A-Z natural skincare Articles

Geranium (Geranium maculatum), also known as spotted or wild geranium, is a decorative garden plant that has also been used as medicine for centuries. The flowers and leaves are edible and can be used as a garnish or added to salads. The entire geranium plant can be used to extract geranium oil which can be used as an astringent to tighten mucous membranes, smooth the skin, and help to stop bleeding.

Traditionally, the First Nations people have used soaked geranium flowers as a gargle for treating sore throats, and toothaches, and as a tea for the treatment of diarrhea, upset stomach, and urinary irritations, while the root was traditionally used to stop bleeding.

Key Health Benefits of The Geranium Flower & Oil

Gastrointestinal Benefits

When the powdered herb is taken internally or used in a tea, it can help to treat conditions such as diarrhea, sore throats, and urinary irritations. It does this by helping to tonify the mucous membranes and help seal out infection.

As An Essential Oil

The oil extracted from geranium is toxic to insects, particularly against head lice. Thus, topical use for the treatment of lice is common. As an essential oil, geranium is popular for use in skin balancing and to treat oily acne-prone skin. It is an astringent that can help treat hemorrhoids, eczema, ulcers, bruises, burns, and cuts. As is the case with the majority of essential oils, geranium oil must be diluted in carrier oil before use on the skin.

DMAA & Geranium

There is significant hype in the weight loss community about geranium extract containing Dimethylamylamine (DMAA). DMAA is a stimulant that is commonly found in pre-workout formulas and is occasionally used in higher concentrations as a recreational drug. This substance can cause false positives on amphetamine testing. Unfortunately, research is currently inconclusive on whether geranium extract naturally contains sufficient DMAA, or if this substance is added to powdered formulas for weight loss under pretenses. Be sure to use a manufacturer that you trust when using geranium for weight loss and energy boosting.

Buying Quality Geranium Supplements & Oil

Geranium is available in several different forms. Geranium essential oil is the most popular, and it can be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the skin for a variety of ailments. The plant or root can be dried, powdered encapsulated or used in a tea.

The jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis) is naturally found in the Southern United States and Mexico. The seeds of this plant contain nearly 50% oil by weight. This extracted oil is technically a wax ester, making it extremely similar to the oil normally produced by our skin (sebum). Since jojoba oil mimics our body’s own naturally occurring oils, it is excellent at nourishing dry skin.

The Advantages of Simmondsia Chinensis Oil

Unlike most vegetable oils, jojoba is technically a wax ester and does not contain triglycerides. Because of this, it is more shelf-stable than safflower, canola, and almond oils. It is also more easily absorbed and used by our skin than other oils because of its similarity to sebum.

Cosmetic Uses For Jojoba Oil

Back in the early 1970s, jojoba oil was initially brought into the spotlight because of the removal of whale oil from the market due to whaling bans. Jojoba became the most common replacement for whale oil in cosmetics at that time. Jojoba is now commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners. Pure oil can also be purchased as a moisturizing product for many different parts of the body. It can also be used as a natural makeup remover, facial cleanser, moisturizer, cuticle oil, and lip balm. If massaged into the hair and then washed out 15-30 minutes later, jojoba oil can also act as a deep conditioner for the hair. Jojoba is also commonly used as a shaving lotion that is applied before shaving cream to give an extremely smooth shave and leave the skin feeling soft and supple.

Medicinal Uses of Jojoba Oil

Because jojoba oil can so closely replace our body’s natural sebum production, it functions as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. It is also able to dissolve oil-based grime on the face and in the pores. It can be applied to the skin and wiped away to cleanse the face naturally while also providing moisture. This is often beneficial in cases of acne and Dermatitis, particularly on the face. It can help to unclog hair follicles, which can help to prevent folliculitis, some pimples, and even some cases of hair loss. Application to lips overnight and to sunburns can soothe chapped and irritated skin, and help to speed healing.

In Pacific island folk medicine, tamanu oil is applied topically to treat a wide variety of skin conditions. Some examples include: cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores, and to reduce foot and body odour.

What is Tamanu Oil?

The oil is valued for its analgesic and pain-relieving properties and has also been used to treat neuralgia, rheumatism, and sciatica. It is used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin infections, wounds, leprous nephritis, pain, eye diseases, and inflammation. This oil contains constituents that are believed to be anti-microbial and anti-viral as well as regenerative, causing this oil to become extremely popular in the cosmetics industry. It has recently exploded into the spotlight due to being mentioned as an anti-aging oil by Dr. Oz on his popular TV show. There is very little research into the effects of topical use of this oil, and current recommendations are generally based on its traditional uses.

Tamanu Oil Research

Of the scarce available research on this oil, there were two interesting findings on certain constituents having antibacterial and antiviral properties. Xanthones isolated from tamanu have antibacterial activity, and the constituent calophyllolide found in the oil has been reviewed as having potential anti-HIV activity. More recent research has also examined its possible role as a bio-diesel fuel and as a UV protectant. More research is required on the safety and efficacy of the use of this oil.

How Can I Use Tamanu Oil?

Tamanu oil can be found alone in bottles or in combination products for use on the skin. Simply apply topically as required and gently massage into the affected area, or use as a general skin moisturizer on problem areas.

Important Information

There have been reports of allergic reactions to contact with tamanu oil. People with sensitivity to plants in the Clusiaceae family should avoid its use.