What effects does best Citronella oil have?

History of citronella essential oil

Citronella is commonly mistaken for Lemongrass, as they share a similar appearance, growth, and processing method; however, the two plants are considered to be "cousins," as they simply belong to the same plant family – the Cymbopogon family, which is commonly referred to simply as Lemongrass. The easiest way to tell them apart is to remember that Lemongrass has off-white pseudostems while those of the Citronella plant are reddish in color.

For centuries, Citronella Oil has been a natural medicinal remedy and a food ingredient in China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. It is traditionally used as a flavoring agent in culinary applications, a soothing agent for pain, infections, rashes, and inflammation, a non-toxic insect-repelling agent, a natural and fragrant household cleaning agent, and an ingredient in perfumery, soaps, detergents, scented candles, and cosmetic products. Citronella Oil continues to be valued and applied for its cleansing, disinfecting, freshening, and deodorizing properties.

Citronella fragrance oil benefits and application

The main chemical constituents of Citronella Oil are: Citronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, and Geranyl acetate.

Applied in aromatherapy, Citronella Oil is known to slow or prevent the growth and spread of airborne bacteria while also repelling flying insects, such as mosquitos. It eases and uplifts negative sentiments such as sadness, anxiety, and stress by relaxing the body and mind and promoting a sense of lightheartedness.

Besides it, Citronella oil is reputed to ease muscles spasms, such as menstrual cramps, as well as spasms of the respiratory and nervous systems.

Applied in cosmetically, Citronella Oil may deodorize and refresh foul body odors by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, which makes it an ideal ingredient in natural perfumes, deodorants, body sprays, and bath blends. With skin health-enhancing properties, the ability to boost skin’s absorption of moisture, and the ability to balance oil production, Citronella Oil is beneficial for promoting and maintaining a rejuvenated complexion for all skin types.  

Applied medicinally, Citronella Oil’s antiseptic and anti-fungal properties eliminate and prevent the growth of fungus on wounds. Similarly, it soothes and prevents infections, such as those of the ear, nose, and throat. By relaxing the muscles, Citronella Oil relieves spasms and gas, thereby relieving abdominal pain, coughing, and menstrual cramps. By stimulating and improving circulation, this sedative oil reduces swelling, tenderness, and pain. It is reputed to soothe even the inflammation that occurs in the digestive system. Citronella Oil’s detoxifying, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties promote the body’s expulsion of toxins, such as salts, acids, fat, and excess water and bile. In this way, the functions of the body’s systems are made more efficient, which strengthens immunity, enhances skin health, reduces symptoms of cold, flu, and fever, promotes weight loss, boosts metabolism and digestion, eases joint pain and inflammation, and maintains the health of the heart.