Fwd: [Anything_Mystical] Aromatherapy: Citronella

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Misty

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Aromatherapy

 

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Monthly Tip:

The number of drops of essential oils used should vary in direct proportion

to body weight, taking into account the age of the person as well as mental and

physical health. The very old should use the same number of drops as children

and babies half the amount of children.

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Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - Citronella

Cymbopogon nardus

 

Citronella is a member of the Cymbopogon family. There are more than 30

species in this grass family including the well known Lemon Grass. Citronella

has

flat, coarse leaves that grows to about 3 feet tall and unlike other grasses,

it does not spread by runners. It grows in clumps that continually increase

in size until mature.

 

Citronella is a perennial that needs a long and warm growing season. It may

not survive cool, damp winters. Cultivate it by dividing the clumps before

winter and replant in the spring. Plant along walkways or near the porch where

its lemony scent can be appreciated.

 

Citronella is native to Asia but is grown commercially in Sri Lanka, India

and Java. It is often grown as an ornamental in Southern California and

Florida.

 

The oil of Citronella has been used for over 50 years as an insect repellent

and animal repellent. It meets specific EPA standards for effectiveness as

well as for safety against public health pests, such as mosquitos, ticks and

fleas with no adverse effects to wildlife or the environment. However, studies

show that Citronella is effective when rubbed on the skin or applied to

clothing.

Candles and incense are usually not strong enough and therefore are less

effective.

 

Citronella can be found in tablet form to spread around yard and garden

areas. It can be used to keep dogs and cats away from areas where they are not

wanted.

 

Citronella's fresh scent is soothing and uplifting. It helps fight fatigue,

depression, headaches and migraines. It is stimulating to the mind and great

to use during afternoon slumps. It is commonly used in the perfume, soap and

candle industry.

 

Citronella's natural deodorizing and antiseptic properties can help with

minor skin infections and make it great for sanitizing kitchen counters, cutting

boards and sick rooms. This along with its insect repelling feature make it

great for use when camping. Use in bathing, cleaning and cooking areas.

Citronella is safe for all family members including beloved pets.

 

When inhaled or rubbed on the skin, Citronella is a stimulant. Traditional

Chinese medicine uses this herb for rheumatic pain and arthritis. It is also

great for colds, flu and reducing fever.

 

This summer bring Citronella into your life and keep those nasty bugs at bay.

 

Medicinal Properties include: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,

antispasmodic, bactericidal, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue,

febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, parasiticide, stimulant, stomachic, tonic,

vermifuge.

 

Citronella blends well with: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Geranium,

Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree,

and Thyme.

 

Pure Essential Oil Usage

Inhalation - Uplifting, anti-depressant. Clears the mind. Great for sick

rooms.

Diffusers - Purifying and keeps bugs at bay.

Skin Care - Use for excessive perspiration and oily skin.

Tea - Tones the stomach, aids digestion and improves appetite.

Bath - Purifying and vitalizing. Great for colds, flu and fever.

Massage - Relieves aches, pains and stiffness.

Room Spray - Spritz directly on body and clothing for effective insect

repellent. Also to purify the air and uplift emotional energy.

Other Uses - Add to candles, skin lotions and soaps.

Put on a cotton ball and store with linens.

 

Caution: Can irritate the skin avoid using on sensitive or damaged skin.

Avoid during pregnancy.

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Recipes

 

Flea Collar

2 tablespoons Peppermint essential oil

ˆ cup plus 2 tablespoons Rosemary essential oil

2 tablespoons Cedarwood essential oil

‰ cup Citronella essential oil

2 tablespoons Eucalyptus essential oil

Soak a natural fiber rope in mixture and let dry for several hours. Tie

around pet's neck.

 

Bathroom Freshener Blend

5 drops Bergamot

5 drops Cinnamon

10 drops Citronella

10 drops Lavender

10 drops Lemon

 

Mix all oils in a spray bottle with water and shake well. Mist into the air

as needed.

 

Fly & Mosquito Repellent:

4 oz. Grapeseed Oil

14 drops Cedarwood

11 drops Lemon

5 drops Geranium

2 drops Citronella

 

Mix all ingredients together and apply to skin.

 

Ants

Use a spray containing essential oils for ants. Citronella, Peppermint and

Lemon actually have the ability to break the invisible ant trail.

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Ease The Stress - Balance Your Life For Stress Relief

 

Stress is a natural part of life. We need some stress to maintain our energy

for living. But we must find a balance and manage our stress or it will

manage us and our lives. Stress is a very personal experience for each one of us

because it is based on our personal perceptions. It is our body's physical

and psychological response to anything we perceive as overwhelming.

 

We do not all respond to stress in the same way. How you perceive a s

ituation determines if it is or is not stressful. For example, two people lose

their

jobs. One sees it as the end of the world while the other is thrilled to now

have the opportunity to start their own business. Or maybe two co-workers

are given the same deadline for an assignment. One sees this as enormous

pressure while the other person sees it as needed motivation. What one person

sees

as a catastrophic event may be a minor setback for someone else.

 

We can't always control what happens but we can learn to control our

reactions and responses to what happens. Always remember that you have choices.

Stressed out people tend to forget this simple fact. When things seem impossible

and you are getting stressed, remind yourself that you have a choice. You can

do things differently or if something doesn't get done at the exact minute you

think it should, the world will not fall apart. Keep it in perspective.

 

Having a positive attitude can go a long way in managing stress. You can

choose how you will react. Learn to let things that normally stress you just

roll off like water on glass. React properly and your day will not be ruined.

React with stress and a wrong reaction may result in losing a friend, having an

accident, getting fired, etc.

 

If you are dealing with a big problem, break it down into smaller parts so it

doesn't seem so overwhelming. Take it one step at a time. When life seems

too complicated, make a list of your priorities in the order of their

importance. What must absolutely get done? Learn to delegate.

 

Visualize the stressful situation and how you can better handle it. These

little rehearsals boost your self confidence and can help you handle situations

in a positive way.

 

Remember that other people won't always measure up to your expectations.

Don't be disappointed or frustrated when this happens. We all have our virtues

and our shortcomings, so try to stay flexible.

 

Listen to your body. It will definitely let you know when it is feeling

stressed. Is there a churning in your stomach, a tight knot in your neck, a

migraine headache or an ache in your back that you are just ignoring? Medical

research estimates as much as 90% of illness and disease is stress related. And

most health professionals agree that stress can be a contributing factor in

making existing medical problems worse.

 

Listen to your inner voice. It can be very helpful to just take a few

moments and close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and notice how your body

feels. And ten to twenty minutes of quiet meditation can restore calm and put

your

problems in the proper perspective.

 

Put a few drops of lavender (or your favorite) essential oil on a tissue and

carry it with you. At the first sign of stress, take a whiff of the aroma and

it will calm you immediately.

 

Remember, we all must have some stress in our lives but the key to happiness

is to strive for balance. A balanced life consists of work time, family time,

relaxation time, hobbies, and exercise. You can make it your reality...one

step at a time.

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