Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus
Common Names: Citronella Oil
Plant Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation from the leaves and stems.
Aroma: Fresh, lemony, and grassy with a slightly sweet and woody undertone.
Appearance:
- Color: Pale yellow to light amber
- Consistency: Thin, watery consistency
- Odor Profile: Fresh, citrusy, and herbaceous, with a sharp, lemon-like scent.
Composition:
Citronellal: Responsible for its strong lemon-like fragrance, with natural insect-repellent properties.
Geraniol: Contributes to its sweet, floral note and has antimicrobial properties.
Linalool: Adds a floral, slightly sweet scent with calming effects.
Cymbopogon: A compound that imparts its grassy aroma and contributes to insect-repelling properties.
Terpinen-4-ol: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Therapeutic Properties:
- Insect Repellent: Its strong citrus scent acts as a natural mosquito and insect repellent.
- Antibacterial: Helps kill or inhibit bacterial growth, making it useful in wound care and hygiene.
- Antifungal: Effective against various fungal infections.
- Antioxidant: Protects the body from oxidative stress and damage from free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and associated pain.
- Astringent: Helps tighten the skin and reduce excess oil production, beneficial for acne-prone skin.
- Mood Uplifting: Known to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress.
- Deodorizing: Acts as a natural air freshener by eliminating unwanted odors.
Citronella essential oil is a natural powerhouse, offering a variety of benefits for both your home and wellness routine. Known for its refreshing, citrusy scent, it’s best known as an effective insect repellent, keeping mosquitoes and other pests at bay. But the benefits don’t stop there—citronella also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for skin care, minor wound healing, and even mood boosting. Whether used in candles, diffusers, or DIY skin products, citronella oil is a versatile and safe alternative to harsh chemicals. Add it to your routine for a natural way to promote relaxation, skin health, and a fresh, pest-free environment.
- Insect Repellent: Add 3-5 drops to a diffuser or dilute with a carrier oil to apply to skin, protecting against mosquitoes and other insects.
- Mood Uplift: Diffuse or inhale to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a refreshing atmosphere.
- Acne Treatment: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to acne-prone skin to balance oil production and prevent breakouts.
- Home Care: Add to cleaning solutions or diffuse to naturally disinfect and freshen your living space.