Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella plant is known as Cymbopogon plant, belonging to the lemongrass family. Citronella oil can be derived from two varieties, such as the Ceylon variety, botanically known as Cymbopogon nardus, while the other is the Java variety, scientifically termed as Cymbopogon wintarianus. It grows in Asian countries and also in the South Pacific. Due to its rich, crispy lemony aroma, it bears the name. Citronella oil is most commonly used as a mosquito repellent. In foods and beverages, citronella oil is used as a flavoring. In manufacturing, It is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps.

Extraction:

Citronella oil is obtained from the fresh plants of Cymbopogon through the steam distillation method.

Composition:

Its main constituents are citronella, geraniol, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, beta-bourbonene, geranyl acetate, elemol, L-borneol, linalool and nerol.

Properties:

Citronella oil is slightly yellow and colorless in color. It has a grassy and lemon scent.

Blending:

Pure Citronella oil blends well with other essential oils such as cedar wood, clary sage, tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, peppermint and rosemary.

Uses & Benefits of Citronella Oil 

1. Citronella is used as a mosquito repellent; it prevents mosquito bites.
2. Citronella has anti-fungal properties, so it inhibits or suppresses fungal growth in the ear, nose and throat regions.
3. It is used in aromatherapy as it induces positivity and happiness in the mind, uplifts spirit and provides relief from stress as it reduces blood pressure, heart rate and also breathing rate.
4. It is added to flavor in foods, baked foods and beverages.
5. It is effective against infections in wounds; it also protects the colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate and kidneys from infections.
6. It helps in relieving spasms of the muscles, respiratory system and nervous system and prevents menstrual spasms as well.
7. It has anti-inflammatory properties; it reduces inflammation of the liver, stomach and other parts of the digestive system.
8. It is used in deodorants and in body sprays. Citronella essential oil has a refreshing and body odor- removing property.
9. It is diuretic, increases urination and eliminates toxins and disposes of body wastes from the body.
10. It increases sweating and promotes the removal of toxins and provides a lighter feeling and healthy skin to the body.
11. It is effective against fever and also brings down the temperature.
12. It maintains the function of the stomach properly and also clears stomach infections.
13. It is a stimulant as it stimulates blood circulation, immune mechanisms and metabolism of the body, secretions & discharges of hormones and enzymes from glands, brain and also encourages activity of the nervous system.
14. It tones up digestion, excretion, the nervous system and the brain.
15. It kills intestinal worms, roundworms and tapeworms.

Safety and Precautions:

Specifications:

Color: Light yellow

Odor: Strong odor of citronella.

Botanical Source: Cymbopogon Winterianus Jowitt

Chemical Properties:

Specific Gravity: 0.840  0.900

Optical Rotation: +4° - -2°

Refractive Index: 1.445  1.478

Solubility: Soluble in 0.8 to 1.5 vol. of 80% alcohol

Storage: In a well-fitted container in cool and dark place.