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Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is a natural product derived from the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant native to South Africa. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties that may help treat various health conditions, such as acne, edema, nasal vestibulitis, infection, neurodegenerative disease, menopause, stress, shingles pain, and more. Geranium oil is widely used as an ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics. It is also used in aromatherapy to treat several health conditions. In aromatherapy, essential oils are inhaled using a diffuser or diluted with carrier oils and applied to the skin for soothing benefits. Researchers have examined the benefits of geranium essential oil in several human and animal studies. It’s thought to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties.
Diseases that can Be Cured By Using Geranium Oil
Geranium essential oil may be beneficial for the following conditions:
- Acne, dermatitis, and inflammatory skin conditions: Geranium oil’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties make it beneficial for reducing acne breakouts, skin irritation, and skin infections when applied topically. Geranium essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it beneficial for several inflammatory conditions, including those affecting the skin.
- Edema: An animal study found that the anti-inflammatory properties of geranium essential oil may be helpful for edema-related swelling in the legs and feet. Anecdotal evidence indicates that adding geranium essential oil to bath water may be a good way to treat this condition. More research is needed to investigate the effects of geranium essential oil on edema.
- Nasal vestibulitis: Nasal vestibulitis is an uncomfortable condition associated with cancer drug treatment. A small observational study and anecdotal evidence suggest geranium essential oil may ease nasal symptoms caused by this condition, such as bleeding, scabbing, pain, dryness, and sores. For the study, geranium essential oil was mixed with sesame oil and used as a nasal spray in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
It is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional.
GERANIUM OIL BENEFITS
The main chemical constituents of Geranium Essential Oil are Linalool, Geranyl formate, Citronellol, and Geraniol.
LINALOOL is believed to exhibit the following activity:
- Sedative
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-epileptic
- Analgesic
GERANYL FORMATE is believed to exhibit the following activity:
- Anti-fungal
- Hepatoprotective
- Aromatic (fresh, green, floral, fruity)
CITRONELLOL is believed to exhibit the following activity:
- Anti-fungal
- Sedative
- Anti-viral
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-convulsant
GERANIOL is believed to exhibit the following activity:
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-septic
- Analgesic
Geranium Essential Oil, when used in aromatherapy, is believed to alleviate emotions of stress, worry, melancholy, weariness, and tension, thereby improving overall well-being and relaxation and providing relief to people suffering from sleeplessness. Its sweet, uplifting floral aroma makes it an excellent ingredient for soaps and cosmetics such as creams and perfumes. Furthermore, the aroma of Geranium Oil is recognized to boost focus, cognitive function, and emotional and hormonal balance. Its relaxing and tonic qualities have been linked to the regulation of various physiological systems, including respiratory and circulatory processes. This enhances overall health by facilitating functions such as nutrient absorption and digestion.
7 Benefits of Geranium oil for Glowing Skin
- Balances Oil Production: Geranium oil helps regulate sebum production, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types. This balance contributes to a healthier complexion.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the reduction of redness and irritation. This makes it beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
- Tightens Skin: Geranium oil has a toning effect on the skin, helping to tighten and firm it. This can be particularly advantageous in preventing sagging or premature aging.
- Reduces Acne Breakouts: Its antimicrobial properties make Geranium oil effective in combating acne-causing bacteria. Regular use can help prevent and reduce the occurrence of breakouts.
- Promotes Healing: The oil supports the healing process of wounds and skin irritations. It may aid in reducing scars and promoting a smoother skin texture.
- Enhances Blood Circulation: Improved blood circulation is associated with healthier skin. Geranium oil facilitates this by promoting better circulation, contributing to a radiant complexion.
- Calming Aromatherapy: Beyond its topical benefits, the pleasant aroma of Geranium oil can have a calming effect, reducing stress and potentially improving skin conditions aggravated by stress.
Remember to dilute Geranium oil with carrier oil before applying it to the skin and conduct a patch test to ensure compatibility with your skin type.
FAQs
(I) What are the side effects of using geranium oil?
When used correctly, geranium oil is considered safe for most people to use. Some people may experience a rash or burning sensation when using it on the skin. Never use any essential oil on the skin unless it’s diluted with a carrier oil. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a medical professional. It is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional.
(II) What are some carrier oils that can be used with geranium oil?
Geranium oil can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as sesame oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. They help to reduce the risk of skin irritation and also help to spread the essential oil over a larger area. When using geranium oil, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. The recommended ratio is 3 drops of geranium oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. It is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional.
(IV) How long does it take to produce geranium oil using steam distillation?
The process of extracting geranium oil from the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens plant species using steam distillation takes around 3 to 4 hours. During the process, steam is passed through the plant material, which causes the oil to evaporate. The steam and oil vapors are then condensed and collected separately, with the oil floating on top of the water. The oil is then separated from the water and filtered to remove any impurities. The yield of geranium oil is around 0.15% to 0.2%.
(V) How is the quality of geranium oil determined?
The quality of geranium oil is determined by several factors, including the species of Pelargonium plant used, the geographic location where the plant was grown, the time of year when the plant was harvested, and the method of extraction. The purity of the oil can also affect its quality. To check the purity of geranium oil, you can put one drop of the oil on a piece of paper and wait for 30 to 45 minutes. If the oil leaves an oil or grease ring, it may be a sign of an unclean product.