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.
Today, citronella essential oil is probably best known as a natural insect repellent, but citronella oil uses and benefits extend beyond keeping bugs at bay. From citronella oil for home use to skincare and aromatherapy, it has become a popular choice for those exploring plant-based pest control and holistic wellness.
In this article, we’ll explore citronella oil benefits, citronella oil daily use, how you can use it, and is it safe to use citronella oil daily.
What Is Citronella Essential Oil?
The Citronella Essential oil is derived from the steam distillation of stems and leaves of two species of grass belonging to the Cymbopogon family - Java and Ceylon. The oil has a pale yellowish hue, and its scent is described as intense lemon-based musky combined with woody undertones.
The oil is widely used for cosmetic purposes and is renowned for its topical applications, disinfecting as well as deodorizing properties. Did you know that the scent of Citronella keeps bugs away, making it one of the most effective citronella oil natural insect repellent solutions?
Next, let us dive into the benefits the Citronella essential oil provides.
What are the benefits of citronella oil?
For centuries, citronella has been used for a variety of purposes, including:
-
as an insect repellent (citronella oil for mosquito 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.
For Skincare
Citronella oil skin use, when applied topically in general, can eradicate offensive body odor and fabricate a fresh deodorizing scent. It inhibits the broadening of odor-producing bacteria. This quality makes it an ideal ingredient in numerous perfumes, soaps, and body sprays.
Citronella essential oil can collectively balance the oil production of the body and boosts the skin’s ability to absorb moisture. It can facilitate the healing process of the skin and alleviate conditions like eczema, acne, and dermatitis. The wound healing properties of the oil make it a classic product to be applied to bug bites, sores, warts, or fungal infections.
The citronella oil daily application can decelerate the aging signs of the skin, making it a must-ingredient for anti-aging utilities.
For Haircare
Did you know that oily hair can be managed by using Citronella essential oil? The oil’s ability to regulate the sebum production of the scalp, along with deep cleansing qualities, makes it an effective product for controlling oily hair. Using Citronella essential oil on the hair can also reduce the build-up of environmental pollutants, along with cleansing out the residue of other hair products.
One could utilize Citronella essential oil for nourishing and conditioning the hair. At the same time, it even enhances the luster by providing adequate hydration.
For Aromatherapy
Citronella oil for home use could be utilized for its aromatherapeutic qualities as it can instantly augment the feeling of optimism, enhance mental clarity, and induce liveliness in the individual inhaling the scent of the oil.
This oil, when sprayed in the air, can also eradicate the formation or growth of airborne bacteria. It is reputed to ease anxiety, uplift the mood as Citronella essential oil instills a calming and relaxing effect on the body and the mind.
An Insect Repellant
Since ancient times, Citronella essential oil has been considered a natural insect repellent. It wards off bugs and flying insects like mosquitoes. The ingredients of this oil make it ideal to be utilized as an organic, DIY insect repellent. It is proven to be safe for the skin and causes no side effects on inhalation, unlike the present insect repellents available in the market.
This oil is stated to have higher efficacy and low-toxic components. Apart from this, the oil is also known to keep live-stock and pests safe from tick infestation.
How to use?
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:
-
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.
-
Optional step: Essential oils don’t dissolve in water. Consider adding a dispersing agent such as Solubol to your solution.
-
Shake the bottle well before spraying.
This method supports DIY citronella oil daily benefits for home freshness and insect control.
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. Citronella oil daily use includes following 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 applying to the skin.
Here’s how to make a citronella massage oil or lotion.
-
Dilute citronella oil in a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or castor oil.
-
Add 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil for a 2.5 percent dilution.
-
For sensitive skin, use a one percent solution.
To make a cream or lotion:
-
Dilute citronella oil in an unscented cream or lotion.
-
Use 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).
Other Essential Oils That Pair Well with Citronella
To enhance benefits, citronella oil is often blended with:
-
Lavender Essential Oil – calming & skin-soothing
-
Eucalyptus Essential Oil – respiratory & insect-repelling support
-
Tea Tree Essential Oil – antifungal & antibacterial
-
Peppermint Essential Oil – cooling & refreshing
Safety tips
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.
Conclusion
Citronella essential oil is not only a natural insect repellent. Since citronella oil can be applied to the skin and used on hair as well as in aromatherapy and as a home use product, it is so versatile that it adds a lot of value to daily wellness regimens. The benefits of citronella oil can be enjoyed safely and effectively when used properly and on a daily moderate basis of freshness, hygiene, mood enhancement, and as a pest control to the plants.
Nevertheless, as with any necessary oil, a conscious use is important. To maximize the advantages of the product and avoid the unwanted side effects, it is vital to understand the correct dilution, the method of application, and safety measures.
In case you are interested in the pure and high-quality citronella essential oil at reasonable prices, SIVA Organics is the place that you should visit to find a variety of natural essential oils produced and treated with care. Be it a DIY bug spray, a better skincare, or a brand new practice in aromatherapy, SIVA Organics makes it easier to settle on the natural, effective, and accessible wellness.