Benefits And Uses Of Citronella oil

Citronella oil

A plant that is often used as an ingredient in mosquito repellants, its scent is familiar to people living in tropical climates. Citronella oil is known to have these benefits, let`s to learn how this the citronella oil can help improve your everyday life.

What is citronella oil?

A rich, fresh and uplifting scent that is similar to lemon, citronella oil is a fragrant grass that in French means lemon balm.Citronella oil is extracted through the steam distillation of citronella leaves and stems. This extraction method is the most effective way to capture the [essence" of the plant and helps its benefits shine through.

Benefits of citronella oil

Natural perfume or room spray

Because citronella oil has a clean, fresh scent similar to lemon or lemongrass, 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.

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.

May act as an insect repellant

A natural insect repellent, the scent that citronella oil releases naturally keeps insects away from the skin. Applying it on the skin before going out can help prevent bug bites for peace of mind wherever your day takes you. It`s also effective on lice, body and head louse, and fleas.

Stop fungus from growing

Citronella oil kills fungus and inhibits fungal growth. This is very useful in countering fungal infections in the ear, nose and throat region. it also eliminates fungal infections in other parts of the body as well and helps cure fungal dysentery.

Reduces or prevents fever

Citronella oil can raise the body temperature and increase sweating in the body, thus to achieve the effect of eliminating bacteria and viruses. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also help in eliminating pathogens that may cause fever. Together, these properties ensure that fever is avoided or treated.

Uses of citronella oil

in DIY candles

l Melt soy wax in a pot over low-medium heat while stirring.

l Once melted, add the citronella oil into the mixture.

l Anchor the wick to the bottom of the mason jar using a bit of wax.

l Tape wick upright to a horizontal chopstick to keep it stable.

l Pour wax into mason jar until full.

l Let the wax solidify for about 1 hour.

As an insect repellant

Prepare 2 oz distilled water, 30 drops of citronella oil, 25 drops of peppermint oil, 15 drops of tea tree oil, 1 tsp of jojoba oil and 1 spray bottle.

Then simply combine all the ingredients into the bottle and shake well, spray it on the skin whenever you venture outdoors for a carefree day.

As an aroma

You can diffuse the oil in your home or backyard just like a candle using a diffuser. To make a natural room freshener, put a few drops of oil along with water into a spritzer bottle. You can also inhale the oil directly by sniffing it.

As a topical smear

Before applying citronella oil to your skin, it should be diluted with a Carrier Oil, like coconut or Jojoba Oil, in a 1:1 ratio. Rub the mixture into your skin, or spray some on your clothes and hair. You can also add a few drops of citronella essential oil to your bath, shampoo, soap, lotion or body wash.

Side effects and precautions of citronella oil

When taken by mouth

Citronella oil is commonly consumed in small amounts in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin

Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people.

When inhaled

Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.

Feeding

There isn't enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children

Citronella oil is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Citronella oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin in children over 6 months of age, as long as it doesn't get into the eyes or mouth.