Keeping the Mosquitoes Away!

It's Sum-Sum-Summertime, which means time for those not-so-lovely pest mosquitoes! Citronella candles have become a popular, low cost, and natural way to keep those pests at bay, but what do you really know about the fragrance?

Citronella is actually an essential oil from a plant cousin to the lemongrass. The EPA considers Citronella to be a plant based, non-toxic bio-pesticide; in fact, Citronella has been used for thousands of years as an insect repellent.

Research as shown the oil to have antifungal qualities and has historically been used for acne, anxiety, colds and other respiratory infections. The citrusy aroma is used as an essential oil for its calming effect. It was used by the Chinese as a cure for rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual cramps. 

A little bit of Citronella goes a long way, and I have added a touch of summer herbs to my candles. All July, Citronella candles are 20% off as the fragrance of the month:
 

• 12 oz candles, regularly $17.50, now $14.00;
• 7 oz candles, regularly $8.50, now $6.80;
• Tea lights, regularly $6.50, now $5.20; and 
• Fragrance tarts and breakaway melts, regularly $5.50, now $4.40.