- Other Names
- Ceylon Grass, Oleum Siree, Mosquito Grass, and Citronella Grass
- Farming Method
- Certified Organic
- Plant Part
- Aerial Parts
- Country of Origin
- India
- Application Method
- Bath, Diffusion, Inhalation, Massage, and Topical
- Scientific Name
- Cymbopogon nardus
- Extraction Method
- Steam Distilled
About the Plant:
Cymbopogon nardus is a member of the family of grasses (Poaceae), native to Sri Lanka, grown throughout tropical parts of Asia and Africa, and closely resembles Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) in its lovely appearance and sweet aroma. This perennial generally tops out at around 6 feet tall in houseplant situations, while achieving heights of over 8 feet in the wild. The grass can produce beautiful pink or tan blooms in a conducive tropical setting, but rarely blooms when grown as a houseplant. The oil is steam distilled from the aerial parts of the plant through a labor-intensive process and marketed worldwide.
There is a similar but separate species of plant called Cymbopogon winterianus which also yields Citronella Oil but is native to Java and produces different potencies of its most active ingredients citronellal, geraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellol, and limonene. Both species are useful to perfumery and cosmetic markets.
Where It Grows:
Cymbopogon nardus originates from Sri Lanka but is also grown in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, South Sudan, and South Africa. This exotically evocative plant prefers tropical climates but can also be grown as a houseplant or in outdoor botanical situations where certain conditions are met.
Traditional Uses and Lore:
Citronella is a French term meaning “lemon balm” which was coined around the 19th Century after its use had spread to the Western world. For thousands of years before, however, this vital plant was crucial to users throughout Africa, China, India and southern Asia. Since quinine would not be discovered as a treatment for malaria until the 17th Century, ancient users of Citronella relied heavily on its mosquito deterring abilities.*
Citronella was additionally regarded as beneficial in the mitigation of fevers, digestive ailments, headaches, rheumatism, and infections, as well as for its anti-parasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities.* For this reason, it also found its way into culinary and cosmetic applications.* With mentions throughout historical data, as well as in the bible, it is clear that Citronella has been respected epically throughout the epochs.
Citronella has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, therapeutic, housecleaning, and culinary applications and gained popularity throughout the Western world in and around the 1800’s, eventually being registered in the United States as a plant-based insect repellent in 1948.* The Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action.
Other Facts:
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- Scent: Grassy, Citrusy, and Lemony Aroma
- Fragrance Note: Top Note
- Composition: Citronellal, Graniol, Geranyl Acetate, Citronellol, and Limonene
- Family: Poaceae Family
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- USDA Certified Organic
- Deters Insects
- Helps Reduce Fever and Aches
- Support Digestive and Kidney Functions
Citronella Organic Essential Oil is also known for its ability to reduce fever and alleviate headaches in users, as well as exhibiting anti-parasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties when applied topically or via aromatic bath.* With a crisp, refreshing aroma resembling that of Lemongrass, it has been widely used to enhance atmospheric conditions when diffused. Homes, outdoor recreational areas, businesses, and countless other environments have greatly enjoyed the pleasant presence of this delightful oil for its insect deterring and mood enhancing qualities.*
Citronella Essential Oil is relatively well-known to the world of aromatherapy, renowned for its insect deterring capabilities among many others.* While it is closely related to Lemongrass, being a member of the Poaceae family of grasses, it is actually a separate species with its own unique genetic makeup and distinct benefits.
Topical Application (for use on the skin):
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Diffusion / Inhalation (add a few drops to a nebulizer or nasal inhaler):
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Blends Well With:
- Atlas Cedarwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Sweet Globulus Eucalyptus, and Eucalyptus Staigeriana
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Safety Precautions:
- Citronella Essential Oil can cause allergic reaction to the skin of some users.
- It is suggested for first-time users to apply a patch test before applying broadly.
General Safety Precautions:
- Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally.
- Always be careful when using essential oils with children.
- Give them only low doses, or better, consult a qualified aromatherapy expert before using.
- Use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert while pregnant or if you have liver damage, epilepsy, cancer, or other serious health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
While the aroma of Citronella Essential Oil is quite distinct, it also yields a complex variety of results depending upon the user. Some note its relaxing effect on the atmosphere when inhaled, while others describe it as energizing; though, most would agree that its aroma is quite pleasing either way. This works out great for us humans, as it happens to be quite repulsive to pesky mosquitoes and other bugs, which makes it a non-toxic alternative to chemicals like DEET for insect deterrence. Citronella is often used in candles, torches, and lotions / sprays for the same reason.
Citronella oil is widely used as a natural and effective remedy for pain relief, inflammation management, muscle spasms, neuralgia and more. Its major compound — citronellal — has powerful analgesic properties to reduce aches from arthritis or joint pain while being an efficient vasodilator that brings about a warming effect on the body. Moreover it provides protection against skin infections when diluted properly.* Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities Citronella can also be put to use in order to deal with fevers, headaches caused by rheumatoid arthritis.*
This essential oil is a powerhouse of stress-relieving properties, providing both physical and mental benefits. Imbued with the ability to regulate serotonin production, it can help reduce symptoms of restlessness and unease while imparting a sense of calmness that refreshes the spirit for happier times ahead. With regular use, users experience improved moods for ongoing peace of mind!
The following is a list of conditions which Citronella Essential Oil addresses by category:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bottles are filled by volume. Some bottle sizes may not be filled to the top, but do contain the volume of oil specified.
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Click the links below to view GC Analysis: |
Click the links below to view CoA Analysis: |
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Click the link below to view Safety Data Sheet (SDS): |
