Citronella essential oil uses & health benefits

Citronella is an aromatic, perennial plant that mainly grows in some Asian countries and some islands of the South Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus bears the name citronella. The essential oil of citronella is extracted from two varieties of citronella. The first one is the Ceylon variety, whose scientific name is Cymbopogon nardus and the second one is Java variety, called Cymbopogon winterianus in botanical terminology. In both cases, the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh plant.

Citronella Essential Oil is most widely known for its ability to deter mosquitos and other insects. Because the aroma is so widely associated with insect repellent products. Citronella Oil is often ignored for its other beneficial uses.

Citronella Essential Oil is abundant in citronellal (aldehyde) and in geraniol and citronellol (monoterpenols). The specific composition can vary due to several factors including the region that its grown.

Citronella essential oil benefits

1.All-Natural Insect Repellent

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers citronella to be a biopesticide. That means it’s a natural “nontoxic mode of action” against potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes.

What insects does citronella oil repel? Is citronella oil effective against mosquitoes?

Citronella has been registered as a gentle, plant-based bug spray ingredient in the U.S. since 1948. It has been shown to repel dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading dengue fever and the Zika virus.

Because it can ward off mosquitoes, it may also protect against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, filariasis, chikungunya virus, yellow fever and dengue.

A 2015 report published in Rural Remote Health states, “The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal.”

Research published in the Israel Medical Association Journal also shows that citronella works to help prevent head lice, too. It may also prevent flies and ticks from biting you to some degree.

According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 30–60 minutes for its bug-deterring effects to last. You can combine several drops with coconut oil and spread it on your body like lotion, or add some to a spray bottle with water and cover your skin, hair and clothes.

Using concentrated oil seems to be more effective against bug bites compared to burning commercial citronella candles, which tend to only be made with limited amounts of actual essential oils.

2. Can Help Manage Inflammation and Pain

Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress.

A 2000 review published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry studied 34 different citrus essential oils and their components for radical-scavenging activities. Researchers found that many citrus volatile components, including the main type found in citronella called geraniol, had high antioxidant capabilities for fighting free radicals that can cause disease and cellular damage.

Due to its antioxidant properties, citronella can be used as a natural pain-relieving treatment. It can help with management of inflammation and painful symptoms like joint aches.

Combine several (two to three) drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it into swollen joints, tissue and muscles.

3.May Stimulate Urination

The increase in the frequency and quantity of urination due to this property of citronella essential oil has many benefits. A 2016 report published in the Scientific Research Journal states that it disposes of waste substances and toxins from the body, including uric acid, excess bile, acids, and salts, as well as water and fats. This helps reduce weight, eliminate infections in the urinary system, free the body from toxins, reduce chances of renal calculi, rheumatism, and arthritis, improve digestion, and keep the heart-healthy.

4.May Reduce Fever

While the diaphoretic property of this oil increases perspiration, its anti-inflammatory property reduces inflammation, while the antimicrobial property fights infections. The combined effects of these three properties fight fever and reduce body temperature.

5.May Act As a Stimulant

The stimulating effect of the essential oil of citronella may stimulate blood circulation, secretions and discharges like hormones and enzymes from the glands, brain while also increasing activity in the nervous system. This essential oil also stimulates the immune mechanisms and the metabolism of the body. According to a study published in the Nutrients Journal in 2015, a group of obese rats was administered with citronella oil, following which it was noted that there was a significant fall in their body weight. The oil caused a decrease in the appetite of the rats, without any marked changes in liver enzyme concentrations.

6. Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

One of the most popular uses for citronella oil is cleansing and conditioning the hair and scalp. It can help eliminate excess oil and greasiness of hair while adding shine.

Many people find it adds volume to hair and helps detangle knots.

To use citronella oil for hair, add several drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or try making your own homemade recipe using a cleansing oil like coconut oil, which also benefits hair.