Xiang Mao is a relatively new EO on the scene. It’s been used for centuries in the far east but we’re just now reaping its oily benefits. Also, known as Red Lemongrass, is considered a lighter version of its cousin regular Lemongrass and is a distant cousin to Citronella, so that gives us a good scent profile. It grows predominately in Taiwan and its name actually translates to “aromatic grass for rapid enlightenment.”

It’s considered a sedative, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, moisturizing and a skin regenerative.

Let’s explore the whole “rapid enlightenment” thing now. Xiang Mao does wonders for your stress levels. It contains a high level of Aldehydes, which are a fragrant component that is similar to the way terpenes use your sense of smell to access your brain and thus soothe your central nervous system. Xiang Mao is related to the citrus family down the road a ways, so it shares in the anti-depressive qualities of the Citrus family. A simple mixture of Xiang Mao and Lavender would do wonders for your stress level and even mixing in Peppermint would greatly increase your mental acuity. You can also add it in to your bath as it’s also moisturizing, and even apply it directly to your feet, with a carrier oil, when you first get in bed and it will help relax you to better allow you that deep restorative sleep.

As I mentioned above, Xiang Mao is moisturizing. This EO is great for your skin health. One thing to note, it is fairly potent, so always use a carrier oil with it as not to cause any skin irritation. This would be a great oil to use in your oil cleansing routine since it’s also an anti-inflammatory, so it will help soothe any acne problems you’re experiencing. Also, because of its regenerative qualities, it would be great to use it on any scars or stretch marks. Just to note, it is related to Eucalyptus and is considered a skin irritant if used alone or “neat” as we call it. Stick with a carrier oil and you should be fine.

Next, Xiang Mao is an all-around wonder for your digestive health. It’s considered a diuretic, so it will help with the extra water weight you may be holding and it helps to relieve gas and the bloating associated with it. It is known for getting things moving in your digestive tract, so this would be a great alternative to a laxative. A couple drops mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed across your tummy and abdomen, will help your digestive function greatly on an as needed basis. You can also take a couple drops in a gel-cap, as well.

Now, I found that this next few uses for Xiang Mao are great for this coming time of year. Mosquito season!!! Xiang Mao, since it is related to Citronella, is fantastic as a bug repellant. I found some brilliant uses to help protect you and all members of you family. Even the furry ones. Bugs hate Citronella and Xiang Mao is no different. A simple mixture of distilled water and 10 to 20 drops of Xiang Mao, shaken in a spray bottle can not only be used all over the yard without killing the grass, but it’s safe to spray on your skin as well, as bug repellant and on your furry friends. Just a light mist will help to not only repel mosquitos, fleas hate it, as well. Also, if you have any standing water outside your home, puddles, ponds, and such, put a couple drops of Xiang Mao in the water and it will repel mosquitos so they won’t use that water as their breeding ground! Amazing! And one more use that I know I’ll using constantly is that same spray you used to repel bugs, they say you can spray items around your home with it that you don’t want your dog chewing on. I wonder if it will work for my shoes?

Well, that’s all the oily goodness we have for you this post! Go get some Xiang Mao here and you’ll get it just in time for your backyard parties to be bug free!

Hey, do you have questions about oils and how to use them? Leave me a comment right here and I’ll get right back with you or email me directly at thecurrentoilco@gmail.com.