Unrefined Wheat Germ (Triticum Vulgare) Oil is rich in Vitamin E which makes it an ideal carrier oil for skin that is out of condition or has been exposed to sun or environmental damage. Because of its anti-oxidant and regenerative properties it is a wonderful ingredient to add if you are making your own bodycare and cosmetic products. Subject to spot testing for sensitisation it is an oil that can be comforting in antenatal massage and it is a popular choice to help prevent stretch marks. Equally Wheat Germ Oil is suitable for application to scars as well as areas of problem dry skin such as elbows and knees. Many aromatherapy writers recommend Wheat Germ as a natural preservative. If the oil is for home/self use then that is a good option, however for wider use blend with Vitamin E for this purpose.
The experts at Base Formula recommend Wheat Germ is spot tested when used professionally because of the risk of allergy. Wheat Germ Oil needs a careful choice of essential oils as it has a distinctive bread-like aroma which can dominate. It can spoil the scent of some essential oils, particularly floral oils such as Ylang Ylang, Geranium and Lavender. Ideally use Wheatgerm at 25% with another therapeutic oil at 75% e.g. Evening Primrose or Borage.
All wheatgerm oil is made from the "germ" of the wheat - the heart of it. The grain consists of three parts - the husk, the germ and the endosperm - and it is the germ that is used in the manufacture of the oil.
Description:
This has a very strong orange color and is very rich in vitamins E, A and B. The texture is very rich and thick, and it also has a stronger aroma than most carrier oils.
Although the germ only constitutes 3% of the weight of a wheat grain, it contains nearly 25% of the protein, vitamins and minerals.
The oil is very high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and because of its high vitamin E content, which is a natural antioxidant which helps to prevent rancidity, it is often added to other carrier oils to help lengthen their shelf life and to prevent them going off.
When it is applied topically on to the skin it helps promote the formation of new cells, improve circulation, and to help repair sun damage to the skin. It is also used to help relieve the symptoms of dermatitis.
Because the consistency is far too sticky and heavy to use on its own, it is suggested to mix it with another carrier oil. Using it for massage may be too heavy on its own, but with its great nourishing qualities, it is a good choice to include a small percentage when mixing a massage oil or preparing a carrier oil blend.
A cereal grass indigenous to West Asia, Wheatgerm is now also grown in many locations across the world. The wheat seedling contains 7-12% oil, which is obtained by pressing (crude wheatgerm oil) or by extraction, after which it is refined.
At room temperature, crude wheatgerm oil is clear (temperatures during the pressing process can go as high as somewhere in the region of 60°C). (At low temperatures, it becomes turbid as waxes precipitate. Warming reverses this process, without any loss of quality) It is golden yellow to brown in color, gives off a typical cereal-type smell and has a typical taste. The refined grade has a yellowish color and gives off a faint, typical smell. It is a very sensitive oil that will degrade quickly when exposed to extremes in temperature fluctuation and oxidization. It has a shelf life of only 6 to 8 months.
Uses:
Wheat Germ oil is said to stimulate tissue regeneration and can help aging skin by reducing wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. It reduces moisture loss and soothes irritated, sunburned, or burned skin. It can also help treat psoriasis and eczema.
Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, and provides near complete protein for the skin. The juice contains 70% chlorophyll, which is said to closely resemble the molecules of human red blood cells. It is often added to other oil blends because of its antioxidant properties. It is especially beneficial for tired muscles and so is an appropriate base oil for use for after-sports massage. It is also ideal as a base carrier for mature skin and scar tissue.
Wheatgerm is ideal for dry skin types but should be diluted using 10% in another carrier oil such as Grape seed or Sweet Almond due to its heaviness and overpowering scent.
Persons allergic to wheat flour should be tested for possible skin reaction before receiving a massage or aromatherapytreatment that includes the use of Wheatgerm carrier oil. Care should also be taken in pregnancy.
Wheatgerm has two major uses - it is excellent for regeneration of tissues and skin elasticity, making it the best oil to use for scar tissue and stretch marks, and it has powerful antioxidant qualities that can help to prevent degeneration and rancidity of any oil-based preparation. Add 10% of Wheatgerm to any blend to help preservation, and between 5% and 25% as part of a dry skin, tissue-regenerating or stretch-mark blend. This oil is not advised for use on its own as it is too heavy and has a noticeable aroma.