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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.
A 2015 report published in Rural Remote Health states, “The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal.”
Research published in the Israel Medical Association Journal also shows that citronella works to help prevent head lice, too. It may also prevent flies and ticks from biting you to some degree.
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.
2. Can Help Manage Inflammation and Pain
Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress.
A 2000 review published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry studied 34 different citrus essential oils and their components for radical-scavenging activities. Researchers found that many citrus volatile components, including the main type found in citronella called geraniol, had high antioxidant capabilities for fighting free radicals that can cause disease and cellular damage.
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
FOB Price: US $0.5 - 9,999 / Piece
Min.Order Quantity: 100 Piece/Pieces
Supply Ability: 10000 Piece/Pieces per Month
