The health benefits of Citronella essential oil are many. For example, Citronella is a common ingredient in many commercial insect repellents used to protect against mosquitoes and other insects that can transmit disease. It has also been effective for use as an anti-inflammatory agent. Citronella is derived from the leaves of the lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon nardus). which grows in tropical climates. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation or solvent extraction methods.
What is Citronella Essential Oil?
Citronella oil contains about 80% monoterpenes. with geraniol the most abundant component at approximately 50%. Geraniol is responsible for the characteristic odor of citronella oil. Other components include linalool, nerol, myrcene, limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, gamma pinene, delta terpinen-4-ol, phellandrene, caryophyllene, humulene, sabinene, and eucalyptol.
History of Citronella Essential Oil
The first recorded use of citronella was in ancient Egypt, where it was burned as incense to ward off evil spirits. In India, citronella oil has long been used as a mosquito repellent. In India, they believed that citronella essential oil had medicinal properties and could treat colds and fevers. They would put a few drops on their hands before going into the fields to work. Today citronella oil is being used as a natural insect repellent.
Some Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil
Insect Repellant
Citronella oil is one of the best-known insect repellants available today. It works very well as a mosquito repellant. Its effectiveness is due to its pleasant aroma and the fact that it is non-toxic. It is safe for children, adults, pets, and even animals. Many different citronella products are available, such as sprays, lotions, candles, scented oils, and more. They all contain citronella oil. Citronella essential oil usually comes in a clear glass bottle with a dropper cap.
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Citronellal is another crucial constituent of citronella oil and is often the active ingredient. Studies have shown that citronellal has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it helpful in treating conditions like arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. It may also help reduce swelling after surgery. Usually, you will find citronellal listed on the label of any product containing citronella oil.
In most cases, the concentration of citronellal in these products is less than 1 %. For example. If you buy a spray containing 10 ml of citronella oil. you will get 2.5 ml of citronella essential oil. This means that only 0.25% of the total amount of the product is made up of citronellal. You can get citronella oil without citronellal if you want to avoid the unpleasant smell.
Natural Deodorant
The citrus fragrance is not only associated with perfume but also with deodorants. Citrus fragrances are commonly added to antiperspirants and deodorants because they provide a fresh scent. Many people prefer this type of smell over the chemical smells of some deodorants. Aromatherapy Associates offers several citrus-based products that contain citronella essential oil. One of them is called “Fresh Start.” which contains citronella oil. lemon oil. and orange oil. Another is called “Natural Freshness.”This is an organic deodorant that contains citronella oil and lemongrass. You usually will find citronella oil listed on the label of these products.
Skin Care Products
Citronella essential oil is widely recognized as having skincare benefits. It helps soothe irritated or dry skin. It is especially good at soothing sunburned skin. It can also be applied topically to relieve minor aches and pains. When it comes to citronella essential oil. there are two main types. The first is pure citronella oil. This is usually sold in small bottles. The second is diluted citronella oil. Diluted citronella oil is sold in larger containers. Both types of citronella oil are effective. However, if you choose to dilute your citronella oil. be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Antiseptic Spray
Citronella essential oil is excellent for cleaning wounds. It kills bacteria and viruses and prevents infections from forming. Medical professionals use it to clean cuts and scrapes. It is also used to disinfect surfaces and equipment. Some companies sell citronella essential oil in aerosol form. These sprays are designed to kill germs and insects when sprayed onto the surface. Spraying citronella oil into the air is also helpful in killing mosquitoes. For instance, if you live near a lake: spray citronella oil into it to keep mosquitos away.
Candles
Candlemakers use citronella essential oil to make candles. They add it to their wax to create a pleasant scent. Many different scents are available, including peppermint, orange, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Candles made using citronella essential oil burn cleaner than those made with other oils. The candle does not smoke as much since citronella burns cooler than other oils. For example, candles made with citronella essential oil do not give off the strong odor that candles made with other oils produce.
Lift Mood or Fight Fatigue.
Citronella essential oil has been studied extensively. Its effects on humans are well known. Research shows that citronella essential oil has both sedative and stimulatory effects. It is used to treat insomnia. It can also be used to relax muscles and calm nerves. It is sometimes combined with lavender to make a relaxing massage oil. This combination is often referred to as “Lavender-Citronella.”For example. If you have trouble falling asleep, you may want to try applying a few drops of Lavender-Citronellal to your pillowcase before going to bed. You might also want to try putting a drop or two on your wrists. Once you fall asleep remove the drops and wash your hands. Doing this should help you sleep better.
There are several health benefits to using Citronella essential oil. It has been shown to reduce stress levels and ease tension. It can also help treat insomnia. As always, talk to your doctor first before trying any new product.
