Breaking the Barriers of Misconceptions about Citronella Oil

If you count yourself among those who care for nature, you must be aware of the fact that most of the insect repellent contains lethal chemicals that are harmful to the individuals as well as environment. Most of the chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons such as DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) when used in the environment as an insect repellent tend to enter in the food chain to become concentrated at the head of the food chain. That is the sole reason why most of the chemical-based insect repellents that were used earlier have been banned now. But, still there are many others insect repellents that are processed by utilizing several kinds of harmful chemicals. So, there is strongly a need of alternative potent insect repellent that is natural as well as biodegradable.

Certain species of lemongrass and cymbopogon genus family are known to provide effective level of protection from those insects that are commonly found in home, gardens and farms. Citronella oil is among the top of this list due to its excellent insect repellent nature. The sweet and lemony fragrance of citronella oil is something that pleases the humans but it seems to be annoying for most of the common insects including mosquitoes, flies, bugs and fireflies.

Brief Introduction to Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is basically an essential oil that is extracted through the process of steam distillation from the freshly harvested leaves and stems of citronella grass that belongs to Cymbopogon genus plant family. As many of the persons are getting more and more familiar with the potential health effects of chemical-based insect repellents, a lot of researchers and individuals are turning towards citronella oil as a more natural alternative to chemical-based insect repellents.

Commercial Products Made of Citronella Oil

Citronella oil has been an ideal choice for the commercial production of insect repellents, personal care cosmetics, food flavors, candles, perfumes, skin lotion and many other products due to its extensive therapeutic properties such as insecticide, diaphoretic, bactericidal, deodorant, antiseptic and stimulant.

USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Report on Citronella Oil

As per Environmental Protection Agency of United States, use of citronella oil is found to be safe with miniature or no toxicity towards humans. The only possible side-effect known from this oil is skin-irritation, only if used in larger quantity. The EPA has stated in its report that “citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.” You may check here:

Different Uses of Citronella Oil:

Apart from commercial production, citronella oil is also globally cherished for use in Do-It-Yourself procedures that ranges from making biodegradable insecticide to aromatherapy and anti-inflammatory ointment to aroma diffuser. A lot of methods are available on internet yet you can find some of its popular use over here. Explore below.

Insect Repellent: Many persons think that citronella oil is potent to kill smaller insects but, it is a myth. This oil does not let you enjoy by killing insects. It works by warding-off them due to its distinct smell that disorients smaller insects like flies and mosquitoes as they don’t seem to like its smell.

• To make your natural insect repellent, prepare a solution of citronella oil in water by mixing in 1ml to 100ml ration. Fill this solution in a spray bottle and mist around the areas where insects are frequently spotted.
• Add a drop of citronella oil in 10 ml of carrier oil. Use this solution to apply over skin for preventing insect bite by keeping them at distance.
• Use a vaporizer to spread its fragrance throughout the room for warding off in-house insects.

Aromatherapy: Owing to its distinct lemony fragrance, citronella oil is considered the best essential oil for activating body and brain cells to relieve various mental complexities including depression, trauma, stress and anxiety for a relaxed feel for hours.

• Smell the aroma of citronella oil directly from the bottle or use this oil for adding in diffuser.
• Strongly dilute citronella oil in carrier oil to process skin-friendly lotion for a comfortable body massage.
• Sniff cotton balls by put a drop of citronella oil for mental alertness and overcoming nervous fatigue because due to its clarifying property.

Heavenly Aroma: Due to the presence of citronellal and geraniol present in citronella oil, it carries a distinct lemony citrus aroma. This unique aroma is quite potent to kill bacteria that generates foul smell and may cause viral infections.

• Put 2 drops of citronella oil in an aroma diffuser and let the fragrance spread out within the interiors.
• Alternatively, try adding 2 drops of citronella oil in your bath water for carrying an effective and all-natural deodorant.

Effectual Astringent: When used in smaller quantities with proper dilution, citronella oil an effective astringent for treating various cuts, athlete’s foot, skin-irritations, allergies, insect bites and other kinds of fungal infections.

• Dilute 2 drops of citronella oil in a cup of water and wipe off affected areas by soaking in cotton ball to ease allergy.

Note: Always do a patch test by using a miniature quantity of citronella oil for checking possible sensitivity.

As of now you have gain enough knowledge of citronella oil for a better home and personal care. It’s the right time to get some real benefits from this natural essential oil. So, break the barriers of misconceptions and rush to your nearest store or browse online to find out some pristine quality unadulterated citronella oil for ascertaining the better health of your family.

Author Bio:

Abhinav Kumar Singh: Abhinav Kumar Singh is a renowned aromatherapist and essential oil educator with 8 years of professional expertise. He has been advocating about the benefits of natural essential oils through writing and speeches to reach out millions through his blogs, articles, and speeches. You can get in-depth detail about citronella oil here @ Citronella Oil .