I love every one of Gaia's creatures, but buzzing around my nose, ears and food, will just not do! Instead of rushing out and spending a butt load of money on sprays and candles that just don't seem to work, read on and you can make your own bug deterrent!
~Peace~
How To Use Citronella
Citronella is nature's perfect insect repellent, the ideal essential oil to pack in your vacation luggage or take with you in the garden.
Citronella is the quintessential aromatherapy oil. Whereas other essences stimulate the mind and body to improve your circulation, lift you mood or relax your muscles, Citronella's main benefit is the smell itself. It's lemony, slightly sweet aroma is a wonderful natural insect repellent.
As such, it can be used in lotions nad sprays to repel mosquitoes, on pet collars to prevent fleas and as a fragrant candle to keep insects away from your outdoor dinner table.
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 nad African Geranium) and catnip. The euphoria catnip produces in cats is mirrored by the stimulating effect Citronella vapor has on humans.
Active Ingredients Of Citronella
Citronellal~This Aldehyde is responsible for he lemony aroma that insects so hate. It is antiseptic and sedative, helping to kill germs and balance emotions.
Geraniol~The alcohol Geraniol, which adds to the potent aroma of Citronella, is responsible for the oil's uplifting qualities. It is also antiseptic and antiviral.
Camphene~This mildly stimulating Monoterpene relieves pain, kills bacteria and helps expel excess mucus form the body.
Practical Uses Of Citronella
***WARNING-Some citrus scents can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Citronella is generally considered safe, but it is best to avoid if you intend to sunbathe***
On Your Vacation
Add a few drops to your bath before going out. Or mix 5 drops in 1tsp of base oil, shower gel or body lotion
Boost Insect-repellent properties by blending with Geranium, Eucalyptus and/or Lavender oils.
ON Your Mind
The Geraniol contained in Citronella has an euphoric effect.It lifts our moods, helping to banish headaches and feelings of depression.
Burn a Citronella candle or vaporizer oil during convalescence. It's uplifting qualities stimulate the digestive system, while its antiseptic properties keep a sickroom sterilized.
Magical Citronella
In Magic, Citronella is considered to protect , cleanse and clear the aura, strengthening the life-force. It is often used in Native American purifying rituals.
Citronella's mind-clearing properties encourage self-expression, making it good for writers and actors. It can also be used to stimulate the throat Chakra which governs communication.So there's a lot more to Citronella than most may think...and what a great aroma!
Thanks for coming back to read today's post...I sure appreciate it!
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