Citronella Essentia Oil

Ceylon Variety - Cymbopogon Nardus or Java Variety Cymbopogon Winterianus

(The Java Variety is considered to be of higher quality.)

Citronella Essential Oil blends well with Geranium, Cedar Wood, Lavender, Clary Sage, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemon and Tea Tree Essential Oils.

Known Uses

Citronella Essential Oil is best known for its ability to kill and repel insects. It is particularly effective in warding off the mosquito that causes Yellow Fever. It is also used in treating lice and flea infestations and can kill intestinal worms, but should be administered only in mild doses to children. It is effective on both round worms and tapeworms.

Citronella Oil is often mixed into deodorants and body sprays in very small quantities, due to the possibility of skin irritation. It can also be mixed in bath water. Citronella essential oil was traditionally used to prevent food spoilage.

Citronella Essential is useful in treating depression and anxiety. It stimulates blood circulation and the nervous system, as well as promoting the secretion of hormones and enzymes. It can relieve muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, coughs and spasms of the nervous system.

Citronella Essential Oil can kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth. It is useful in treating infectious wounds, infections in the stomach, intestines and excretory system as well as in the prostate. Citronella Oil can kill fungus and help cure fungal dysentery. It inhibits fungal growth especially in the ear, nose and throat region. It is known to support a healthy respiratory system.

Citronella Essential Oil stimulates the immune system and can reduce inflammation caused by the effects of drugs, alcohol, or hot, spicy foods and has a soothing effect on the digestive system. It increases perspiration, which promotes the removal of toxins and excess water, fat and salts from the body. This can serve to cool the body and reduce fever. Citronella Oil will also increase the frequency and quantity of urination and remove waste substances and toxins from the body. This helps reduce weight, and keeps the urinary tract healthy while improving digestion and overall health.

Citronella Essential Oil has also been used in the treatment of oily skin, oily hair, abnormal heart palpitations, colitis, migraine, neuralgia, rheumatism, fatigue, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain resulting from gas or cramps. In antiquity, it was used as an after childbirth wash.

History

Citronella is often confused with its cousin, Lemongrass, but it’s a different species and has different properties. It has been in use for thousands of years. The main producers of Citronella Essential Oil are China and Indonesia. It is grown widely as a commercial crop in the Java Islands, Indonesia, Burma, India, West Indies, Taiwan, Madagascar and Ceylon. It is also produced in smaller quantities in South American, Latin American and African countries.

Warning

There is no inherent toxicity in Citronella Essential Oil, but it has been known to produce irritation, dermatitis or sensitization of the skin if used in high concentrations. It should NOT be used on the skin of small children and should be avoided during pregnancy. To test for possible skin irritation, mix a few drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba before applying to skin.