What is Shepherd's Purse Oil?

Shepherd's Purse oil is an essential oil typically derived from the Shepherd's Purse plant, also known as Geranium (Pelargonium). This oil is extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers of several Shepherd's Purse plant species, including Pelargonium graveolens and Pelargonium odorantissimum.

The Shepherd's Purse plant is known for its beautiful flowers in various colors, ranging from vibrant red and pink to white. These flowers have a pleasant and fragrant aroma.

Shepherd's Purse oil is generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating. It is often used for therapeutic purposes due to its potential benefits.

The potential benefits of Shepherd's Purse oil are attributed to its compounds that possess potential therapeutic properties. These compounds are described as follows:

1. Astringent: Shepherd's Purse oil has astringent properties that can help tighten and tone the skin.

2. Diuretic: It may have diuretic properties, which can promote increased urine production and help with detoxification.

3. Hemostatic: Shepherd's Purse oil is known to have hemostatic properties, meaning it can help stop bleeding.

4. Cytophylactic: This oil is believed to have cytophylactic properties, which means it may promote the regeneration of cells and tissues.

5. Vermifuge: Shepherd's Purse oil is said to have vermifuge properties, which means it may help in expelling intestinal worms.

6. Styptic: It has styptic properties, which can help constrict blood vessels and promote blood clotting.

Some natural beneficial compounds found in Shepherd's Purse oil include eugenol, methone, and myrtenol.

In the English language, Shepherd's Purse oil may also be found under two different names:

1. Rose Geranium Oil: This oil is extracted from a specific type of Shepherd's Purse plant called Pelargonium graveolens var. Roseum. It has a slightly stronger and more fragrant aroma compared to regular Shepherd's Purse oil.

2. Geranium Oil: This oil is extracted from the Shepherd's Purse plant of the species Pelargonium graveolens. It has similar composition and benefits to Rose Geranium oil but has a slightly different aroma.

Shepherd's Purse Oil Benefits:

Shepherd's Purse oil may have several potential benefits, including:

1. Hemostatic: It may help stop bleeding by promoting blood clotting and constricting blood vessels.

2. Stress and Insomnia Relief: Shepherd's Purse oil may help reduce stress, improve mood, enhance memory and concentration, and alleviate anger, irritability, and anxiety. The fragrance of the oil can be inhaled using a diffuser.

3. Skin Benefits: Regular application of Shepherd's Purse oil may help treat and improve various skin conditions such as inflammation, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, dryness, pore cleansing, scar lightening, and dark spot reduction. It can be mixed with coconut oil or used with a moisturizer.

4. Neuroprotective: Shepherd's Purse oil may have neuroprotective properties and potentially help combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Its ability to activate microglial cells, which play a role in combating neurodegenerative diseases, may contribute to these benefits.