Pelargoniums: An Herb Society of America Guide

Cosmetic Recipes

INFUSED GERANIUM OIL
1 cup torn rose geranium leaves
1 cup sweet almond or apricot kernel oil

Place in glass or enamel pot over very low heat for 20 minutes. Cover; remove from heat, let stand overnight. Strain off leaves and pour into sterilized bottle or jar. A few drops of geranium essential oil can also be added to help prevent spoilage.

Recipe © Jane Cole

MOISTURIZING CREAM
½ ounce beeswax
½ ounce cocoa butter
½ ounce coconut oil
4 ounces rose geranium infused oil or apricot kernel oil
Vitamin E oil (3-4 capsules)
4 ounces warm rosewater
1 teaspoon borax
15 drops geranium essential oil
15 drops lavender or other beneficial essential oil
10 drops tincture of benzoin (preservative)

Measure waxes and oils into a glass mixing bowl set in a pan of water over low heat. When they are melted, remove from heat. Warm the rosewater; dissolve the borax in it, and slowly pour into the oils, stirring until it thickens. As it cools, pierce and squeeze in the Vitamin E capsules, add the essential oils and benzoin. Pour into sterilized jar or jars.

Recipe © Jane Cole

ROSE GERANIUM TOILET WATER
Fill a jar with fresh crushed or torn leaves of Pelargonium capitatum, P. graveolens (or P. 'Rosé'). Pour enough vodka over to cover the leaves. Cover the jar; shake once or twice daily for 4 weeks. If scent is strong enough, strain into decorative bottle. If scent is not strong enough, crush more fresh leaves, place them in the jar and pour the infused vodka back over them. Cover; shake daily for another 2-4 weeks. To use, mix half rose geranium-vodka infusion and half distilled water in a spray bottle. (A few drops of the essential oil could be added if the scent isn't strong enough).

Recipe © Jane Cole

YOGURT CLEANSER
5 ounce carton plain yogurt
1/3-½ cup herb infusion

To make the infusion: place ¼ cup torn rose geranium leaves (or herb of choice) in a glass or enamel pot; pour 2/3 cup pure water over; cover; heat just to a boil. Remove from heat and let stand until cool. Mix together yogurt and infusion, and store in the refrigerator. Cleanser will keep until expiration date of yogurt.

This cleanser works for any complexion and can be applied cold or at room temperature. Apply to face with washcloth or hands, and rinse off with water.

Recipe © Jane Cole

SKIN TONER
Fill a jar with torn rose or lemon-scented geranium leaves. Pour enough witch hazel over to cover the leaves. Cover the jar; place in a warm place; shake every other day for about 4 weeks. Strain out the leaves and pour into a fancy bottle or back into the witch hazel bottle.

Next: Medicinal & Ethnobotanical Uses & Aromatherapy

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