Citronella oil

Citronella oil

As a concentrated form of antioxidants and phytochemicals taken from the plant’s stems and leaves, citronella oil has been used for centuries in China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its uses include helping to decrease rashes, inflammation, infections, pain and more. What is citronella? The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. It’s most commonly used as a natural fragrant oil, in insect repellents, as well as in beauty, household and perfume products. According to scientific research, pure citronella essential oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities. With these potent properties, is citronella oil harmful to humans? Not when it’s used properly! In fact, the most popular use for citronella is as an ingredient in homemade or commercially made bug sprays, since it naturally repels various insects — and insect repellent is just one of citronella’s many possible uses.

Benefits

 What is citronella good for? Here are some of its many benefits and uses:

1. All-Natural Insect Repellent

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers citronella to be a biopesticide. That means it’s a natural “nontoxic mode of action” against potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes. What insects does citronella oil repel? Is citronella oil effective against mosquitoes? Citronella has been registered as a gentle, plant-based bug spray ingredient in the U.S. since 1948. It has been shown to repel dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading dengue fever and the Zika virus. Because it can ward off mosquitoes, it may also protect against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, filariasis, chikungunya virus, yellow fever and dengue. According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 30–60 minutes for its bug-deterring effects to last. You can combine several drops with coconut oil and spread it on your body like lotion, or add some to a spray bottle with water and cover your skin, hair and clothes. Using concentrated oil seems to be more effective against bug bites compared to burning commercial citronella candles, which tend to only be made with limited amounts of actual essential oils.

1. Can Help Manage Inflammation and Pain

Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress. Due to its antioxidant properties, citronella can be used as a natural pain-relieving treatment. It can help with management of inflammation and painful symptoms like joint aches. Combine several (two to three) drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it into swollen joints, tissue and muscles.

1. Uplifting and Stress-Reducing

Citronella has a citrusy scent that can be both uplifting and relaxing. In fact, research has shown that citronella essential oil seems to activate both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity, which is beneficial for management of anxiety. Citronella can contribute to natural stress relief when you diffuse it in your home or office to counteract a rough day. When inhaled, it can encourage relaxation, invigoration and pleasant memories, and it may even reduce trouble sleeping and depression. Some animal studies have even shown that inhalation of citronella can help reduce appetite and potentially body weight, perhaps by reducing stress-related cravings.

1. Can Help Destroy Parasites

 Citronella oil is used to expel worms and parasites from the intestines. In vitro research shows that geraniol also has strong anti-helminthic activity. This means it effectively expels parasitic worms and other internal parasites by either stunning or killing them without causing any damage to the host. This is precisely the reason that citronella is used to prevent both internal and external infections and why it can play a central role in a parasite cleanse.

1. Natural Perfume or Room Spray

Because it has a clean, fresh scent similar to lemon or lemongrass, citronella is a common ingredient in soaps, candles, incense, perfumes and cosmetics. You can naturally deodorize your home, dishwasher, refrigerator and laundry machine by diffusing citronella essential oil or running a cycle of your household appliances with a few drops of included.

1. Kitchen Cleaner

Proven to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, citronella oil can be used to help clean your kitchen, bathroom or household surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals.

1. Natural Antifungal and Antibacterial Effects

Aside from keeping away bug bites, citronella can work as a natural skin care aid by killing off bacteria and fungus. Being both an antibacterial and antifungal essential oil, citronella can help with many common skin complaints, including athlete’s foot and acne. Citronella essential oil has also specifically been shown to kill off candida fungus. Candida can contribute to many skin concerns, such as nail infections. Additionally, studies have found that it it can be used in mouthwashes to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, and it has a lower cytotoxic effect and higher action compared to some other commercial solutions. To use citronella oil topically, always dilute it in a 1:1 ration with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. As an easy-to-make home remedy for acne, try dabbing one drop of pure citronella essential oil mixed with one drop of coconut oil on blemishes three times a day using a sterile cotton swab.

1. Pet Controller

Although it might sound strange, rather than using an electric shock, citronella oil can help get dogs to stop barking. This is why there are anti-barking collars that contain citronella. According to the ASPCA, research has shown that a citronella collar can be at least as effective for eliminating barking as an electronic collar, and it’s typically viewed more positively by dog owners. You can also use citronella to keep your dogs off of furniture. As a bonus, when you spray citronella on your furniture or linens, it keeps them free from bacteria, pests and odors. Add several drops to a spray bottle along with water, shake it up and spray it throughout your home and on household items. Is citronella oil poisonous to cats? Cats are known to be more sensitive to citronella than dogs, so it’s not recommended to use it around cats.

1. Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

 One of the most popular uses for citronella oil is cleansing and conditioning the hair and scalp. It can help eliminate excess oil and greasiness of hair while adding shine. Many people find it adds volume to hair and helps detangle knots. To use citronella oil for hair, add several drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or try making your own homemade recipe using a cleansing oil like coconut oil, which also benefits hair.

If you want to know more about citronella essential oil, please feel free to contact me.We are Ji’an ZhongXiang Natural Plants Co.,Ltd.