April showers bring May’s… Oils of the Month! We are presenting not one, but two oils for this month. First, Katrafray possesses a warm, woody, sweet yet slightly spicy scent. And Cananga holds an exotic, sultry aroma with softer, floral notes. Let’s dive into these two amazing oils and all their benefits that can help us both emotionally and therapeutically.
*Don’t have Katrafay and Cananga? Make sure you become an Oil of the Month member to get unique, monthly surprises to your door every month!
Katrafray
This essential oil is steam distilled from the bark of Katrafay, a medium-size tree that grows in the dry, dense forest of southwest Madagascar. The non-destructive harvesting methods peel the bark only on one side of the tree, allowing a full recovery for the tree. This method protects the ecosystem while producing a better quality of essential oil.
Katrafay can be a wonderful addition to diffuser blends. Its sweetly warm, woody aroma contains rich contents of sesquiterpenes, which can promote a state of calmness to your mind and body. When diluted into a carrier oil, Katrafay provides relief in aching joints and muscles. So, if you experience soreness from over-exercising or just normal wear and tear, this essential oil can help soothe those tensions. In addition, you can also use it diluted onto your skin for the ultimate rejuvenation.
Some Things to Know
- KidSafe: No
- Pregnancy Safe: No
- Nursing Safe: No
- Pup & Pony Approved: No
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Blends well with: Balsam Fir, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cedarwood (all), Lavender, Orange (all), Rose Absolute, Sandalwood (both), Ylang Ylang (both)
Cautions: Dilute to a maximum of 1% for topical applications. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. External use only.
Cananga
Cananga Essential Oil is hydro-distilled from parts of the Cananga flower, grown on tall, tropical trees. This flower originates from areas of Indonesia and Madagascar. Possessing an exotic, sultry aroma with sweet and warm floral tones, it’s relative to Ylang Ylang. However, it is softer and more subtle than Ylang Ylang, making it an exceptional choice for perfumery.
When diffused or blended with other essential oils, Cananga can help support calmness, while soothing feelings of nervousness. It creates an overall relaxing environment in your living space, especially when dealing with high-stress situations. Therapeutically, it can help alleviate sore muscles and joints as well as help heal minor scrapes and wounds. Be sure to dilute appropriately into a carrier oil or a healing balm.
Some Things to Know
- KidSafe: Yes
- Pregnancy Safe: Yes
- Nursing Safe: Yes
- Pup & Pony Approved: No
- Shelf Life: 3-4 years
- Blends well with: Amyris, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood (all), Copaiba Oleoresin, Pink Grapefruit, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender (all), Orange (all), Patchouli, Sandalwood (both)
Cautions: Dilute to a maximum of 0.8% for topical applications. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. External use only.
Sore Muscle Rub DIY
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz Unscented Body Lotion
- 15 drops Katrafay
- 10 drops Cananga
- 10 drops Copaiba Oleoresin
What you’ll do:
Combine body lotion and essential oils and rub onto sore, achy muscles as needed.
