The original China Rain oil designed by the Terra Nova company brought “rainy” scents into popularity.  There were many copies, but one stream stood out.  These were the versions made by African spiritual scentologists with stands in Venice Beach California.  Because of its ingredients (which may or may not be very different from the original), the raining aspects of it actually worked, and it became a staple ingredient in the spiritual community.

Alas, markets shift, stuff happens, and sometimes it can be hard to get.  So you need to know how to make your own.

Why China Rain?

China Rain helps to push away the old and bring in the new.  The scents is reminiscent of cyclamen flowers, which are known to help one to get over the past and open the way to new experiences and gifts.  It has come to be considered a signature scent for many children of Oya, who wear it very well, and sometimes use it in aromatherapy to help others to get over past traumas and lost loves.

It softens the sting of shame for things one should not carry shame for.  It speeds up the recovery time by increasing clarity of vision of the present, and hope for the future.  With so much to enjoy in the now, and to look forward to in the future, you lose the willingness to ruminate and dwell in the past.

Essential Oil Recipes

With the essential oils, you want to consecrate your bottles with Eshu incense smoke before beginning, and store them in an Oya place.  They can also be made into sprays to bring new, positive things to your home.  It’s great to do this after the initial recovery from a breakup.  When you’re ready for new love, spritz some China Rain spray on your sheets.  Remember not to use undiluted essential oils on your skin or things that will be in close contact with your skin.  In a spray, you just need 10 drops per liter of water or 10-20% alcohol solution.  A perfume oil should generally be no more than 10% essential oil.  More than this, and you risk some irritation.

China Rain Essential Oil (Version 1)

• 3 drops vanilla or vanilla blend oil, or a small dollop of vanilla oleoresin
• 25 drops of ylang ylang oil
• 25 drops of sweetgrass oil
• 10 drops of lemon oil
• 5 drops myrrh oil
• 5 drops jasmine oil
• 3 drops geranium oil
• 10 drops ambrette absolute

China Rain Essential Oil (Version 2)

• 3 drops vanilla oil or oleoresin
• 25 drops of ylang lang
• 25 drops of lemongrass
• 5 drops of grapefruit
• 5 drops of myrrh
• 5 drops of jasmine
• 10 drops of white musk

China Rain Infusion Oil

Sometimes the scent is not the priority, and you want something that does the spiritual purpose without being overly perfumed.

• a vanilla bean, opened, and cut into 3 pieces
• a handful of dried geranium leaves (Pelargonium graveolens)
• a handful of dried lemongrass or melissa
• the dried peel of a grapefruit
• a handful of myrrh tears
• a handful of rose petals, white if you can get them
• a handful of dried jasmine flowers
• 1/2 liter light olive oil
• a teaspoon of grapefruit oil or vitamin E oil

Consecrate, and set this in a cool, dry place for at least 3 months.  Give it a shake, and then give it a couple of weeks to resettle.  For this oil, you want to make offerings to your Gate Keeper and deities of change.  You can add this to other oils such as Phoenix oil or Congo oil to give them an extra emphasis on bringing new blessings, opportunities, and people in their lives to help maintain the change.

China Rain Herbal Massage

• the contents of a vanilla pod or a tonka bean
• the leaves of a bunch of celery
• a handful of fresh cilantro
• a chopped grapefruit or lemon, peel included
• the petals of six white carnations or roses
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Blitz all this in a blender or food processor, or mash very well in a mortar and pestle or with a stone grinder.

Pour it into a red, orange, brown, purple, or 9 color bowl, and consecrate it with Eshu smoke, and ask Oya to give it the energy to leave the past in the past and bring new positive things.

Massage this all over the person’s body from head to toe, just avoiding the sensitive or private areas.

If all you have is some vanilla, celery leaves, and lemons or grapefruits, that will do the job.  Look around outside though.  There may be some lemongrass, melissa, or geranium growing around.  Clovers are also a good “grass” to use for these things, but this should only be used as a raw body massage for people who are very spiritually grounded, as it can cause one to walk between worlds.

Bathe In It

There are many stores that sell excellent handmade China Rain scented products.  If you have a friend who has been through a breakup, you definitely want to get them a China Rain gift basket with soap, lotions…the works.  Many people like Body Time in Berkley California’s version and products.  They reportedly offer personalized service, and if you tell them you have a friend who’s been through a breakup, they will put together something special.