Oil Spotlight: Citronella
No one likes uninvited pest guests, and with Citronella essential oil, you can repel them naturally!
Citronella helps mask human scents that often attract insects. Whether you’re tackling a favorite hike or relaxing with friends at an outdoor BBQ, Citronella is a great essential oil to have on hand. Plus, it has cleansing properties, making it an awesome addition to your natural household cleaners. With all these incredible uses, Citronella is an essential oil you want in your collection.
Citronella Uses and Benefits
While Citronella essential oil can be used in a plethora of ways, let’s first talk about what it’s most known for: repelling pesky insects. Diffuse Citronella while you’re outdoors to ward off insects, especially mosquitoes. With this essential oil, bugs won’t ruin your plans with friends and family. It’s great for outdoor and indoor diffusing, providing a beautiful scent you’ll love. Combine with Peppermint and Grapefruit essential oils for a diffuser blend that will make you smile.
Besides diffusing, you can use Citronella essential oil topically to discourage insects from coming anywhere near. All you have to do is apply Citronella to the skin, diluting with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Using it with Fractionated Coconut Oil will help minimize skin sensitivity and keep the scent of Citronella on your skin longer. Not only will Citronella help repel pests, but it’ll also offer a sweet, floral scent. Pack it with you on your next outdoor adventure
On top of warding off bugs, Citronella essential oil also has powerful cleansing benefits. This makes it fantastic to use around the home. Just add three to four drops of Citronella to a glass spray bottle full of water and spritz it onto surfaces. You’ll adore the cleansing it provides and the fresh scent it leaves behind.
You can also use Citronella essential oil to give your hair some cleansing. Simply add a drop to your shampoo or conditioner to boost cleansing, while also adding some sparkle. It’s a natural way to show your hair some love.
Plant Description
Citronella, or Cymbopogon winterianus, is a tall grass native to Asia. It has thin, bright green blades that give off a crisp and fresh aroma. doTERRA sources Citronella essential oil from Indonesia, collecting it from distilled citronella leaves.
Fun Fact:
It takes approximately 3.5 pounds of citronella plant matter to produce a 15 mL bottle of Citronella essential oil.*
Chemistry of Citronella
Main Chemical Components: Citronellol, Geraniol
Citronella contains powerful chemical constituents, one being citronellol. Citronellol is a monoterpene alcohol that’s thought to contribute to Citronella’s ability to repel insects. It’s also been researched for its cleansing skin and hair benefits.
Additionally, Citronella essential oil contains geraniol. Geraniol is an alcohol known for its cleansing properties, which is what allows Citronella to serve as a powerful surface cleanser.
These two remarkable chemical constituents are what give Citronella its incredible benefits.
Oils That Blend Well with Citronella
While Citronella can pack a punch on its own, it also works well with other essential oils, including Cassia, Cilantro, Ginger, Geranium, and Bergamot. Combining any of these essential oils with Citronella in your diffuser is sure to create a refreshing scent you’ll love. .
Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity, Keep out of reach of children. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult with your physician. Avoid contact with the eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
*Varies by season, region, year, and other variables. For US market use only.