The essential oil of citronella comes from the grass plant that hails from the Asian region. Specifically, it comes from two types of citronella. The first one is the Ceylon type, which bears the scientific name of Cymbopogon Nardus and the second one will be the Java type, which bears the scientific name of Cymbopogon Winterianus, through a process of steam distillation. It is widely used, for thousands of years, in places like Sri Lanka, China and Indonesia to address inflammation, which is the root cause of many diseases and health ailments.

Citronella essential oil is actually one of the popular essential oils out there, and it is widely known to be able to repel insects and other pesky creepy crawlies. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labels citronella to be a “biopesticide” which makes it a viable alternative to the range of synthetic insecticides available in the market.

But besides being a potent insecticide agent, citronella oil also contains a whole range of therapeutic properties that can help address a variety of health concerns. Read on to find out more!

Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil:

1. Offers Pain Relief

Just like what has been alluded to earlier, citronella contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help address a variety of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritic conditions, rheumatism and lupus. It thus helps to provide comfort and pain relief from stiff joints and aching muscles.

It also has an abundance of antioxidant properties and it stimulates blood flow to these places, thus serving as a natural remedy for the pain and swelling brought about by these abovementioned conditions. With antispasmodic attributes, citronella also helps soothe any involuntary muscle spasms, convulsions or contractions, which also makes it an effective agent to alleviate menstrual cramps for women.

There has been scientific literature to back up citronella oil’s anti-inflammatory compounds. A 2000 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the geraniol compound in citronella oil exhibited strong antioxidant capabilities that is capable of lowering inflammation and preventing cellular damage.

How to Use it: Combine 2-3 drops of citronella oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and gently massage onto the swollen joints, tissue and muscles. Alternatively, you can add about 5-6 drops of citronella oil in a tub of warm, bathing water for you to soak inside to soothe your aching and sore joints.

2. As a Potent Insect Repellent

As has been alluded to earlier on in the article, citronella essential oil makes for a great insect repellent. In fact, it has been regarded as a gentle, plant-based insect repellent since 1948 in the US. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, citronella oil is able to affect, repel and inhibit the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which is a dangerous mosquito as it is capable of spreading the harmful dengue fever.

Additionally, citronella oil helps to repel head lice and body lice which also makes it a great agent to keep ticks and fleas away from your pets.

How to Use it: However, for citronella oil to be an effective insect repellent, you need to keep on applying the oil onto your skin every 30-60 minutes. Be sure to combine several drops of it with coconut oil before and spread it on your body like lotion. Add the mixture to a spray bottle containing water and you can bring that bottle out for outings or when you will be outdoors for a long period of time.

3. Soothes the Mind

Citronella oil is also a great aromatherapy agent as it is an antidepressant that serves to emotionally uplift your spirits, boost your mood and alleviates stress, tension as well as anxiety to bring about a sense of renewed peace and calmness. In this way, it also helps for those who are suffering from insomnia or difficulty in sleeping since it relaxes and calms your mind down to unwind.

How to Use it: Diffuse citronella oil in your diffuser or vaporizer and place it in your room to relax for the night.

4. Promotes Detoxification

Because citronella is a natural diuretic and diaphoretic, it helps to promote increased sweating and urination. While constantly sweating and urinating might be discomforting, it is ultimately helpful for your body because it serves to remove harmful toxins out from the body, such as urea, uric acid, excess salts, fats and water. As such, it cleanses the body and purifies the blood.

How to Use it: You can add 1-2 drops of pure citronella essential oil into a cup of raw honey, lemon and hot water. Stir well to ensure proper dilution and drink the mixture to improve elimination of excess fats, salts, uric acid and other toxic substances from your body.

5. Protects the Digestive System

Citronella oil also supports the digestive system because of its anti-inflammatory, detoxification and antispasmodic qualities. It helps to cleanse the liver, stomach and the intestines as well as soothes the gastrointestinal and stomach muscle linings. It boosts the digestive system overall and ensures that the digestion process is carried out smoothly.

Coupled with its antibacterial qualities, citronella also helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses within the digestive tracts and can kill worms within the intestines. As such, it helps to prevent a whole range of digestion-related problems such as leaky gut syndrome and infections of the colon, intestines, kidneys, liver and stomach.

How to Use it: Dilute citronella oil with a carrier oil in a 1:1 ratio and rub it on your abdominal area.

6. For Skin Care

Because citronella oil contains antibacterial properties, it also helps to alleviate skin conditions such as acne, eczema and dermatitis by eradicating bacteria on the skin. It can also treat some types of fungal infections and facilitates the speedy recovery of such conditions to promote a much smoother and healthier skin and facial complexion.

Its antioxidant properties also helps to fight off free radical damage, thus preventing the onset of wrinkles and sagging skin, which subsequently helps to prevent ageing skin and maintains the youthful glow on your face. Additionally, citronella oil helps to balance and regulate sebum production as it reduces sebum buildup and calms down oily skin.

How to Use it: To treat acne, you can combine 5 drops of citronella oil and a teaspoon of witch hazel and mix it in a cup of water. If you do not have witch hazel, then you can simply dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. Then, use a cotton swab to apply onto the affected areas. Alternatively, you can add 1-2 drops of the oil into your facial wash products or daily skincare products to reap the beneficial skin effects.

7. As a Natural Deodorizer

Citronella essential oil, with its fresh and citrus-like fragrance that strongly resembles lemon and lemongrass, is a perfect natural deodorizing agent to help get rid of body odors and foul smells brought about by a bacteria buildup on your skin. In fact, citronella is a common ingredient in soaps, candles, perfumes and cosmetics!

Furthermore, citronella oil is a viable alternative to the commercial deodorants available out there in the market, since it contains natural compounds and constituents that will not produce any unwanted side effects. Not only will it get rid of the body odor, but it seeks to eradicate the bacteria that causes such foul smells in the first place, due to its antibacterial nature.

How to Use it: You can actually make your own DIY citronella and lemon deodorant. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder to a bowl and mix well. Then, add in 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, 4 drops of lemon essential oil and another 4 drops of citronella essential oil into the mixture and mix again. Transfer this mix into an empty deodorant container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once refrigerated, it is ready to be used and store in a cool place when you are not using it.

8. Promotes Hair Health

One of the most popular uses of citronella oil is to promote hair health by cleansing the hair and scalp. It helps to eliminate excess grease and oil as well as fights off dandruff and flaky scalp, due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also helps to add volume to the hair and keeps it smooth. If you have coloured hair, then it also helps to protect it against sun damage.

How to Use it: You can add a few drops of the oil into your shampoo and conditioner and use as per normal, or you can dilute the oil with coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio and apply it topically onto your hair and scalp for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Safety Precautions:

• Citronella oil is generally considered to be a safe and non-toxic oil to be used topically on the skin. However, be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba or almond oils) in a 1:1 ratio before topical application.

• Also, perform a skin patch test first to ensure you do not have any sensitive or allergic reactions.

• If you are pregnant or nursing, it is best to consult your doctor first before using citronella oil and other essential oils as a form of treatment.

• Ingestion of citronella oil is only recommended if you purchase a high-quality, top-grade, 100% pure, organic citronella essential oil from a reliable and reputable seller. Only consume it in small dosages and always ensure proper dilution before taking it internally. Also, do consult with your doctor for medical advice before taking citronella oil internally, especially if you have health ailments and are under prescribed medication.

• Citronella oil should not be used on babies and young children because of their delicate skin.

Citronella essential oil blends well with geranium, orange, lemon, peppermint, vanilla, eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils.

References:

Hsu WS, Yen JH, Wang YS, “Formulas of components of citronella oil against mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti)”, Journal of Environmental Science and Health (2013); 48(11)

Choi HS, et al., “Radical-scavenging activities of citrus essential oils and their components: detection using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl”, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2000); 48(9)