Geranium: Also Out of Africa- Blog 25
Geranium: Also Out of Africa- Blog 25
Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, P. odorantissemum, is a native of South Africa. It was exported to France in the late seventeenth century where it was hybridized and distilled. The leaves and stems are distilled to produce essential oil when the small flowers begin to bloom. There are many verities of aromatic geraniums. Rose geranium produces the fragrant essential oil used in perfumes and aromatherapy. The essential oil is a light color with a hint of yellow and green. It has a rose scent with a tart smell. To me it lacks the richness of rose essential oil. Rose geranium is often substituted for rose essential oil in commercial products and perfumes. It is added as a rose extender. The price of rose geranium is very inexpensive compared to natural rose oil. We are so fortunate to have both essential oils available.
Initially, geranium oil was used as an insect repellent in aroma lamps. Women discovered the scent lifted their mood and enhanced their energy. Rose geranium is definitely useful in reducing depression. Colognes and products worn on the face and neck helped dispel depression. The following cologne can be used to relieve stress and lift depressed moods.
Old fashion Cologne
In 2 ounces perfume alcohol, 190 proof add:
15 drops Geranium
5 drops Bergamot
1 drop Rosewood
1 drop Patchouli
Bottle in dark glass with a screw top. Allow to cure 3 days or longer before applying the cologne on the throat and front of the neck.
Geranium became very popular as a skincare aid. It helps all skin types, because it balances the sebum secretion. Geranium’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties benefits acne prone skin.
The following recipe is a great facial steam for oily or acne prone skin. Use weekly for best results.
Facial Steam to correct Troubled Skin
In four cups of steaming hot water add:
20 drops Geranium
5 drops Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens
5 drops Lemongrass
6 drops German chamomile
1 drop Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Tent head and face with a clean towel. Allow steam to penetrate the skin, but not burning the skin. A safe distance from the steaming bowl of aroma water is 1 foot from the face. Back away if the steam becomes intense. After a few seconds, return to the facial steam. Repeat the process up to 15 minutes. Pat dry and rinse with cold water to close the pores. Pat the face dry with a clean towel.
Geranium is a great choice for menopausal women. The scent has helped women through the heat flashes, moods, and hormonal changes associated with menarche. I find it also helps to open a new channel of creativity after the child bearing years. Women become active in new careers, community efforts, charities, and hobbies. Aromatherapy helps women find their direction, voice, and newfound strength. Here is a hair conditioner to strengthen dry hair and make it manageable. It helps thinning and encourages a happy feeling.
Good Hair Day Conditioner
In 4-ounce plastic pet container add:
2 ounces aloe vera gel
2 ounces jojoba oil
10 drops Geranium
10 drops Ylang ylang extra or absolute
2 drops Rosewood, Aniba rosaedora
4 drops Sandalwood
Cap and turn the bottle upside down to mix thoroughly. Allow to cure overnight or longer. Apply to hair after a thorough shampoo and rinse. Allow 3-5 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Towel dry and style. This conditioner may be applied daily to wet hair, washing only once or twice weekly, to treat dry hair. Use a shampoo without sodium laurel sulphate to prevent dryness.
If psoriasis of the scalp is a problem, apply this blend at night.
Psoriasis Blend
In 1-ounce jojoba oil, add:
5 drops Lavender
6 drops Immortelle
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Rockrose
Bottle in dark glass with a screw top. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight. Massage small amounts on affected areas with the fingertips nightly.
Use only natural products on the hair and scalp. Avoid methylparaben in all hair and skincare products. Never go to bed angry or tense. Enjoy an aromatic bath before bedtime.
Bath Indulgence
Draw a warm, comfortable bath. Add the following essential oils in a cream base. Relax and let your troubles float away.
In 3 tablespoons of cream add:
10 drops Lavender
6 drops Geranium
Combine oils into the cream. Add the warm bath water, and swish your hands throughout the water. Climb in and enjoy! Relax 15 to 20 minutes and towel dry. Life will look much sweeter. Sleep will be great!
A good way to nurture mature skin is to apply a masque. An easy masque is made with egg white. Clay masque can be messy to assemble and drying to mature skin, depending on the ingredients and the essentials oils used. For those quick pick me up days, use this simple masque to tighten pores and leave a beautiful shine on the skin.
Mature and Sensitive Skin Treatment
In one tablespoon of egg white add:
2 drops Geranium
1 drop Frankincense
Clean face and neck thoroughly. Mix the egg white and essential oils. Using fingertips, apply the mixture to the face and neck. Reapply the rest of the mixture liberally. Allow to dry about 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry with a towel. Apply moisture.
Geranium is an excellent choice of oils to increase circulation and lymphatic flow in the abdominal area. The intestines have a large concentration of lymphatic tissue. The lymphs can build toxicity and cause bloating, constipation, and spasticity of the bowel. The following formula can be used occasionally or daily to enhance health and longevity.
Tummy Rub for Irritable Bowel or Constipation
In 4 ounces of carrier oil add:
5 drops Peppermint
10 drops Geranium
1 drop Ginger
8 drops Fennel
2 drops Angelica root
5 drops Coriander seed
Bottle in dark glass with a screw top. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight. Apply several drops to the abdomen and massage in a circular motion. Breathe rhythmically and deeply. Rub for 5 minutes. Apply a warm, damp compress as desired. Avoid during pregnancy or heavy menses. Increase water intake to 64 ounces daily.
Next we will put our knowledge into practice making lotions for skin renewal.