Citronella (and Citronella Organic)
- Latin name: Cymbopogon winterianus
- Aroma Description: This very fresh scent is similar to a lemony-type smell, but it softer with subtle wood tones.
Therapeutic benefits
- Promotes a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
- Supports a healthy respiratory system.
- Helps dispel negative emotions.
- Supports a healthy immune system when seasonal threats attack.
- Helps relieves the aches and discomfort associated with aging joints.
- When you need to protect yourself from outdoor annoyances, this essential oil is one of the best essential oils to use as a natural barrier.
Kidsafe?
Yes, this oil is KidSafe!
Dilution instructions:
We recommended a maximum dilution range of 1-3%.
Diffusion instructions:
Diffuse a few drops in your aromatherapy inhaler to enjoy its therapeutic effects. To help support the body during a cold, diffuse into the air equal parts of Citronella and Cinnamon Leaf.
Where Citronella is used on the body:
This oil has a very strong scent. Often times a 1% dilution is all that is necessary for a topical application. It can be added to deodorants or blended with other oils to support healthy feet and toenails.
Oils to blend with:
Bergamot, Cedarwood Virginian, Geranium Egyptian, Lavender, Lemon, Orange Sweet, and Pine Scots.
Outdoor Spray DIY:
What you’ll need:
- 3 oz Everclear (Highest Proof Possible)
- 1 oz Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 40 drops Citronella
- 15 drops Geranium Bourbon
- 10 drops Rosalina
- 5 drops Patchouli
What you’ll do:
Mix all ingredients in 4 oz Spray Bottle. Shake well before each use.
Why doesn’t your recipe say to solubolize the essential oils in Everclear for at least an hour before adding the rest of the ingredients, when it does say you’re supposed to do that on the blog about Everclear?
Sometimes I’m baffled by your “safety”.
Hello kelly, we always recommend to err on the side of caution and use the best judgment when creating products. If applying topically, it might be best to let the product meld before adding it to a water base. We are always doing our best to update information and recipes as we research and find out more information. That way we can provide the safest information possible. If you would like to read more here is also a great blog from Robert Tisserand, https://tisserandinstitute.org/effective-use-alcohol-aromatic-blending/#:~:text=Ethanol%20is%20used%20to%20solubilize,separated%20into%20two%20distinct%20substances Thank you for letting us know. Have a great day.
I see that citronella is kid safe, but is this spray recipe kid safe??? Thanks
Hi Vanessa! All of the essential oils used in this recipe are KidSafe 🙂
Can you use only Shield Me and Everclear instead? How many drops of shield me would you need if this is a yes?
You can absolutely swap in Shield Me! Just substitute the total amount of drops (70 in this case) with the blend.
I am wondering if this is going to bite in your skin, not the mosquitoes, but because of the amount of everclear.
No, it won’t bite your skin (with maybe the exception of any open skin). While Everclear could be drying over time, it’s a small enough amount that you shouldn’t notice anything, except the smell of the oils.
What exactly does this do? Is it used to clean? Is it used for bugs? Thank you.
Citronella has a number of great uses. One of it’s more popular benefits is that helps keep away bugs when diffused or used topically. It also helps clear the respiratory system and create a calming atmosphere. You can read more in detail in this post.
I just got my citronella and I am going to try this immediately. I have everything but Rosalina- is there anything that I could substitute for it? Thank you so much!
You could always substitute Lemongrass or Tea Tree!
Could I use Shield Me instead of all the separate EOs? And I don’t have FCO but I have sweet almond. Could I substitute that?
Almond oil is thicker than FCO, so it might change the consistency of the final product. But you can absolutely use Shield Me instead!
Can I add PT aloe vera jelly to this and if so, how much would you recommend?
You can absolutely dilute Citronella in Aloe Jelly! For topical application, we recommend a dilution of 1-3%.
Is it safe to spray Citronella on counter tops in the kitchen to repel ants?
I would check your home owner’s manual or contact whoever installed your counters to determine what is safe to use on the surfaces in your home. Different surfaces may have different care instructions or considerations.
What is Everclear? Isn’t an alcohol and is there an alternative to using alcohol?
Everclear is a grain alcohol that is sold in a high enough proof that it can be used as an emulsifier and preservative. If you take the Everclear out, you will have to add both an emulsifier and a preservative. You can learn more about emulsifiers and preservatives here and here.
Where can I find Everclear?
You should be able to find it at your local liquor store. Although keep in mind it’s not available in some states. To learn more about Everclear, check out this detailed blog post!
Can you spray on animals?
Citronella is a safe essential oil for dogs and horses. Please check out this post on how to safely use oils on your dogs.
Could this be used in place of Shield Me for the Buzz Off lotion bars?
It sure could!
Can’t wait to make a citronella and geranium “bug-off” spray. We are avid campers from April to October every year. Between mosquitoes and biting flies – we really need something that works!
How do you use this spray? Do you spray on objects or on people?
This spray is intended for people, but using it on objects is definitely an option!
I was going to wait till summer to order this, to help with “outdoor annoyances”, but it has so many other uses, I may not wait! Thanks for the info on Citronella!
Oh i hope this comes around again as the oil of the week. I need this in my life!
I absolutely LOVE this oil! Thanks for the quick and simple info on it. It was handy to use as I was sharing and educating a friend about this new oil I recently found! Super helpful.
Thank you so much for sharing, Amy! We are so glad this post was able to help you educate your friend!
Thank you so much for the recipe! I’ve been looking for a way to make an all-natural outdoor spray.
You’re welcome, Deanna! So glad you like this recipe!
Any recipes to make citronella candles for the outdoors using this EO? Thanks
Actually Cathy, we JUST put out a new blog with a candle recipe! Go right here: https://www.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/06/20/spotlight-featured-oil-of-the-week-nature-shield-synergy/
All you have to do is change out the Nature Shield Synergy for Citronella, and you’ve got yourself a citronella candle! Enjoy!
I just ordered citronella this week. I am so excited to get it and use in a bug spray!
Thanks for sharing, Rebecca! We hope you love your citronella!
I love citronella. I really like the smell and I just made my own bug spray similar to this recipe with it.
I’m not a fan of citronella, but I love this recipe using FCO and ETOH! Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for sharing! Have a great day!
Will the spray work with water or witch hazel instead of the everclear?
If you choose to use witch hazel or water, you’d need an emulsifier like Polysorbate and a preservative.
How much preservative should be used for a 4oz bottle of bug spray?
It really depends on the preservative. Optiphen Plus is recommended that it be 0.5-1.5% of the total recipe. 🙂
How do you use the oil for plants
I have never used essential oils on plants before, so I cannot say. I know a lot of our customers have, though. I’d suggest checking out our Facebook group where you can ask questions and get help from customers as well as aromatherapists here at Plant Therapy. https://www.facebook.com/groups/safeessentialoilrecipes/