The most common use of citronella oil is as a natural insect repellent to keep away mosquitoes. It can be effective in the form of a spray, incense sticks, candles, coils or applied directly to the skin when diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut. But citronella oil has lots of other uses too. Keep reading to find out more about this multi-functional oil.
Benefits of Citronella
It pays to keep a vial of pure citronella oil in your medicine cabinet. Did you know it offers relief from rashes, inflammation, fungal infections and can be used as a pain relief too? It’s antiseptic properties have been used in China, Sri Lanka and Indonesia for centuries for this purpose.
Here are some of its top benefits:
1. All-Natural Insect Repellent
Citronella’s mosquito repelling qualities have been well researched, and it’s even officially registered in the US as the best plant-based insect repellent. Mosquitoes are generally not a health hazard apart from causing itchy bites but some are capable of spreading disease such as the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread “dengue fever.” Citronella can be used if travelling through countries at risk to prevent dengue fever.
2. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Reducer
Citronella has antioxidant properties and the ability to increase blood flow. It can be used as a natural arthritis treatment when two to three drops are combined with coconut oil and massaged into swollen joints. Soaking in a bath to which citronella oil has been added will reduce swelling and pain.
3. Relaxant and Stress Reducer
Citronella oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as a stress reducer and to support better sleep functionality. It can be used as a diffuser, massaged onto skin or sprayed onto bed sheets before going to bed.
4. Detoxification Enhancer
Citronella can also be ingested orally as a remedy to draw excess toxins such as fats, sodium and uric acid out of the body. Drink one to two drops of pure citronella oil combined with raw honey, lemon and hot water.
5. Natural Perfume or Room Spray
Citronella comes from lemongrass, so it has a clean fresh scent similar to lemon. For this reason it is often used in soaps, candles, perfumes, room sprays and cosmetics. To deodorize household appliances such as the dishwasher, run a very small amount through the cycle.
6. Antiseptic Cleaner
Citronella’s antifungal and antibacterial properties make it a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. It can be used to clean kitchens, bathrooms and any household surfaces that need disinfecting from bacteria.
7. Natural Skin Care Remedy
Citronella can be used as a wound healer for many kinds of skin ailments such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, insect bites, warts and fungal infections. Anyone looking for an anti-ageing treatment also consider citronella. It can heal age spots, sun damage and make skin appear more youthful and smoother. One home remedy is to mix a small amount with coconut oil and massage onto face. For acne, dab pure citronella oil onto spots three times a day with a sterile cotton bud.
