Citronella essential oil has a soft, sweet lemony aroma. Most commonly known as an insect repellent because it is rich in the biochemical ingredient citronellal. Citronella also has deodorising properties and can be used to clear the mind during periods of self doubt. Can also be used as an air freshener.
- Latin Name
- Cymbopogon Nardus
- Family
- Poaceae (Gramineae)
- Note
- Top to Middle
- Extraction
- Essential Oil by steam distillation of finely chopped fresh, dried or part-dried grass.
- Constituents
- Geraniol, Citronellal, Geranyl Acetate, Limonene, Camphene among others.
- Origin
- China
This wild-growing aromatic perennial hardy grass has a soft sweet lemony aroma. Although most commonly known as an insect repellent, because it is rich in the biochemical ingredient citronellal, it also has deodorising properties and can be used to clear the mind during periods of self doubt.
History
Citronella is used in many cultures for fevers, intestinal parasites, digestive and menstrual problems, it is also traditionally used by the Chinese for rheumatic pain. Widely used in perfumes, soaps, lotions and deodorants and is a popular ingredient in wax candles.
Mixed with cedarwood oil Virginia, citronella is a popular remedy against mosquito attacks and is employed in insect replant formulations for the home and garden.
