Citronella
Latin name: Cymbopogon winterianus
Aroma Description: Lemony citrus type scent, though it is much softer than actual Lemon with subtle wood tones.
Therapeutic benefits
- Helps support a healthy respiratory system.
- Aids in relaxation and helps create a calming environment.
- Useful for creating a natural barrier to keep away outdoor bugs.
- Promotes a healthy respiratory system and helps protect from seasonal illnesses.
- Also helps keep feet healthy when dealing with fungal issues.
Kidsafe?
Yes! Citronella IS KidSafe.
Dilution instructions:
Dilute to 1-3% in a carrier oil for topical application.
Diffusion instructions:
Add a few drops to your diffuser blend for a calming, lemony scent. Also, diffuse equal part Citronella and Cinnamon Leaf to help promote a clean atmosphere and protect from seasonal illnesses.
Oils to blend with:
Bergamot, Cedarwood Virginian, Geranium Egyptian, Lavender, Lemon, Orange Sweet, and Pine Scots.
Additional reading
- The Top Uses for Lime, Grapefruit Pink, May Chang, Sweet Fennel & Citronella
- Essential Oils for Skin: Flawless Feet for Summer
- Essential Oils and Gardening: Natural Tips for Maintaining Your Garden
Calm & Relaxing
While it might not be the first thing you think of when you take a whiff of Citronella, this essential oil is excellent for creating a calm, relaxing environment. It has a nice, citrusy aroma that is much softer than actual lemons. So if you’re looking for a fresh, pleasant scent that blends well with a variety of citrus, floral and woodsy oils, this one’s for you. Next time you take a few moments to yourself, reach for Citronella and enjoy its relaxing effects.
Bugs Be Gone
The scent of Citronella is practically synonymous with bug repellent. And for good reason! It’s one of the best essential oils you can choose when you’re looking for a natural way to help keep bugs at bay. You can use it topically in a carrier oil or lotion or make your own outdoor candle to help keep your outdoor space bug free. You can even set up your diffuser on your patio!
No More Sickness
Getting sick is no fun for anyone. Luckily Citronella is a great choice to help keep the air and your clean. Add it to your diffuser to help promote a clean atmosphere and protect your family when seasonal illnesses seem to be everywhere.
Fabulous Feet
Who doesn’t want healthy, fabulous looking feet? It’s fun to show off that fresh pedicure in a fun pair of sandals. But if you’re struggling with fungus issues due to damp places and public pools and showers, Citronella can help. Add 1 drop of Citronella and 2 drops of Tea Tree to 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil or Aloe Vera Jelly and apply to your feet. Citronella can also be a great addition to your natural deodorant as it helps with perspiration.
Can I use Citronella in my shampoo and conditioner?
Yes, you could use Citronella in your haircare, just be sure to use a 1% dilution or less for regular use.
How to make a DIY bug spray with citronella
You can find a recipe for Bug Spray with Citronella here!
I want to add citronella to the olive oil lotion. Will this work as a mosquito repellent? Any other ingredients or EOs I should use?
Citronella is a great oil to use as a bug repellant! You can try blending it with other oils like Geranium, Patchouli or Peppermint. Or you can try our blends Shield Me or Nature Shield.
Can citronella be ingested safely?
We don’t recommend the ingestion of any essential oils. You can read more about our ingestion policy here.
I thought that citronella was only used as a bug repellent. I’m Glad that Plant Thereapy shares So Much information & education on the oils they carry.
Had no idea that Citronella was god for respiratory issues, fungus, calm/relaxation etc. I have been using mine only for bug repellant DIY. Thanks PT.
This post inspired me to put a few drops into the laundry cycle of my husbands work clothes. I’m sure it would help take the smell out!
Wow! I always thought of Citronella for just keeping the bugs away. I didn’t know it had so many different uses. Thanks.
This is so helpful! Citronella isn’t just for insects! Going to add it to my foot balm!
Thanks for this! I bought it a few months ago and wasn’t sure what to do with it besides bug repellent.
I originally bought citronella to use as an insect repellent, but was not aware that it helps to keep the air in the home clean as well. I plan on adding this to my diffusers very soon to help get rid of any viruses that may be brought home from school, work, etc.
I’ve recently fallen in love with Plant Therapy’s Citronella. I actually use a couple of drops on my unscented antiperspirant and I’m told I always smell “clean”, which I’ll take. There is no better way to create a fresh and clean home scent than by adding a few drops to the diffuser as well. All of the other benefits listed in the blog article just add to the reasons why I love this oil!
Consider making your own deoderants… ALL antiperspirants have aluminum which has been linked to alzheimer’s as well as other health concerns. Anything we put on our skin gets absorbed easily into our bloodstream and our armpits are especially good at it because of our extra warmth and moistness there.
I have Plant Therapy’s Citronella essential oil. Smells nice and helps repel bugs. Thanks for tips for this blog, I will try adding some to my diffuser.