Citronella Essential Oil: Uses, Advantages and More!

The aromatic grass belonging to the Cymbopogon genus is what gives citronella essential oil its unprocessed, all-natural, and enduring lemony fragrance. Did you know that lemongrass, a fragrant grass also well-known for its citrus aroma, is derived from the same kind of grass as Citronella?

Although Citronella and Lemongrass both have a similar scent, Citronella essential oil is more well-known for its ability to ward off insects. When used for aromatherapy, the oil is very popularly known for improving mood and fostering pleasant emotions. That's not all, either. Additionally, the oil has potent therapeutic qualities. It is a multipurpose oil that takes care of everything, including avoiding fever from infectious diseases, removing germs and other organisms from the body, improving digestion, and more.

Today, citronella essential oil is highly sought after across the world for its fragrance and nourishing properties for the skin and hair.

What Is the Essential Oil of Citronella?

The stems and leaves of Java and Ceylon, two species of grass in the Cymbopogon family, are steam-distilled to produce citronella essential oil. The oil is described as having a strong lemon-based musky scent with woody undertones. It has a pale yellowish hue. The oil is famous for its therapeutic uses, disinfecting, and deodorizing characteristics and is often used for cosmetic purposes.

Uses and Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

Reduces Inflammation and Pain

Due to its main ingredient citronellal's potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects, this oil is frequently used to reduce pain and inflammation in cases of arthritis and joint pain. It is used to treat neuralgia and severe cramps and spasms since it is a natural vasodilator and has a warming effect. To get relief, mix 2-3 drops of citronella oil with any carrier oil and apply it directly to the sore joints.

Treatment for Digestive Disorders

This oil has strong anti-inflammatory and deworming effects that are effective in getting rid of worms and other microorganisms from the stomach and intestines. It calms the stomach lining and restores equilibrium in the event of food poisoning. Being a natural diuretic, it promotes the production of urine, and the oil's digestive qualities not only aid in digestion but also increase hunger.

Health Benefits for Hair

High levels of methyl isoeugenol and limonene are found in citronella oil. This is quite good in controlling the amount of sebum oil generated by the scalp, preventing greasy hair. It also gets rid of dandruff, moisturizes the dry scalp, and shields against head lice.

Helps You Avoid Fungal Growth

Health risks from fungi infections can be quite significant. Citronella oil has antifungal characteristics that destroy fungi, stop their development, and combat fungal infections, especially in the ear, nose, and throat areas. It aids in the treatment of fungus dysentery.

Reduces Stress

This essential oil's rich supply of sedative, adaptogenic, and other qualities not only elevates mood but also calms and reduces stress. By controlling the stress hormone serotonin, which in turn lessens a variety of anxiety symptoms like restlessness, apprehension, chilly hands, and feet, etc., and bestows a fresh and pleasant mood, it plays a significant role in promoting mental stability.

How to Use Citronella Oil

It can be vaporized in an oil burner or used in a bath. It can be included in water, cream, or massage oil. Use 10 to 18 drops per 30 ml of carrier oil and 6 to 8 drops in each bath.

Constituents

Geraniol (18–20%), limonene (9–11%), methyl isoeugenol (7–11%), citronellol (6–8%), and citronellal (5–15%) are all present in citronella.

Precautions

The side effects of citronella use are: 

• Not advised for women who are nursing or pregnant.

• To prevent skin irritation, citronella essential oil must be thoroughly diluted with a carrier oil.

• Because they are so potent, essential oils can be dangerous to consume. Keep pets and children away from citronella oil.

• Avoid ingesting citronella oil.

• Always use citronella oil in a well-ventilated area when using it as aromatherapy.