crisp lemony aroma and thus bearing the name Citronella. The oil of citronella is extracted from two varieties of citronella, Ceylon and Java. With both varieties, the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the plant. However, the oil obtained from the Java variety is considered to be of higher quality. The main producers of the Citronella Essential Oil are China and Indonesia.

Citronella Essential Oil Benefits

Citronella and Citronella oil are considered a minimal risk pesticide even though it has Phenethyl propionate (2-phenylethyl propionate). Researchers found that when all the tested oils were applied at a 10% or 50% concentration, only three of them prevented mosquito bites for longer than two hours, which were the undiluted oils of Cymbopogon nardus (citronella), Pogostemon cablin (patchuli), Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Zanthoxylum limonella.

Citronella oil was found to be an inhibitor to 15 and 12 bacterial strains, respectively.

Citronella Oil can be used in treatment of problems like oily skin, oily hair, abnormal palpitations, colitis, migraine, neuralgia, fatigue, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain resulting from gas or cramps.

Citronella Essential Oil benefits food as a great flavoring agent and also has various medicinal uses as well:

• Antibacterial-the components found in this Citronella Essentia Oil are responsible for killing bacteria and inhibiting any further bacterial growth in the body. This helps especially when treating infections in wounds, as well as other like the colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate and kidneys.
• Antidepressant– Citronella Essential Oil fights depression and also can give relief from anxiety, sadness, and negative feelings.
• Antiseptic-The antiseptic properties of Citronella Essential Oil will clean and fight infections in wounds, while simultaneously protecting them from being septic.
• Antispasmodic– Citronella Essential Oil relieves the spasms of muscles, respiratory system and nervous system. The oil can also help with menstrual cramps and coughs.
• Anti-inflammatory– Citronella Essential Oil can sedate inflammation in the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system.
• Anti-toxin– The oil can reduce side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol, or narcotics, spicy food, most diseases, or any other toxins in the body.
• Deodorant– With the rich citrus or lemon-like aroma of this Citronella Essential Oil will drive away body odor and is used in deodorants and body sprays.
• Diaphoretic– These properties of Citronella Essential Oil can increase sweating and thereby, promote the removal of toxins and other unwanted materials like excess water, fat and salts from the body. Removing these toxins will make the body feel lighter.
• Diuretic– With the use of Citronella Oil will help increase the frequency and quantity of urination. This will assist in disposing of waste substances and toxins from the body, including uric acid, excess bile and acids. This helps reduce weight, eliminate infections in the urinary system and reducing chances of renal calculi, rheumatism and arthritis, improve digestion, and keep the heart healthy.
• Febrifuge-the diaphoretic property of this oil increases perspiration and the anti-inflammatory property reduces inflammation while the antimicrobial property fights infections. The combined effects of all of these properties will fight fever and thereby, reducing body temperature.
• Fungicidal– Citronella Essential Oil helps to kill fungus and will inhibit fungal growth. Particularly with infections in the ear, nose and throat areas.
• Insect Repellant– Citronella Oil is used as a repellant most commonly, as it kills and keeps insects away. The Oil is very effective on a species of mosquito, called Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes the dreaded Yellow Fever. This Oil also kills lice and fleas.
• Stomachic– Using Citronella Essential Oil can clear the stomach from infections and other problems, while helping the stomach function better.

Citronella Essential Oil Uses

• For the best repellant spray take a few drops of Citronella Oil with a couple teaspoons of vanilla in 8 ounces spray bottle. Mix and keep handy for repelling those pesky insect.
• Citronella Essential Oil can also be mixed with bath water to have a refreshing and cleansing body experience.
• Dilute Citronella Oil in a base oil and apply to the skin, you may feel a mild sensation of heat. This is a process of relieving painful muscles and joints.
• For better mental health, just the aroma of Citronella Oil can help with nervous fatigue due to its clarifying properties. The Oil can also ease the pressure associated with migraines and headaches.
• For excess oily skin just apply two or three drops of Citronella Oil to a cotton ball and gently wipe on the affected areas. Use daily for any type of skin issues.
• Citronella oil can also be used in a tablet or pellet form in outside areas around shrubs and trees to help keep pest at bay.
• Citronella oil blends well with Cedarwood, Orange, Geranium, Lemon and Bergamot.

Citronella Essential Oil Side Effects

Citronella essential oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children. Some essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin so it is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.