Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil is derived from two types of citronella plants, which are Ceylon variety and Java variety. The two varieties have different concentrations of active ingredients, although their use is the same. The oil is used as an antiseptic, tonic, stimulant, and antibacterial, to name a few of its properties. It is used for aromatherapy, food flavoring, and in treating various health conditions and different kinds of pain.

Because the oil is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, it has been used for treating inflammation, pain, infections, and rashes for several years. It has a rich, lemony, sweet, and fresh scent, which is why it is also commonly used as an ingredient on perfumes and other beauty products. It is one of the most common types used for aromatherapy, mainly because of its refreshing scent. It is widely used in aromatherapy not just because of sweet and lemony smell, but because it can relax the mind, making it easier to eliminate bad thoughts. Studies were also made to show its effectiveness in relieving stress.

Citronella Essential Oil Benefits

There are several benefits in using Citronella Essential Oil, including the following:

  • Fights anxiety and depression
  • Relieves stress
  • Kills bacteria
  • Fights infection
  • Relieves cramps and spasms
  • Protects skin
  • Treats inflammation
  • Eliminates body odor
  • Removes toxin in the body
  • Reduces fever
  • Kills fungus
  • Repels insects
  • Treats stomach problems
  • Enhances blood circulation
  • Kills intestinal worms
  • Treats gas problems
  • Relieves pain

Citronella Essential Oil Uses

  1. Citronella Essential Oil as Tonic. It tones various parts of the body including the nervous, excretory, and digestive system.
  2. Citronella Essential Oil as Stimulant. It stimulates proper blood circulation, the brain, metabolism, and immune system.
  3. Citronella Essential Oil as Stomachic. It aids in the proper function of stomach and fights infection and other stomach problems.
  4. Citronella Essential Oil as Insect Repellant. Effectively repels and kills insects without being toxic to people.
  5. Citronella Essential Oil as Fungicidal. It prevents the growth of fungi and treats fungal infection in different body parts like throat, nose, and ear.
  6. Citronella Essential Oil as Febrifuge. It lowers body temperature and treats fever.
  7. Citronella Essential Oil as Diuretic. It makes urination more often and in higher quantity, which is an effective way of eliminating toxins in the body. This also prevents urinary tract infection, lowers blood pressure, and can aid in weight loss.
  8. Citronella Essential Oil as Diaphoretic. It promotes sweating, which is also another way of removing toxins in the system. This also prevents infection, reduces fever, and it can make the skin look more beautiful.
  9. Citronella Essential Oil as Deodorant. It is used as body spray and deodorant as it can effectively remove bad odor. It can also be mixed on warm bath water.
  10. Citronella Essential Oil as Anti-inflammatory. It relieves inflammation in different parts of the body, including the intestines, stomach, and liver.
  11. Citronella Essential Oil as Antispasmodic. It relieves different kinds of spasms and cramps in the body.
  12. Citronella Essential Oil as Antiseptic. It can fight wound infection, as well as infections on kidneys, prostate, urethra, and urinary tracts.
  13. Citronella Essential Oil as Antidepressant. Relieves depression and other negative thoughts and feelings, and replacing them with positive ones.
  14. Citronella Essential Oil as Antibacterial. It prevents the growth of bacteria and treats bacterial infection.

Citronella Essential Oil Side Effects

Citronella essential oil is often used with other oils or carrier oils for aromatherapy. However, it is not recommended that you inhale the oil directly as this may lead to liver damage. It is also found in some food ingredients and may be used in small amount on foods. It should not be ingested in large amounts, as it can be toxic. It should not be ingested by kids even on small amount, as there were reports of children poisoning after they accidentally ingested insect repellant with citronella essential oil as an ingredient.

Although it’s generally safe to be applied on the skin, people with sensitive skin may develop rashes or skin irritations. Do a skin patch test to ensure that it’s safe for you to use. There is not enough information or research done on its effect on pregnant and lactating moms. To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid using this essential oil while pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil is used in varying ways, including the following:

  • Aromatherapy. It is often added in diffuser or hot water to use for aromatherapy because of its refreshing and sweet smell. This can relax the mind and the body.
  • Massage. This essential oil is also used for massaging as it has soothing effect, and it can effectively relieve various kinds of body pains.
  • Food flavoring. It has been long used as flavorings on foods and beverages.
  • Beauty product ingredient. It has rejuvenating and antioxidant properties, which is why it is used in various beauty products.

How to Make Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation. Fresh Ceylon or Java citronella grass is subjected to steam. This makes the other parts evaporate while the essential oil remains, as it is not easily susceptible to heat. While essential oils from both varieties of grasses are used for the same purposes, the essential oil from the Java variety is considered to be higher in quality.

Citronella Essential Oil Recipe

Citronella Essential Oil is known to be an effective and non-toxic insect repellant. You can make your own bug spray using this oil as an ingredient. Here are the things that you will need and the steps in making the spray.

Ingredients:

  • 1 glass spray bottle
  • 40 drops mixed citronella, rosemary, tea tree, lemongrass, and eucalyptus essential oils
  • Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
  • Half a cup of witch hazel

What to do:

Mix all the ingredients in the spray bottle. Spray your homemade bug repellant all over the body, but make sure that avoid contact with the mouth and eyes.

Where to Buy Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils, which is also on the affordable end. It can easily be found on essential oils stores near you and you can also search online. Make sure that you are purchasing one that is 100% pure to maximize its benefits. Eden Garden and NOW Foods are two of the top brands of Citronella Essential Oil to try.

More Information on Citronella Essential Oil

  • There are no known side effects on the use of Citronella Essential Oil when applied on the skin as insect repellant. It is considered to be safe even on kids, as well as those with sensitive skin. However, it is still recommended that a skin patch test is made to ensure that it is safe for you to use. Apply a small amount of the essential oil on your skin and see if there are no unwanted reactions like rashes or swelling.
  • Most of the components of Citronella Essential Oil are eliminated during urination.
  • Although there are no recorded side effects on pregnant women, it is still suggested that expecting moms consult with their doctors before its use.
  • This essential oil is registered in the US as an insect repellent that is plant based, beginning in the year 1948.
  • It is also a good treatment for oily hair and skin.
  • This essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Lemon, Geranium, Orange, and Cedarwood.