flower buds can delight not only with their harmony and beauty. There are many plants that have healing properties. Pink, red, white inflorescences create a cozy homely atmosphere. The unpretentious plant pelargonium pleases with beautiful flowering several times a year. Not many people know that the miraculous properties of geranium oil are widely used for cosmetic purposes. This product helps improve the condition of oily, problem skin, restore healthy tone, restore firmness and elasticity of the skin.
general description
The plant's homeland is South Africa, but today geranium grows all over the world. There are many varieties; gardeners regularly introduce new specimens with the aroma of lemon, mint, and rose. The fragrant ether is extracted from the stems and leaves of perennial shrubs using steam distillation. To create the oil, two varieties of plants are used - rose and lemon geranium. As a result, it is possible to obtain a transparent extract with a yellow-green tint and a rich odor.
The fresh, sweet aroma with fruity notes may be confused by the uninitiated with other esters. Often it is the more affordable geranium oil that replaces the expensive rose oil. Widely used in cosmetology to solve a whole range of aesthetic problems. It has tonic, whitening and antiseptic properties.
Allows you to restore, rejuvenate the skin, improve color and structure. You can enrich ready-made masks and creams; the use of natural recipes is no less effective.
Attention! There is only essential oil that can be used to enrich various base oils of jojoba, olive, apricot kernel or grape, enhancing their beneficial properties.
You can also obtain ether at home; 500 leaves of the plant will yield only 1 ml of oil. You will need special containers for steam distillation. The raw materials need to be crushed, placed in a glass flask, and a little water added. Close with a stopper the part through which the long tube passes at an angle. The tube itself should be placed in a glass of cold water, and its end should be lowered into a test tube.
The container with the leaves is heated using an alcohol lamp; you need to constantly monitor the liquid level. Gradually, essential oil will be released from the leaves, along with the steam it will accumulate in the cooling test tube. After the steam condenses, an oil film forms on the surface; at the end of the process, you need to collect the oil using a pipette.
What it is?
Geranium essential oil, or geranium oil, is a substance produced from the leaves of the geranium plant. It is extracted by steam distillation; to obtain just one drop, you need to process about 500 leaves, which is why this oil is considered one of the most expensive, along with rose and jasmine.
It is a liquid flowing product similar in appearance to ordinary vegetable oil, yellowish-green in color with a light green or olive tint, completely transparent, easily soluble in other oils, it has a thick characteristic odor with a fruity base and bittersweet notes. It contains more than a hundred useful elements, such as citronellol, geraniol, linalool, menthol, nerol, a-terpineol and others.
A little history
Pelargonium is translated from Greek. as “crane”, it received its name due to the similarity of the inflorescence with a bird’s beak. The plant was brought from South Africa to Holland in the 18th century; in the 19th century, geranium was already growing in gardens throughout Europe. There are many legends and tales associated with the flower. The plant is credited with miraculous healing properties.
In ancient times, called “ear, nose and throat”, geranium is an effective remedy for the treatment of infectious diseases. It also helps accelerate the recovery of bone tissue in case of fractures. The leaves of the plant, from which essential oil is obtained, contain phytoncides. Thanks to its ability to disinfect, the air in Belarus is called “toast”.
Geranium oil has been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient Greece. It has excellent anti-aging properties and also neutralizes inflammation and redness. The beneficial properties were used by beauties in ancient times, mixing with olive oil, adding a fragrant liquid to water. A pleasant aroma not only improved mood, there was a belief that it was this smell that contributed to the search for the other half.
Geranium oil: for otitis media
Geranium oil is one of the most common remedies used for otitis media. As a result of research, it has been proven that the essential product inhibits inflammatory processes in the ear, stopping them, and over time, completely eliminating them. In addition, it is able to accelerate the maturation and opening of painful boils.
Also, for otitis media, the antimicrobial properties of the product are important. This reduces the risk of dangerous viruses entering the unprotected external auditory canal, which can worsen the patient’s condition.
Beneficial features
The rich composition is represented by more than 120 elements; the complex composition makes the oil universal for caring for different skin types:
- terpene alcohols have antiseptic properties, stop the spread of bacteria, regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands, cope with oily shine and redness, and promote the penetration of nutrients into the deep layers of the skin;
- limonene effectively fights sebum, helps clean pores, neutralizes fungal microorganisms, cleanses the integument, has antioxidant properties, stimulates the renewal of the integument;
- menthol is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, soothes irritation and redness, has a venotonic effect, strengthening the walls of blood vessels, normalizes lymph flow, and helps get rid of swelling;
- Cadinene helps rejuvenate the skin, smooth out wrinkles, increase elasticity and firmness;
- formic acid stimulates metabolic processes, activates blood flow, improves skin color and structure, is effective for whitening pigmentation, eliminating acne marks;
- butyric acid prevents the processes of aging, withering, dehydration of the skin, increases the protective barrier of the integument, controls and neutralizes the spread of bactericidal microflora;
- Thiglonic acid softens keratinized epithelium, restores oxygen respiration, and improves cellular metabolic processes.
Indications for use
Geranium essential oil can be used for all skin types, with the exception of sensitive dermis prone to allergic reactions. One application is enough to feel positive changes.
Suitable for dry, dehydrated, aged, as well as oily, problematic skin. Regular use will give your face an impeccable tone and even structure, and protect you from premature aging.
Application effect:
- has a lifting effect;
- relieves swelling;
- improves skin turgor;
- smoothes wrinkles of varying degrees;
- effective prevention of ptosis;
- activates blood flow, strengthens thin capillaries;
- regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- has bactericidal properties, stops the spread of infection;
- tightens pores;
- neutralizes oily shine;
- whitens age spots and acne marks.
Where is the best place to buy
You can purchase geranium oil at a pharmacy or online store. The product is not often counterfeited, but it is still better to buy a name brand product. High-quality ether is sold in a dark glass bottle with a dispenser, costing from 80 to 100 rubles. for 10 ml.
It should be stored at a temperature of 5 to 25° for no more than 24 months, protected from direct sunlight. Old oil is difficult to recognize, since the ether has a fairly pronounced aroma.
By the way! It is not always possible to smell rancid notes. Therefore, it is better to rely on the information indicated on the packaging.
Characteristics of ether
Geranium oil is a key element in aromatherapy. It is used as a whole body therapy to improve physical, mental and emotional health.
Place a few drops of geranium in a diffuser or on a napkin; as the vapor evaporates, it sends messages to the limbic system that allow you to better control your emotions and consciousness. By inhaling geranium oil, you can improve your heart rhythm, normalize your breathing rate, blood pressure and strengthen your immune defense.
Influencing the nervous system, it eliminates depressed and depressed states and causeless anxiety, and dramatically improves emotional mood. The aroma of geranium oil increases endurance and activates attention. Children calm down and become less whiny. With its help it is easy to achieve beautiful and glowing skin.
Geranium oil regulates hormones, improving a woman’s well-being during menopause and PMS. The positive effect of geranium oil has been noted in gynecological pathologies. Promotes the removal of stagnant fluid, thereby improving the symptoms of migraines, reduces swelling and the appearance of cellulite.
Energetically helps a person restore trusting relationships between people. Removes invisible barriers in communication, promotes control over emotions.
General recommendations
There are basic rules for using oil to achieve the desired effect:
- geranium ether is enriched in ready-made masks, creams, tonics, emulsions, shampoos, and will also become an indispensable component of natural beauty recipes;
- the oil is used for no more than 2–3 weeks, after which you need to take a break of 2–4 months, then you can resume the procedures;
- it is also necessary to check individual tolerance, treat allergens, not recommended for the care of sensitive, thin skin;
- used for the face, neck, décolleté, body and hair care, should not be used for eyelids, eyelashes, may cause swelling and tearing;
- combines with base oils, as well as esters of lemon, basil, grapefruit, bergamot, sandalwood and rosewood;
- You must first measure a single dose of the finished product; you cannot add ether directly to the jar;
- The optimal concentration is considered to be 2–3 drops of geranium oil per 5 ml of base;
- you need to mix the components in a glass or ceramic container, like any ether, geranium is prone to oxidation when interacting with metal;
- mainly used in anti-aging programs, as well as to restore the condition of oily, porous skin prone to acne;
- It is recommended to use up to 4 times a week, the autumn-winter period is considered the best, the ether allows you to whiten pigmentation and increase the immune properties of the integument;
- Cosmetic procedures should be carried out 3-4 hours before bedtime; the pronounced aroma stimulates a surge of strength and energy, and can cause insomnia.
Important Rules
Geranium oil has, albeit slightly, toxicity and can severely irritate the skin. In order not to provoke a negative reaction from the body, but to get the maximum effect, you need to know the important rules for working with it:
- An allergic reaction to geranium oil does not always manifest itself quickly. Therefore, after testing it on the wrist or elbow, you must wait not the usual 15-20 minutes, but a whole 12 hours. And only after this can you make a decision about its further use.
- For small focal inflammation, areas of active herpes, or single pimples (including purulent ones), pure oil can be applied pointwise. But you need to do this very carefully and try not to touch these areas with your hands.
- In the delicate area around the eyes, it is not even used as a supplement. If it gets on mucous membranes, it can cause increased tearing or conjunctivitis.
- It is added to finished cosmetics in very small quantities - up to three drops per 20 ml of product. Exceeding the dosage may lead to severe signs of intoxication.
- When in contact with metal, geranium oil quickly loses its beneficial properties. Therefore, it can only be mixed and stored in glass or plastic.
- The product can lower blood sugar levels, so even people who do not have problems with it can use it without interruption for no more than three weeks.
- Geranium oil slightly alters hormonal balance. This can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or miscalculations in the calendar method of birth control.
As you can see, geranium oil does not forgive irresponsible attitudes towards oneself. But proper use allows you to quickly get excellent results.
Directions for use on the face
Geranium essential oil can be mixed with both base oils and ready-made products. Provides acceleration of renewal, strengthens blood vessels, stimulates rejuvenation processes.
Face cream
It has anti-inflammatory, regenerating properties, refreshes color. Recommended for the prevention of wrinkles and restoration of tired skin. It will help normalize the condition of dehydrated dermis, perfectly tones, and prevents rosacea.
Step by step application:
- Cleanse the skin with cleansing gel or cosmetic milk.
- Measure out 5 ml of cream, you can also use avocado or olive oil for dry skin. For oily skin, choose grape or apricot kernel oil.
- Add 1-2 drops of geranium essential oil and mix well.
- Apply a thin layer, excluding the area of the eyelids and lips.
- After half an hour, blot the unabsorbed residues with a napkin.
Rejuvenating mask
You can prepare an effective remedy to get rid of wrinkles at home. Smoothes wrinkles, increases firmness and elasticity of the skin. Activates the protective properties of the skin, prevents premature aging processes.
Components:
- 2 drops of geranium ether;
- 10 gr. cocoa powder;
- 10 shea butter.
Melt shea butter in a water bath and add floral ether. Pour cocoa with warm water or green tea, mix thoroughly until smooth, add the composition of oils. Apply to cleansed skin; you can pre-scrub or steam. Leave to act for half an hour, rinse with warm water. Carry out the procedure in courses every other day for 2 weeks.
Acne mask
Helps get rid of acne and oily shine. Perfectly mattifies the skin, tightens pores, and stops the spread of infection. As a result, it is possible to improve the general condition of the dermis and give it a healthy color.
Components:
- 2 drops of geranium ether;
- 10 gr. buckwheat flour;
- ascorutin tablet.
Crush ascorutin into powder, mix with flour, dilute with warm water. Add aroma oil and mix thoroughly again. Clean your face; if there are no active pustules, you can steam it. Distribute the cosmetic mass on problem areas, rinse after 20 minutes.
Whitening mask
Gives the skin an even, healthy tone, eliminating pigmentation. Has a slight exfoliating effect and stimulates regeneration processes. After the procedure, the face looks well-groomed and renewed.
Components:
- 3 drops of geranium ether;
- 10 ml sour cream;
- 5 gr. white clay;
- 5 gr. starch.
Separately mix clay with starch, add aroma oil to sour cream. Combine all the components of the mask; if necessary, you can dilute with water or herbal decoction. Steam your face, apply the finished mixture in a thick layer along the massage lines, avoiding the eyelids and lips. After half an hour, wash with warm water and apply nourishing cream.
Anti-blackhead lotion
Regular use cleanses pores and reduces sebium synthesis. It is possible to whiten the skin and cope with acne marks. Suitable for caring for oily and combination dermis.
Components:
- 2 drops of geranium ether;
- 50 ml calendula infusion;
- 5 ml apricot kernel oil.
Pour boiling water over fresh and dried calendula flowers, leave for about 2 hours, then strain. Mix apricot oil with ether and add to herbal infusion. In the morning and evening, after washing, soak a cotton pad in the liquid and wipe along the massage lines. After applying moisturizer.
Application for lips, eyelashes, eyebrows
Geranium essential oil, in addition to caring for the face and body, is also used to strengthen the restoration of curls. The oil activates growth, strengthens the root system, eliminates dandruff and seborrhea. Adding it to shampoo will help cope with oily strands, and the balm enriched with ether will make combing easier and add shine to colored, dull curls.
Important! Not recommended for use on eyelashes and eyebrows. Possible irritation, tearing, swelling, itching, redness of the eyelids. Also, do not use on lips, it increases the sensitivity of thin skin.
Internal use
Geranium essential oil is used to treat various diseases. Therapy is carried out under the supervision of a doctor after a complete examination. The doctor prescribes the dosage and course of treatment and monitors the results with the help of tests and additional studies. Geranium oil is used for the following pathologies:
- stones in the kidneys;
- diabetes;
- intestinal dysfunction;
- to get rid of worms;
- for stomach ulcers.
It is also worth considering contraindications; oil should not be used during pregnancy, when taking hormonal medications, or during hypoglycemia.
Contraindications
The first on the list of contraindications to geranium oil is individual intolerance. And it occurs in about every tenth person, so this substance is a fairly strong allergen. It is also strictly prohibited:
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- children under three years old;
- for diabetes mellitus;
- chronic hypotension;
- suffering from bronchial asthma.
When used in combination with oral contraceptives, it can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. When used in its pure form it often causes burns. It is important to avoid contact with mucous membranes. If this happens, rinse with plenty of water. Only external use is allowed.
Advantages and disadvantages
The beneficial properties of geranium oil have been used for medical and cosmetic purposes for centuries. Despite the wide range of aesthetic services, natural remedies do not lose their popularity. It is worth considering not only the advantages, but also the disadvantages of using ether.
Pros:
- suitable for dry, oily, problematic, aging skin;
- helps improve color, structure, eliminates wrinkles and swelling;
- affordable price allows you to use it not only for the face, but also for caring for the body and curls;
- the effect can be assessed after the first procedure.
Minuses:
- not suitable for thin sensitive skin, as well as for the eyelid area;
- use for more than 3 weeks may lead to irritation and redness;
- There are a number of contraindications that limit the use of oil.
Summing up
You can use geranium oil for the face and in other masks prepared according to folk recipes. There are many of them on the Internet and everyone can choose the best option for themselves. The main thing is not to overdo it and remember the maximum duration of the course - three weeks.
According to reviews from my clients, this product is really strong and quickly produces visible results, especially on oily and problematic skin. When applied topically, even large pimples and herpes sores go away within 3-4 days. And using masks allows you to quickly clean and refresh your skin.
Have you had any experience using geranium oil? I will be glad if you want to share your impressions in the comments.
Reviews from people
There are many users on the Internet who have managed to evaluate the effects of ether.
The review states that the oil works well, but the specific aroma is frightening.
A discussion participant writes about the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil. We managed to replace the cream, but due to the specific smell, we had to look for alternative natural ingredients.
Some reviews describe how to use geranium oil for skin and hair.
Other reviews can be found by following the link.
