Citronella essential oil – how to use the oil at home and in the garden?

Given its magical properties, citronella essential oil should be part of the collection of anyone who values its beneficial effects on health and well-being. What should a prospective owner of citronella essential oil know?

The properties of citronella oil – how does it affect our health and wellbeing?

As well as its distinctive citrus scent, citronella essential oil also has a range of beneficial properties. Specific properties such as its ability to reduce inflammation, combined with its antibacterial properties and its ability to stimulate the body to produce more sweat, make it worth using for all kinds of colds or fevers. Another extremely important property of this oil is its ability to improve mood and reduce stress. This property may prove particularly valuable for people struggling with anxiety or depression.

Interestingly, citronella oil has both stimulating and calming effects. In addition, citronella also possesses scientifically proven antifungal properties. This remedy is also recommended for people struggling with skin problems such as acne. This oil helps to reduce feelings of tiredness. Citronella oil may also prove effective in alleviating unwanted digestive symptoms.

What does citronella oil smell like?

This oil is highly prized for its beautiful scent. It can best be described as a combination of a grassy scent reminiscent of summer, with a citrus note that provides freshness and invigoration. The fact that this oil has repellent properties does not mean that the aroma is in any way unpleasant. On the contrary, it is a pleasant, citrusy scent. Proof of this oil’s appealing fragrance is the fact that it is used as a natural deodorant, as well as a natural air freshener designed to bring a sense of freshness to a room. The scent of the oil stems from its source: tropical grass.

Uses of citronella oil – an alternative to chemical insect repellents, skin care

Citronella oil has an extremely wide range of uses – it can be used in aromatherapy, but also as a bath additive or an additional source of relaxation whilst spending time in the sauna. A massage using this oil will also provide pleasant relaxation. Citronella oil has a wonderful effect on the condition of the skin. For this reason, it makes an excellent addition to homemade cosmetics. Adding 1–3 drops to your favourite cosmetic product and mixing it in thoroughly should provide effective help in combating acne and discolouration.

Its pleasant lemony scent means that a few drops of the oil are ideal as an addition to a homemade cleaning product. Interestingly, one property that is frequently highlighted in the literature is its ability to repel ticks and various insects. Interestingly, this solution also works well for pets at risk from ticks or fleas; however, it is important to remember to dilute it properly with water. The ratio should be 1:10. Placing this oil in a diffuser can help reduce headaches, stress or period pain, but this is not the only benefit of this solution. Furthermore, those struggling with large numbers of mosquitoes or flies can easily get rid of them by diffusing a pleasant scent throughout the room. Citronella essential oil is also an ideal remedy for fungal infections. Before applying the solution to the infected area, it should be diluted in another carrier oil. Using this oil may also have a slight effect in combating aphids. This oil may prove effective in cases of exposure to excessive UV radiation, as well as when there is excessively high pressure inside the eyeball.

Citronella oil for ticks?

Citronella oil is known for its insect- and tick-repelling properties. A tick bite can be extremely dangerous for both humans and animals. When spending many hours in areas such as wild meadows, where the risk of being bitten is particularly high, it is worth reapplying the oil several times. This will help to avoid potential consequences such as, amongst others,

• tick-borne encephalitis,
• the appearance of a rash,
• contracting tick-borne fever,
• the onset of breathing difficulties, as well as
• the onset of Lyme disease, which can result in feeling unwell and muscle pain, but also in meningitis or nerve inflammation, which in extreme cases can even lead to death.
  
  The effects of such a bite may be felt even years after it occurs.

Does citronella work against mosquitoes?

One study has shown that applying a few drops of the oil to specific areas of the skin should effectively protect against mosquito bites for at least 2 hours. Furthermore, its effectiveness is demonstrated by the fact that it has been registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency for this very purpose.

It is worth noting that its high level of effectiveness does not imply high toxicity. On the contrary, it has been registered precisely because of its relatively low environmental impact. Mosquito bites can be itchy and unpleasant, so it is worth taking advantage of the opportunity to repel them by applying a few drops of the oil to the skin. In addition, it is worth using a diffuser to spread a pleasant, slightly sweet, citrusy scent throughout the room. This will have a soothing effect on your well-being, whilst also improving your quality of life by getting rid of the mosquitoes that disrupt your sleep.

Using citronella essential oil during pregnancy

Although essential oils have numerous health benefits, many of them, unfortunately, must not be used during pregnancy. The situation is no different in the case of citronella oil. The main contraindication for this oil is its properties, which may induce menstruation. Furthermore, during this special time in a woman’s life, this product may cause irritation to her delicate skin. If you wish to use citronella oil, you must consult your doctor or seek advice from a pharmacist.

"How to repel mosquitoes using natural methods? Scientifically proven facts" – Karina Schönknecht, PRONATURE, 2020.

“The role of aromatherapy in medicine”– Zygmunt Zdrojewicz, Katarzyna Minczakowska, Krzysztof Klepacki, Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, 2014.

“The use of essential oils in plant protection against pests in the light of the latest literature”– Agnieszka Dutka, Advances in Plant Protection 53 (1), 2013.

“Effects of Inhaled Citronella Oil and Related Compounds on Rat Body Weight and Brown Adipose Tissue Sympathetic Nerve”– Irmanida Batubara, Irma H. Suparto, Siti Sa’diah, Ryunosuke Matsuoka, Tohru Mitsunaga, Trusted Source, 2015.