Citronella oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the citronella grass using steam distillation. It has been widely used in Asian countries like China and Indonesia. It has many benefits most notable being its use as a natural insect repellent. It also offers a slew of other beneficial effects due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.
Benefits and Uses of Citronella oil
Citronella oil is a multi-purpose, essential oil which has a variety of different uses some of which include. You can check out Anveya's Citronella Essential Oil, it is therapeutic for your skin and hair ensuring they feel and look happy as well as healthy. Wards off Insect too.
ANVEYA CITRONELLA OIL, 100% PURE, 15ML
- Natural MOSQUITO REPELLENT
- MUSCLE RELIEF: Helps to rejuvenate the muscles cells and destress them
- Hair Health & LICE Relief
- Pleasant aroma for use in AROMATHERAPY
1. Natural Perfume or Room Spray
Citronella oil has been used in aromatherapy due to its lemongrass-like scent. Also, it has found widespread use in candles, soaps, perfumes and other cosmetics owing to its pleasant aroma. Citronella oil works as a natural room freshener and perfume without exposing your body to the debilitating effects of commercially available chemical deodorants and room fresheners.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons coconut or jojoba oil
- 3 drops of citronella essential oil
How to Use
- Mix all of the above ingredients in a glass bottle sprayer, apply the deodorant directly on the skin.
- It’s best to use on clean skin so use after a bath or a shower.
2. Eliminates Toxins
Citronella oil is known to have detoxifying abilities. It can be used to soothe the problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Ingredients
- 4-5 drops of citronella oil
- 3 ml of sesame seed oil
How to Use
- Massaging the affected areas using a mix of 5 drops of citronella oil and 3 ml of sesame oil will help in reducing inflammation.
3. Fights Depression
Research has shown that the citrus-like the scent of citronella oil appears to activate both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity which is why citronella oil can help in fighting depression.
How to Use
- Since its stress-relieving properties are linked to its fragrance try diffusing citronella oil in your house or at work to counteract stress.
Also Read : 10 Effective Essential Oils For Depression
4. Kitchen Cleaner
Citronella oil can be used to clean household surfaces because of its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. This becomes incredibly useful in cleaning the kitchen as it can effectively get rid of bacterias from food crumbs. It has the added bonus of adding a fragrant aroma in the air after cleaning.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
- 2-5 drops citronella essential oil
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 cup of water
How to Use
- Take a spray bottle and fill it up to 3/4th with water then add the rest of the ingredients.
- Replace cap and shake well before use.
5. All-Natural Insect Repellant
The most popular way of using citronella oil is as a natural insect repellant. It has also shown its effectiveness as a mosquito repellant specifically against the dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are vectors for several viruses including dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus and the Zika virus.
Ingredients
- 60 ml ounces purified water (or boiled water)
- 45 ml witch hazel
- 20 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
How to Use
- In a spray bottle add the purified water then pour the witch hazel and all the oils and shake well after closing the lid.
- Spray on exposed skin and even your clothes to prevent insect bites. Avoid spraying into your eyes.
Also Read : Citronella Oil for Mosquito Repellent - Need to Know About
6. Reduces Fever
Citronella oil can help reduce fevers due to its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and diaphoretic effects. Its diaphoretic and diuretic nature helps in flushing out toxins from the body hence decreasing body temperature. Its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory nature can help kill any bacteria which are responsible for the fever.
How to Use
- Add a few drops of citronella oil to a diffuser or vaporizer.
- Also, you can calm down a fever by diluting a few drops of citronella oil in water, dipping a cloth in the infusion and using the cloth on your forehead to reduce fever.
7. Anti-Inflammatory, Pain Reducer
Citronella oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. and hence is effective in relieving joint pain and soreness.
Ingredients
- Few drops of citronella oil
- Few drops of carrier oil like olive oil, sweet almond oil or coconut oil
How to Use
- Mix a few drops of citronella oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil or coconut oil.
- Use the mixture to massage affected areas like swollen and painful joints and muscles.
8. Natural Conditioner
Commercially available conditioners contain harmful chemicals that can harm your hair in the long-term. Instead, citronella oil offers a natural solution to clean and condition your scalp. It can help in eliminating greasy hair along-with fighting dandruff and keeping the scalp healthy.
How to Use
Mix a few drops of citronella oil with almond or coconut oil and massage it into the scalp. It can be kept overnight or washed immediately. To use it as a conditioner you can apply a few drops of this mixture to your hair by rubbing it through the ends with your fingertips.
9. Acts as a Tonic
Citronella can be used as hair and facial tonic. Citronella has antiseptic properties and in addition to getting rid of oily skin, it also gets rid of acne-promoting bacteria. Citronella oil use on the skin should be after it has been diluted with either water or another carrier oil.
How to Use
- To use it as a facial tonic just dilute citronella oil in water and apply it as a facial tonic after a bath.
- To use citronella for your hair just add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo to make your hair voluminous.
10. Uplifts Mood and Reduces Stress
Citronella oil has a fragrant aroma which is known to have a relaxing effect. Thus, it's an effective way to relieve stress naturally.
How to Use
- Use a vaporizer or diffuser to diffuse a few drops of citronella oil in the air either at work or at home.
11. Prevents Stomach Disorders
Citronella oil contains geraniol which has shown to possess anti-helminthic activity. This means that citronella oil can be used to repel parasitic intestinal worms. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory nature helps in reducing inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Hence it contributes to an overall smooth functioning digestive system.
Ingredients
- 1-2 drops of citronella oil
- 3 ml of sesame seed oil
How to Use
- Add a few drops of citronella oil to a diffuser or vaporizer.
- Also, 2 drops of citronella oil mixed with a few ml of sesame oil used to massage your abdominal area can assist in killing intestinal parasites leading to a healthy, normal digestive functioning.
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