What are the benefits of citronella oil? How can you use it? What are the potential side effects and safety concerns? Get the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

The Versatility of Citronella Oil

Citronella oil, derived from the Cymbopogon genus of Asian grass plants, has been used for centuries in various parts of the world. Its distinct, lemon-like aroma and diverse properties have made it a versatile essential oil with a wide range of applications. From its well-known use as a natural insect repellent to its potential antifungal and wound-healing abilities, citronella oil offers a variety of benefits that are worth exploring.

Citronella Oil as a Natural Insect Repellent

One of the most well-known uses of citronella oil is as a natural insect repellent. Several studies have looked at the effectiveness of citronella oil in deterring mosquito bites. While research suggests that citronella oil may provide protection for up to three hours when combined with vanillin, it is generally not as effective as synthetic repellents like DEET. Citronella oil needs to be reapplied frequently to maintain its insect-repelling properties.

Antifungal Properties of Citronella Oil

Citronella oil has also demonstrated promising antifungal properties in various studies. Researchers have found that citronella oil can help weaken or destroy certain types of fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, which can cause lung and sinus infections in people with compromised immune systems. Additionally, citronella oil has shown some effectiveness against the Candida albicans fungus, which can lead to infections in the mouth and other parts of the body. Continuous or frequent application may be necessary to maintain the antifungal effects of citronella oil.

Citronella Oil and Wound Healing

Emerging research suggests that citronella oil may have the potential to accelerate the healing of wounds, particularly in individuals with diabetes, where wound healing can be slower. Studies in animal models have shown that citronella oil’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to faster wound healing.

Other Potential Benefits of Citronella Oil

Beyond its insect-repelling, antifungal, and wound-healing properties, citronella oil has also been used for various other purposes, such as:

• Treating parasitic infections
• Promoting mood enhancement or fighting fatigue
• Serving as a flavor additive in foods or a fragrance in perfumes

However, the scientific evidence supporting these additional uses is not as robust as the research on its insect-repellent, antifungal, and wound-healing properties.

Safety and Potential Side Effects of Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is generally considered safe for topical use, but it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and safety considerations. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when using citronella oil. It’s recommended to perform a patch test before applying the oil to larger areas of the skin. Additionally, citronella oil should not be ingested, as it can be toxic if swallowed. It’s crucial to follow the instructions and dosage recommendations provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional when using citronella oil.

Choosing and Using Citronella Oil

When purchasing citronella oil, look for a high-quality, pure, and organic product. Avoid synthetic or adulterated oils, as they may not provide the same benefits or pose potential safety risks. Always dilute citronella oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to the skin. Citronella oil can also be used in diffusers or candles to take advantage of its aromatic properties.

In conclusion, citronella oil is a versatile essential oil with a range of potential benefits, from its well-known use as a natural insect repellent to its promising antifungal and wound-healing properties. While more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety, the existing evidence suggests that citronella oil can be a useful addition to one’s natural health and wellness arsenal, when used properly and with caution.

Citronella Oil Benefits, How to Use, Side Effects and Safety

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, and what to look for when you shop for the oil.

For centuries, citronella has been used for a variety of purposes, including:

• as an insect repellent
• as an antifungal agent
• to treat parasitic infections
• to promote wound healing
• to lift mood or fight fatigue
• in perfumes or as a flavor additive in food

But does scientific research support these uses? While research into citronella and other essential oils continues, there’s some evidence that citronella oil does have certain health benefits.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what research has found so far.

Insect repellent

A 2011 review of 11 studies looked at the effectiveness of various citronella preparations in preventing mosquito bites. It concluded that using citronella oil together with vanillin (found in vanilla beans) provided mosquito protection for up to three hours.

The study also found that DEET provided protection for a much longer period of time than just citronella oil on its own.

A 2015 study compared the ability of DEET, citronella oil, and fennel oil to repel mosquitoes. Researchers found that DEET had a protection rating of over 90 percent over six hours.

Citronella and fennel oil had protection ratings of about 57 percent and 47 percent, respectively, after only two hours.

Another study assessed the effectiveness of several mosquito repellents, and concluded that citronella candles were of little use as a mosquito repellent.

Summary

Citronella needs to be reapplied often to be an effective mosquito repellent. However, it may provide protection for up to three hours if it is combined with vanillin. Studies show that it is not as effective as DEET at keeping mosquitos away.

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Antifungal agent

Several studies have found that citronella oil has certain antifungal properties that may help weaken or destroy certain types of fungi that can cause health problems.

A 2013 study evaluated the antifungal activity of citronella oil against a strain of fungus known as Aspergillus niger. This common fungus is thought to cause lung and sinus infections in people with weakened immune systems.

The study found that citronella oil had the ability to destroy the cell wall of the fungus and kill the organisms within the cell that can cause infection. This led the researchers to suggest citronella oil may have the potential to be used as a safe and environmentally friendly fungicide.

An earlier study looked at the antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils and found that citronella oil was effective against all 12 fungi that were tested. The same study found that citronella oil managed to inhibit 15 of 22 bacteria, while eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and orange oils were effective against all 22 bacterial strains.

A publication from 2016 looked at the effectiveness of citronella and cinnamon oil in fighting Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause infections in the mouth and other parts of the body.

Both essential oils initially reduced the number of viable microorganisms. However, after 48 hours the effect wasn’t significant. The authors suggest that a daily application of a solution of either oil may be effective in reducing this fungus.

Summary

Citronella oil seems to be an effective antifungal agent. In some cases, it may need to be reapplied daily to keep fungal infections under control.

It also has antibacterial properties, but it is not as effective at killing a broad spectrum of bacteria and germs as some other essential oils.

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Wound healing

Based on recent research, citronella oil may have the potential to speed up the healing of wounds. This may be of particular importance for people with diabetes, as wounds tend to heal more slowly with this condition.

In a 2016 animal study, researchers looked at the effect that citronella oil had on the healing of Candida-infected wounds in a diabetic mouse model. The citronella oil had both an antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. The researchers suggested that the combination of these two factors led to accelerated wound healing.

Summary

Citronella oil’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties may help to speed up the healing of wounds. However, research in this area is limited and more studies need to be done on humans to determine how effective it is.

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Weight loss

A 2015 study in rats assessed the effects of inhaling citronella oil and some of its components on weight. Researchers found that inhaling the components of citronella oil decreased feeding, lowered cholesterol, and slowed weight gain.

Summary

Limited research has shown that inhaling citronella resulted in weight loss and lower cholesterol levels in rats. More studies need to be done to determine how effective it is with weight loss in humans.

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Physiological effects of inhalation

A 2001 study investigated the effects of inhaling citronella, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. Lavender was found to have a relaxing effect and rosemary was found to have a stimulating effect on the brain. Citronella, on the other hand, had a more complex in-between effect. The writers suggest that the effects of citronella could vary by individual.

Summary

When inhaled, citronella may have a relaxing effect on some people and a stimulating effect on others.

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You can use citronella oil in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions.

Spray

A spray application may be good for freshening up a room or applying to your skin as an insect repellent. To make a citronella oil spray:

1. Add citronella oil to water in a glass spray bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water.
2. Optional step: Essential oils don’t dissolve in water. Consider adding a dispersing agent such as solubol to your solution.
3. Shake the bottle well before spraying.

Because citronella oil has a shorter time span of effectiveness than repellents like DEET, you will need to reapply more often if you’re using it as an insect repellent.

Diffuser

A diffuser can be used to disperse a scent through a room. Like the spray application, you may want to use this method to repel insects or add a pleasant fragrance to a room.

Diffusers typically come with a specific set of instructions. To use citronella oil safely in a diffuser, be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.

Massage oils and creams

Citronella oil can also be added to oils and creams for topical applications. Using citronella oil in this way may help kill germs and fungi on the skin and also promote wound healing.

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before being applying to the skin.

Here’s how to make a citronella massage oil or lotion.

To make a massage oil:

• Dilute citronella oil in a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
• The NAHA recommends adding 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil for a 2.5 percent dilution.
• For sensitive skin, you may want to use a one percent solution (6 drops per ounce of carrier oil).

To make a cream or lotion:

• Dilute citronella oil in an unscented cream or lotion.
• The NAHA recommends using a 1 to 2.5 percent dilution for normal skin (6 to 15 drops per ounce), and a 0.5 to 1 percent dilution for sensitive skin (3 to 6 drops per ounce).

Follow these tips for using citronella oil safely:

• Always dilute citronella oil properly before using. Never use undiluted citronella oil on your skin.
• Essential oils are very concentrated and can be toxic if consumed. Keep citronella oil out of reach of children and pets.
• Don’t take citronella oil internally.
• When using citronella oil for aromatherapy, make sure the space you’re in is well-ventilated. Consider children and pets who might be inhaling the aromatherapy. Some essential oils are dangerous.
• If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription medications, talk to your doctor before using citronella oil.

Citronella oil can cause skin irritation or allergy. When this happens, the area may become red, blotchy, itchy, or swollen.

If you’re concerned about a possible skin reaction, test some diluted citronella oil on a small area of your skin before using it for topical applications. If you have a reaction, avoid using citronella oil or products that contain it.

Although anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, hasn’t been documented in response to citronella oil, it’s good to know the signs since it’s a medical emergency. Look out for:

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing or coughing
• swollen throat
• red rash
• tightness in the chest
• nausea
• diarrhea

You can find citronella oil in natural food stores or online.

To find a good quality oil, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for a scientific name on the label — Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus. You may also see C. nardus referred to as “Ceylon type” and C. winterianus referred to as “Java type.”
• Note that lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a different essential oil but has a similar scientific name. If you’re looking for citronella, don’t confuse the two.
• Make sure the oil is in a dark-colored bottle as light can damage essential oils.
• If possible, smell the oil before buying. Citronella has a distinct scent. If it doesn’t smell like citronella, don’t buy it.
• Be cautious of any claims that a product treats a specific condition. The FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils in the same way as drugs.
• Check the label for a purity statement. If the product isn’t 100 percent essential oil, the label should let you know.

Citronella oil is often used as an insect repellent, although research has indicated it may also have antifungal properties and help with wound healing.

You can use citronella oil in a diffuser or spray bottle, or you can dilute it in an oil or lotion before applying it to your skin.

If you have questions or concerns about citronella oil, talk to your doctor before using it.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Citronella oil is made from citronella grass. Sri Lanka citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon nardus. Java citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon winterianus.

Citronella grass is native to tropical areas. The essential oil is made through a process called steam distillation. During this process, steam is passed through the grass to pull out the oil.

People most commonly use citronella oil as a mosquito repellent on the skin. It’s also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don’t confuse citronella oil with lemongrass or stone root. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

• Mosquito repellent. Applying citronella oil to the skin seems to help prevent mosquito bites for a short period of time. The concentration of the citronella oil seems to affect how well and how long the protection lasts. Higher concentrations seem to last longer.

There is interest in using citronella oil for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Citronella oil is commonly consumed in small amounts in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people.

When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Citronella oil is commonly consumed in small amounts in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people.

When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Citronella oil is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. There are reports of poisoning in children who consumed insect repellent containing citronella oil. Citronella oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin in children over 6 months of age, as long as it doesn’t get into the eyes or mouth.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for CITRONELLA OIL overview.

Dosing

Citronella oil has most often been applied to the skin in adults in concentrations of 10%. Higher concentrations up to 100% have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Citronella essential oil 5 ml, organic

Cymbopogon nardus

Supplier : France

Packer: MiKo

Essential oil light, flowable , colorless.

Aroma sweet, lemony.

Shades of tone: top – sharp, active, fruity caramel; medium – juicy sour greens; the lower one is dusty-zed.

Production method: distillation.

Chemical components: citral, citronellal, citronellic acid, borneol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, camphene, dipentene, limonene.

Emotional properties. Provides a surge of life-affirming forces, cheerfulness and joy. It makes it possible at any age to feel the surge of “students” – recklessness, adventure, active communication. Eliminates feelings of indifference and symptoms of depression. It refreshes the look at the style of one’s life, prompting to change its routine, squat and unreasonably pragmatic “details” for fun and moving forward towards the new, unknown. Increases concentration, memory capacity, tenacity in the perception and assimilation of information. Citronella is the best friend of motorists, truckers and reckless drivers.

Cosmetic properties. Tones and refreshes the skin. An ideal oil for smoothing the relief of aging skin, reducing and cleansing pores. Reduces warts, calluses and rough thickening of the skin.

Promotes warming up, stretching of the musculoskeletal system, increases flexibility. An ideal massage oil component for athletes. Eliminates traumatic consequences of the musculoskeletal system and symptoms of sports overload.

Healing properties. An effective remedy that eliminates vegetovascular dystonia, anemia, frequent bouts of weakness, dizziness, blackouts, vestibular “troubles”. It has a general strengthening effect on the body, stimulates the immune system and self-regulation.

Encourages recovery, ideal for rehabilitation after illness, injury and surgery.

Improves hearing acuity, eliminates tinnitus, rehabilitates hearing after otitis media.

Optimizes digestion, eliminates enzymatic deficiency. It is a remedy that discourages appetite and eliminates extra pounds at the waist. Cleanses the body of toxins.

In the old days, it was believed that the aroma of citronella protects the body from various neoplasms and tumors.

Domestic use. Excellent dishwashing detergent, eliminates fish, fat, seasoning odors. Refreshes, disinfects the air in the room and car interior, neutralizes tobacco smoke. It has a detrimental effect on parasitic skin lesions. Fragrance repellent. Repels mosquitoes.

Application:

1. Incense burners: 3-5 drops per 15 sq. m.

2. Facial steam baths: 1-2 drops, procedure duration 3-7 minutes.

3. Cold inhalations: duration 3-5 minutes.

4. Baths: 3-5 drops.

5. Massage: 3-4 drops per 15 g of carrier oil.

6. Rubbing: 5 drops per 10 g of carrier oil.

7. Enrichment of cosmetic preparations: 3-4 drops per 15 g of base.

8. Applications of pure essential oil on the area affected by scabies and other mites, lichen, mycoses.

9. For head lice: add 5-7 drops of citronella to 15 g of hair washing shampoo. Combing hair with a fine comb lubricated with pure citronella oil.

10. Aroma medallions: 2-3 drops.

Contraindications. Do not use during pregnancy, hyperexcitation, high-grade hypertension. Do not apply to hypersensitive skin. Do not take orally with gastritis, peptic ulcer and high acidity. Check the aroma for individual tolerance.

Feelings. When applied to the skin causes a burning sensation, burning for 3-5 minutes. When inhaled, bouts of sneezing are possible. When ingested, belching of air with a citronella odor may appear, the dosage should be reduced by diluting the essential oil by 4 times. Reactions are natural.

Compatibility: bergamot, ylang-ylang, cajuput tree, lavender, peppermint, neroli, pelargonium, petitgrain, sage officinalis, eucalyptus.

Shelf life: Store in a cool place protected from direct sunlight. Keep away from children and open flame. Shelf life, subject to the tightness of the packaging, is 2 years.

Manufacturer: MiKo LLC, Russian Federation, Kirov, st. Northern Ring 54

Importer in the Republic of Belarus: CHTUP Biobeauty, Minsk, P. Mstislavtsa st.
Little known about Citronella

Usually the smell of citronella causes a persistent wrinkling of the nose and a desire to run further from the vial of the essential oil of this plant. But in vain. Citronella essential oil has a number of beneficial properties. Among them, both well-known (an excellent tool for regulating metabolism and losing weight), and little-known or almost unknown. We will talk about the latter in this article.

The most important qualities of this oil are the ability to treat vegetative-vascular dystonia, anemia, dizziness, attacks of weakness, darkening of the eyes and vestibular disorders, accompanied by hearing loss. If almost everyone knows about the healing properties of geranium oil for the hearing organs, then only a few know that citronella ether restores hearing after otitis media.

Our ancestors believed that the aroma of citronella protects the body from the formation of various tumors. Believe it or not, it’s up to the individual.

And the citronella scent is incredibly invigorating. You will involuntarily feel a surge of recklessness and adventure, forget about depression and various sorrows. In addition, you will want to change everything around, remove the routine from life and start moving forward towards the unknown. Citronella oil will also help you memorize huge amounts of new information. It will improve concentration, increase memory capacity, and you will easily learn everything you want. And citronella will not allow the driver to fall asleep on the road.

In cosmetology, citronella essential oil is used as a tonic and refreshing agent. Perfectly rejuvenates skin and reduces pores .

Citronella will also help in the fight against warts. It is also an excellent remedy for calluses and rough skin.

Athletes and people involved in physical exercises, this essential oil will help warm up and stretch muscles, increase flexibility. After training, it will remove the effects of injuries, remove the symptoms of sports overload.

Did you know that citronella essential oil is an aphrodisiac? Yes Yes. It increases potency and returns sexual activity.

Housewives can add it to the sponge when washing dishes. It will eliminate unpleasant odors such as fish, strong spices. Citronella oil can also be used as a tobacco smoke neutralizer. And in summer, the aroma of citronella will protect you from mosquitoes and various parasites.

Use of citronella essential oil

Aroma burners: 3-5 drops per 15 m2.

Steam baths for the face: 1-2 drops, procedure duration 3-7 minutes.

Cold inhalations: duration 3-5 minutes.

Baths: 3-5 drops.

Massage: 3-4 drops per 15 g base.

Rubbing: 5 drops per 10 g of base.

Enrichment of cosmetic preparations: 3-4 drops per 15 g of base.

Applications with pure essential oil on the area affected by scabies and other mites, lichen, mycoses.

For pediculosis: add 5-7 drops of citronella to 15 g of hair washing shampoo.

Aroma medallions: 2-3 drops.

Oral use: 1 drop of citronella with honey, jam, fresh fruit puree 1-2 times a day. Drink plenty of acidified water, kefir, tea, juices.

Contraindications: Do not use during pregnancy, overexcitation, high-grade hypertension.