Practical uses of citronella

"A potent natural insect repellent, citronella has been used in commercial products since the 19th century. You can reap its benefits in candle and oil form."

Going on Vacation?

Use citronella oil to make your own natural mosquito- repelling spray or lotion. Here's a few quick ways on how-to:

• Add 5 drops to your lotion or body spray. It will mix well because they are alcohol based. Water doesn't mix well with essential oils.
• Add a few drops to your bath.
• Boost insect-repellent properties by blending with geranium, eucalyptus and/or lavender oils.

*Warning: Some citrus scents can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Citronella is safe and will not cause sensitivity to burns, but is best to not use any if planning to sunbathe.

Meditation Music

I own many guided meditation and imagery CD's, several of which are by Max Highstein. Interestingly, I have found that the majority of my favorites are produced by Max... the extremely soothing music combined with the equally calming narration helps reduce my life stresses tremendously! 

Furthermore, I am unfortunately dealing with chronic pain from a bad motorcycle accident years ago, and I find that his CDs, especially "The Healing Well" soothes my mind and subsequently decreases the level of my pain. I highly recommend "The Healing Well" (his other CD's too!) for anyone like me dealing with life stress and/or chronic pain. A great investment, and absolutely invaluable for the mind and soul!
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Healing with Frankincense

"Frankincense was once treasured as highly as gold and it remains one of the more expensive oils. It has multiple hailed properties".

 Frankincense, known by the pharaohs as an oil of wisdom it was recognized as more valuable than gold. Its strong woody but sweet fragrance. It is still used in temples and churches.

M & M- Medicine & Medication

The most beneficial way to use frankincense are using it as joss or in incense. The intense aroma is conductive to meditation and yoga as it slows and deepens breathing it gives a sense of calmness.

Frankincense acts very therapeutic especially when used to treat colds and coughs; its expectorant action is used to treat colds and coughs; it is a balancing gastric tonic; and is also good for your complexion.

Active Ingredients

 Frankincense acts on the central nervous system. It promotes slow, calm and deep breathing to relax the mind and body and release any built up emotions.

• Trahydrocannabinole- a mind-altering chemical released when burning joss sticks or oils, which may be responsible for the oil's links with religious visions and spiritual experiences. 
• Terpenes- make up 50% of frankincense and also includes: limonene, pinene, and camphene among others. Terpenes are toning, warming and stimulating; and have amazing antiseptic qualities. Pinene has antiseptic qualities as well.
• Alcohols- frankincense has very small amounts of farnesol and libanol (types of alcohol). Farnesol also is known for its antiseptic properties.

Frankincense is not exactly an essential oil but actually extracted from the bush into the form of a resin. The resin can then be dissolve into a base to produce the oil used in perfume and massage oils.

How to use Citronella Oil

"Citronella is nature's perfect insect repellent, the ideal essential oil to pack in your vacation luggage or take with you into a garden".

Citronella is the quintessential aromatherapy oil. Whereas other essences stimulate the mind and body to improve your circulation, lift your mood or relax your muscles; citronella's main benefit is the smell itself. Its lemony, slightly sweet aroma is a wonderful natural insect repellent.
As such, it can be used in lotions and sprays to repel mosquitoes, on pet collars to prevent fleas and as a fragrant candle to keep insects away from your outdoor dining table.

Grass of China

 Citronella essential oil is extracted from citronella grass, also called "grass of china" native to java, Central America and Haiti. Its also derived from the citrosa plant (a cross between citronella grass and African geranium) and catnip. The euphoria catnip produces in cats is mirrored by the stimulating effect citronella vapor has on humans.