Chinese New Year ~ 31 January 2014 ~ The Citrus Family

Chinese New Year is my personal favorite New Year Celebration!  

"31 January 2014 ~ year of the horse/wood"

Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals; those who made it to him first would represent the twelve animals in that order - Rat was first, Ox/Buffalo second and Pig/Boar last.  Rat being of a practical intelligent nature jumped on Oxen/Buffalo's back to get there with swift ease and Pig/Boar a bit lazy and smelling every little thing I imagine along the way (distractions), came in last!   Oxen/Buffalo most likely hadn't a clue or idea that Rat had jumped upon his or her back?

(Rat-Ox/Buffalo-Tiger-Rabbit/Hare-Dragon-Snake- Horse-Sheep/Ram-Monkey-Rooster/Cock- Dog- Boar/Pig)

The Entry or front door to your home is what people see first, this symbols the face, how the world views you.  Is your entryway welcoming, clear and symbolize how you would like others to view your way of being in this world? 

A renewal and rejuvenating practice each Chinese New year for bringing in clarity, prosperity and intentional manifestations for the New Year - physically cleaning and clearing the area and door to your entryway, make sure your door bell works, all the lights work that illuminate your entry way.  The emphasis being on bright and clear energy at your entryway, refresh and rejuvenate old outdated clutter, things that do not function or represent your way of being in the world.  Making way for the NEW in your life in the coming year!

(1st) This Year I will be physically cleaning the front door (inside and out) in a Zen and intentional fashion.  I'm feeling like a new curtain may be nice and although I have an orange curtain now, feeling a Red flare this moment that would compliment my inside decor.  Red just happens to be a great color for my South facing entry way and inside decor naturally.  

Red being the color symbolizing good luck and happiness in Chinese, love and romance in India and courage and passion in the West.  A South facing door is preferable for a red door; the South direction being related to the fire element energy, other colors that represent the fire Feng Shui element energy are pink, purple, orange and yellow.

I will share the other three directions; you are welcome to explore more on your own.  There are two sects within the use of Feng Shui, Classical and Traditional.  I am speaking of Classical methods in Feng Shui. 

West - Metal element - colors are white and gray

North - Water element - colors are blue and black

East - Wood element - colors are green and brown

Remember that complimentary elements are Fire and Wood, as wood feeds fire and Metal and Water therefore these colors may be interchanged.  Bottom line is what feels right and has a beautiful flow within your way of being in this world.  Remembering the front door or entryway absorbs Chi and life force . . . you are looking to create an effortless, strong and harmonious energy pathway to the front door entryway (the mouth-gateway-portal-passageway) to your humble abode. 

(2nd) I will use a Citrus Essential oil (I'm feeling Grapefruit), if you have a wood door it would be lovely to use a nourishing oil to further clean, condition and feed the wood (you could add the Citrus essential oil to your nourishing and replenishing oil that feeds the wood!) however I will be using simply water with Grapefruit essential oil to wipe down and refresh!  You could also put 2-3ml (approximately 60 to 90 drops of essential oil into a two to four oz. bottle mister) and spray around your entryway! 

Why Citrus?  Refreshing, Uplifting, Peaceful tranquility and vibrant clarity!  Facilitating a conscious energetic vibration that matches bringing in the New!  REFRESH!

So let us take a little journey to describe briefly each Citrus.  Does one resonate particularly for you, in summoning the NEW in the coming New Year?

All citrus are in the Family - Rutaceae . . . “All sing sweet melodies to the inner child that resides within us all.”  All citrus may be skin-sensitive and all citrus are photosensitive, doing a test patch on the inside of wrist area as a skin-sensitive measure and avoiding direct exposure to the sun after application to the skin.  Knowing this you may apply common sense practicalities when using this happy, vibrant and uplifting family!

My favorite way(s) to use the citrus family are airborne diffusion due to the anti-depressant, anti-infections, anti-viral and disinfectant qualities they all possess. 

I use the citrus family in cleaning; adding to vinegar and water and all other cleaning endeavors, due to its disinfectant properties. 

I also keep a citrus bottle (usually a grapefruit, lemon or lime) in my car for any anti-viral action I may require throughout the process of a typical day encounters, places where I may be unable to wash my hands right away. (Examples would be: after recycling, grocery shopping, heavy traffic of any cooties far and wide; I find it serves me better than the anti-bacterial gel.)  Application method – couple of drops in the palm of the hands and rubbing my hands vigorously together . . . with the added bonus of aromatic delight!

I use the citrus family when flying.  I place a couple or few drops on a handkerchief, I then place the handkerchief in a Ziploc bag inside my purse; this way if I am seated next to someone wearing a strong perfume or a sneezing and hacking cough, I can simply smell my citrus handkerchief with no ill effects.   Remember citrus is assistive with jetlag and has anti-viral properties!

I use the citrus family in a spray bottle mist:  2 to 3mls of any citrus suspended in distilled water (I use a 2oz. size bottle – shake before you spray), general use around the house.  Examples would be to spray on fresh linen, in the bathroom, kitchen or for use in the car!

There are so many ways to use the citrus family however those are my favorite personal applications for citrus.  When I use citrus on the body generally the application is in the palm of my hands and you could easily use on the bottom of the feet with no skin-sensitivity concerns.  I also just like to smell it in the bottle and I do generally keep my citrus in the refrigerator.  

 

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Bergamot (Latin name – Citrus bergamia)

Plant Part used – peel of nearly ripe fruit

Bergamot is considered to be the most skin and photo sensitive of all the citrus.  Bergamot is also known as the bitter or sour orange.  Bergamot has analgesic, anti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibiotic and vulnerary properties.

Bergamot assists greatly with psychological and mental depression, as well as having neuro protective properties that assist in stoke, schizophrenia, Parkinson disease and urinary tract infections and enhances liver and spleen function.

Grapefruit (Latin name – Citrus paradisi)

Plant Part used – Fresh peel after it has been juiced

Grapefruit has antidepressant, astringent, antiseptic (especially airborne), aperitif, antispasmodic, antiviral, diuretic, antioxidant, and disinfectant, anti-infectious and depurative properties. 

Grapefruit is stimulating to the lymphatic and digestive system, assisting conditions like cellulite, mental and physical fatigue, chills, colds and flu (prevention of), jet lag and nervous exhaustion.

The emotional and mental aspects of grapefruit many be used for alertness, self-confidence and positivity.

Lemon (Latin name - Citrus limon)

Plant Part used – Rind or peel of fresh juiced green lemons

Lemon has antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, stomachic, anti-anemic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, calmative, cicatrisant, depurative, disinfectant, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, insecticidal, tonic, vermifuge, hypotensive, antidepressant and hemostatic properties.  Lemon is assistive for oily skin and scalp issues, acne, abscesses, boils, warts, corns, brittle nails, mouth ulcers, insect bites, obesity, varicose and spider veins, cellulite, throat infections, bronchitis, asthma, indigestion, colds and flu, poor circulation and for balancing high blood pressure. 

Lemon supports the sympathetic nervous system, cuts down on acidity in the body, boosts the immune system, cleanses the body of toxins, supports the lymphatic system, and is helpful in the treatment of malaria and other fevers. 

Lemon clears the mind improving concentration and awareness that serve to facilitate decision-making or rational judgment.  The energetic nature of lemon is uplifting assisting to purify destructive emotions and psychological heaviness.  Use lemon for concentration, creativity, focus and optimistic constructiveness.

Lime (Latin name - Citrus aurantifolia)

Plant Part used – rind and peel

Citrus aurantifolia is referred to as Mexican lime, West Indian lime, sour lime and key lime.  Lime has antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, aperitif, antibacterial, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, antifungal, restorative, anti-scorbutic, anti-oxidant and tonic properties.  Lime is assistive for fevers due to colds, sore throats and flu.  Lime is PH balancing, an aid for the immune system and eases infection of the respiratory tract, which is helpful for easing coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma.  Lime is a tonic for the digestive system aiding stomach ailments such as indigestion, food poisoning, gas, diarrhea, liver malfunctions and obesity.

Lime is assistive for cellulite, herpes, insect bites and cuts, muscle and joint pain, jet lag, insomnia, depression, nervous exhaustion, addiction, anxiety, toning the skin, and acne. 

Lime helps to renew the spirit and mind, cleanse the auric field and is a mood enhancer.  Use lime for awareness, assertiveness, encouragement, vitality and delight.

Mandarin (Latin name – Citrus reticulata)

Plant Part used – Rind and peel

Tangerine is a sub-group of the species Citrus reticulata; tangerine exists as a variety of the mandarin orange.  Consequently properties will be similar and harmonious with one another.  I find the essential and energetic structure of mandarin to be gentler and more refined in spirit than tangerine.  Therefore I have referenced tangerine properties within mandarin.  Mandarin is the least skin-sensitive of the citrus family.

Mandarin has antifungal, antiseptic, tonic, calmative, stomachic, antispasmodic, anti depressant, antibacterial, depurative, and anti-cancer properties. The most abundant constituent of mandarin is limonene, being between 80 and 84 percent, this certainly accounts for the strategic defense and protective system against cell disease, explaining the anti-cancer activity.  All citrus offer this delightful supportive quality for our cellular well being, as well as offering a general boost to the emotional well being.  Any citrus will bring an uplifting quality to any day.  I highly recommend the use of various different citrus essential oils in the winter season or for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), citrus supplies the inner child with sunshine!

Mandarin in particular is useful as a children’s remedy; the nurturing quality of mandarin is much like a security blanket offering warmth, comforting joyful thoughts and security for the inner child within us all.  Mandarin helps to calm hyperactive children, dispel fearful emotions, encourage a restful slumber and assist with anger, tension and irritability in children.  Children love this essence!

Mandarin and tangerine are soothing for the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory and sympathetic nervous systems; while offering support for the lymphatic system and gallbladder (assisting bile production).  Mandarin is used in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the flow of chi within the system.

Mandarin and tangerine are gently uplifting, cheery and soothing.  Use for self-awareness, encouragement, self-imagine, and happiness.  Mandarin and tangerine are the ultimate remedy for children of all ages, the joyful nurturer!

Orange, bigarade (Latin name – Citrus aurantium var. bigaradia

Plant Part used – Peel and rind

The bigarade orange has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, stimulant, carminative, digestive, antiseptic, anti-depressant, sedative and tonic properties.  Bigarade orange has tonic actions on the liver in addition to the circulatory, cardiovascular, lymphatic and digestive systems.  Bigarade orange is stimulating for the central nervous system and metabolism. 

Bigarade orange is assistive for bronchitis, colds, flu, water retention, cellulite, heart palpitations, dizziness, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, sluggish digestion, obesity, gum conditions, insomnia, stress, depression, nervousness and prolapsed uterus.  Bigarade orange is helpful used as an appetite suppressant and aid for improving skin elasticity. 

The energetic qualities of bigarade orange are calming, uplifting and reminiscent of aromatic sunshine.  Use orange for concentration, self-confidence, courage, happiness, joy and self-worth.

© 2011-2013 Robin Michaels, Cosmic Essential oils, all rights reserved

It is also noteworthy to add – that which assists children also assists the opposite spectrum.  The Citrus family is wonderful for a physiologist’s office or waiting room (using airborne diffusers – for anti-anxiety), hospice situations, autism, Alzheimer's, and dementia.  My personal recommendation for these situations and conditions is mandarin due to her gentle and refined nature!  Lemon is incredible used in airborne diffusers for study, focus and concentration! 

So what resonates with you?  Get your inspiration on with the Citrus Family- Uplift, Renew, in-vibe the New Year with the Citrus Family.  YES . . . I will have the 120 mls available for discount for a month in harmony with this writing!  Enjoy, in-vibe and create new beginnings!  YAY for Joyful Citrus! 

With Gratitude and Love

Robin Michaels

    

Legend

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.
All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.
- See more at: http://www.c-c-c.org/menu-resources/zodiac/#sthash.hOjRLxH5.dpuf

Legend

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.
All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.
- See more at: http://www.c-c-c.org/menu-resources/zodiac/#sthash.hOjRLxH5.dpuf

Legend

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.
All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.
- See more at: http://www.c-c-c.org/menu-resources/zodiac/#sthash.hOjRLxH5.dpuf