How to use citronella oil?

Citronella oil is an essential oil that's made from the distillation of the Asian grass plant in the Cymbopogon genus. This fragrant grass got its name from the French word meaning "lemon balm", due to its floral, citrus-like aroma.

Like many essential oils, citronella oil has certain benefits, and has been used in China and Indonesia for centuries to treat rashes, infections, and other health conditions.

Today, citronella oil is probably best known as a natural insect repellant, but its uses and benefits extend beyond keeping bugs at bay.

In this article we’ll explore the benefits of citronella oil, how you can use it.

Citronella essential oil constituents

Citronella contains; geraniol (18–20%), limonene (9–11%), methyl isoeugenol (7–11%), citronellol (6–8%), and citronellal (5–15%).

Health benefits of lemongrass oil

Relieves Pain And Inflammation

The presence of powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and pain-relieving properties of the active component citronellal, this oil is extensively used for providing relief from pain and inflammation in case of arthritis and joint pain. Being a natural vasodilator, and providing a warming effect, it is also used to treat painful cramps, muscle spasms, sore muscles as well as neuralgia.

How to use: Add 2-3 drops of citronella oil to any carrier oil and massage it directly on to the painful joints to get relief.

Treats Gastrointestinal Disorders

The potent anti-inflammatory and deworming properties of this oil work well for eliminating worms and microbes from the stomach and intestines. In the case of food poisoning, it soothes the stomach lining and restores the balance. Being a natural diuretic, it encourages urine production while the digestive property of the oil not only helps in digestion but also upsurges appetite.

Relaxes The Mind

The abundance of adaptogenic, and sedative properties in this essential oil not only improves the mood but is also soothing and relieves stress. It holds high significance in providing mental stability by regulating the stress hormone, i.e. serotonin which in turn reduces various symptoms of anxiety including restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, etc. and bestows a fresh and happy feeling.

Augments Skin

The host of anti-bacterial properties of this aromatic oil plays a crucial role in treating skin infections like acne, warts, boils, etc. Use of citronella oil-based beauty products improves complexion by evening out the skin tone, clear blocked pores, and also reduces various signs of ageing. Owing to the antiseptic nature, the oil also prevents wounds and injuries and facilitates healing.

Ward Off Bugs

Insects and bugs form the root cause of several problems. Being carriers of different types of viruses, bacteria, or other microbes, not only can they contaminate food and lead to food poisoning but also cause problems ranging from rashes and itching to fever and hallucinations. Some insects can even lead to lethal infectious diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever, etc. Imbued with potent anti-bacterial properties, citronella oil forms an absolute remedy for all types of insects including mosquitoes, head lice, fleas, etc.

How to use:You can use the oil in a diffuser to spread it across the room or citronella oil-based products are available which can be applied onto the body to prevent insects and bugs.

Hair Health Beneficial

Citronella oil has high limonene and methyl isoeugenol content. This is extremely effective in regulating sebum oil produced by the scalp, thus preventing hair from turning greasy. It also eliminates dandruff, nourishes dry scalp and prevents head lice.

Inhibits Fungal Growth

Fungal infections can cause serious health hazards. The antifungal properties of Citronella oil kill fungus, obstruct fungal growth and fight fungal infections particularly in the ear, nose and throat region. It also helps cure fungal dysentery.

An Overall Body Tonic

Replete with loads of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, Citronella oil has overall benefits on the body. Since it aids digestion, excretion and the nervous system, this can be an absolute tonic to strengthen the whole system.