/ Aromatherapy
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The fresh, captivating scent of citronella is unmistakable. But it isn’t just an effective mosquito repellent, it can also benefit our health and wellbeing.
Citronella is an easy incense to enjoy — its zesty freshness is appropriate at all times of day around the house, and just catching a whiff of the beautiful smell can lift the mood and brighten the day.
In this guide, we will explore what citronella incense is, why it’s the perfect addition to our practices, and how best to make use of it.
What is Citronella Incense
Made by blending the leaves and stems of various species of lemongrass, citronella is especially popular in cosmetics, soap, and perfume making due to its fresh scent and naturally anti-fungal properties.
Used for centuries in Sri Lanka, China, and Indonesia to treat small cuts and bruises, and to help to reduce swelling on injuries, many holistic medicines still rely on it for these purposes to this day.
Benefits of Citronella Incense
Are you considering introducing citronella incense to your practice? It’s not just a delicious scent, science has proven that it may have a profound impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Here are some of the benefits of citronella incense in more detail.
Energizes and Refreshes
One study into the mood-boosting properties of citronella conducted in Thailand saw participants reporting that using the scent made them feel as though they had more energy, clearer thoughts, and generally felt more refreshed.
This makes it the perfect incense for use in a home office or work space, bringing energy and clarity to thoughts in order to boost productivity and creativity. It is also great for use during morning yoga or meditation practices, helping the mind to delve deeper, and attracting positivity and light to start the day.
Boosts the Mood
The same study that found that participants were energized by using citronella incense reported that they felt like their mood was lifted, and feelings of stress, anxiety and depression were reduced.
During the experiment, stress indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate were recorded before and after use of citronella, and all three indicators were shown to decrease after use, and participants reported feeling happier.
Citronella activates sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, which helps to regulate our responses to stressful situations, such as the “fight or flight” response, therefore further helping to reduce anxiety and boost the mood.
How to Use Citronella Incense
Whether you are new to incense or a seasoned professional, citronella incense is a very accessible and welcoming scent to use. It smells wonderful in any part of the home or work place, bringing its zesty brightness and uplifting scent.
Try using citronella incense in the morning, especially during yoga or meditation, in order to fully enable the uplifting and energizing properties of this beautiful incense to envelop you. It is also recommended for use in the evening if you want a little help to unwind after a particularly stressful or mentally exhausting day.
