Citronella Essential Oil

Latin (Botanical) Name:  Cymbopogon Winterianus

Plant Family:  Poaceae

Common Extraction Method:  Buharla distilasyon

Typically Used Plant Part:  Yaprak

Color:  Clear

Aromatic Characteristic:  Light fruity, fresh and sweet citrus scent

The citronella plant is native to Sri Lanka, but is grown in many tropical regions, particularly Asia. It is an aromatic, perennial, grassy herb. It has been used for centuries in China and Indonesia to treat rashes, infections, and other health conditions.

Today, citronella oil is best known as a natural insect repellent, but its uses and benefits extend beyond repelling insects.

Citronella essential oil is rich in citronellal, geraniol and citronellol components. Thanks to these components, it offers many benefits.

It is widely used in soaps, detergents and cleaning products. It has a calming aroma.

      KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• Citronellal
• Geraniol
• Limonene
• Methyl Isoeugenol
• Camphene
• Citronellol
• Borneol

      BENEFITS

• Natural insect repellent:

Studies have shown that citronella oil helps repel mosquitoes when reapplied frequently [1] [2].

 

• It shows antifungal characteristic:

Studies have shown that citronella oil helps weaken or destroy certain types of fungi that can cause health problems [3] [4] [5].

 

• It supports wound healing:

A study has shown that citronella oil helps speed up the healing of wounds with its antifungal and anti-inflammatory characteristics [6].

 

• It helps to raise the mood:

In the fight against fatigue and mental exhaustion, when citronella is smelled, it helps to relax, eliminate anxiety and reduce mental fatigue by creating a calming environment in some bodies, while helping to create a refreshing effect in some other bodies [7].

 

• It shows antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics [8]:

It helps wounds heal. Helps reduce muscle, bone and joint pain.

      WARNINGS

• IT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL, DIRECT APPLICATION MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying topically. You can do a patch test before using the oil if you want to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.
• FOR EXTERNAL USE, NON-DRINKABLE.
• Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse with plenty of water.
• Do not use the product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
• It is recommended that children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people using medication should consult their doctor before using citronella oil.

 

      ACADEMIC STUDIES

[1] C. Kongkaew, I. Sakunrag, N. Chaiyakunapruk, A. Tawatsin (2011). Effectiveness of citronella preparations in preventing mosquito bites: systematic review of controlled laboratory experimental studies. Trop Med Int Health. 2011 Jul;16(7):802-10.

[2] Yoon J.K., Kim K.C., Cho Y., Gwon Y.D., Cho H.S., Heo Y., Park K., Lee Y.W., Kim M., OhY.K., Kim Y.B. (2015). Comparison of Repellency Effect of Mosquito Repellents for DEET, Citronella, and Fennel Oil.  J Parasitol Res. 2015; 2015: 361021.

[3] Li W.R., Shi Q.S., Ouyang Y.S., Chen Y.B., Duan S.S. (2013). Antifungal effects of citronella oil against Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013 Aug;97(16):7483-92.

[4] S. Pattnaik, V. R. Subramanyam, C. Kole (1996). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios. 1996;86(349):237-46.

[5] Almeida L.F.D, Paula J.F., Almeida R.V.D., Williams D.W., Hebling J., Cavalcanti Y.W. (2016). Efficacy of citronella and cinnamon essential oils on Candida albicans biofilms. Acta Odontol Scand. 2016 Jul;74(5):393-8.

[6] Kandimalla R., Kalita S., Choudhury B., Dash S., Kalita K., Kotoky J. (2016). Chemical Composition and Anti-Candidiasis Mediated Wound Healing Property of Cymbopogon nardus Essential Oil on Chronic Diabetic Wounds. Front Pharmacol. 2016; 7: 198.

[7] Saeki Y., Shiohara M. (2011). Physiological effects of inhaling fragnances. International Journal of Aromatherapy, Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2001, Pages 118-125.

[8] Melo, M.S., Guimarães, A.G., Santana, M.F., Siqueira, R.S., De Lima, A.C.B., Dias, A.S., Santos, M.R.V., Onofre, A.S.C., Quintans, J.S.S., De Sousa, D.P., Almeida, J.R.G.S., Estevam, C.S., Araujo, B.S. and Quintans-Júnior, L.J. (2011). Antiinflammatory and redox-protective activities of citronellal. Biol. Res., 44 (4):363–368.