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Maybe the first thing you think of when learning about Citronella essential oil is bugs flying away from a campsite. It’s true that Citronella oil is an extremely effective insect repellent but it also has a myriad of other aromatherapy uses.
Citronella is commonly used in soaps, detergents and cleaning products. Not only that, but Citronella also has an incredibly calming aroma.
Citronella essential oil is sourced from Java, an island of Indonesia. The citronella plant is native to Sri Lanka, but cultivated throughout many tropical regions. Derived from the perennial and aromatic grass, the essential oil is extracted through steam distillation. The Java oil is the starting material for the isolation of natural geraniol and citronellal.
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon winterianus
Origin: Indonesia
Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Grass
Note: Top - Middle
Family: Poaceae
Synonym: Citronella Java
Blends Well With: Eucalyptus, Lavender, and other camphoraceous and floral aromas
Aroma: Citrusy, sweet, green, and herbaceous
Consistency: Thin
Color: Clear
Safety: Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult physician. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use internally unless instructed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
OK For Kids: 2+
Kids Max Dilution: 1%
Adult Max Dilution: 18.2%
Shelf Life: 2-3 Years
Apply Topically: Our citronella essential oil is 100% pure and undiluted. To apply to the skin, dilute with a high-quality Carrier Oil. Citronella blends well with other citrus essential oils, such as Lemon, Geranium and Eucalyptus. See our dilution chart here. We recommend performing a skin patch test when using a new essential oil topically.
Diffuse & Inhale: Breathe in your favorite Citronella essential oil using an essential oil diffuser or personal pocket inhaler. For instructions on how to use your diffuser, please refer to the diffuser's product page.
DIYs: Explore simple and fun recipes on The Drop, our essential oil blog with expert tips, EO news, and informative reads.
CHEER: Add to a personal inhaler and inhale as needed: 5 drops of Citronella, 5 drops of Tangerine and 5 drops of Grapefruit. Or add Citronella to your Thera Lux Nebulizing Diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes.
CLOSET SPRAY: In a 12 ounce spray bottle add: 3 ounces of Lemongrass hydrosol, 3 ounces of Lavender hydrosol, 3 ounces of Peppermint hydrosol, 3 ounce of witch hazel, 55 drops of Citronella, 40 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus, 25 drops of Geranium and 20 drops of Cedarwood (Atlas). Shake well before each use to disperse essential oils in the water. Shelf life: 1 week
HAIR MASK: In a 2 ounce bottle add: 25 drops of Citronella, 15 drops of Tea Tree, 10 drops of Cedarwood (Atlas) and 10 drops of Lavender to 4 oz of Sesame. Massage into scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap or towel and leave on 6-8 hours. Shampoo hair well. Spritz the hair with 1 part apple cider vinegar 1 part water. Rinse and repeat daily for 5-7 days to help balance scalp problems.
TEEN SKIN: Add to an amber glass bottle: 2 drops of Citronella, 1 drop of Carrot Seed, 4 drops of Frankincense and 3 drops of Lavender (French) with 2 ounces of witch hazel and Polysorbate 20 (manufacturer's recommended amount). Shake well before each use; apply to problem skin as needed to prevent oily skin or redness. (0.8% dilution)
CLEANING SPRAY: Get rid of cleaning products with harmful chemicals and create your own natural cleaning agent with a pleasant scent. To an 8 ounce spray bottle add: 36 drops of Citronella, 40 drops of Peppermint and 22 drops of Tea Tree, then fill with 1/2 water and 1/2 grain alcohol. Shake well before each use to disperse the essential oils. Use to clean surface counters, floors, bathrooms, etc.
INSECT POTPOURRI: Place 2 cups of dried flowers or potpourri in a decorative bowl. Sprinkle: 10-15 drops of Citronella over the dried flowers. Place in any problem areas to discourage mosquitos and other pests.