Citronella oil: The Good, the Bad, and other facts – Gratus Naturals

Citronella oil can be used to keep mosquitoes away, but you need to know more about it.

Citronella oil is extracted from citronella grass which is native to tropical areas. In ancient times, citronella grass has been used as a mosquito repellent and is known to cure diseases as well. The oil through the grass is extracted by a process called steam distillation. In other words, steam is passed through the grass to evaporate oil.

Citronella oil benefits

Come on, let’s dive into the benefits of citronella oil.

1. Mosquito repellent: This oil has been used as a mosquito repellent since many decades. It is believed that adding 5% vanillin to citronella oil doubles the protection against mosquitoes.
2. Antifungal properties: The antifungal properties helps protect against any fungi such as food storage fungi, ringworm fungi, human dermatophytes etc.
3. Respiratory and cardiovascular systems: It has been scientifically proven that citronella reduces blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate. People who have been inhaling this oil feel fresher and better.
4. Head lice: Due its anti-fungal and antioxidant properties, the oil prevents head lice and kills them from the root.
5. Wound healing: The inflammation and redness caused by wounds is aided by the use of this oil. It actually speeds up the process of wound healing especially for the people with diabetes who have a thin skin.
6. Weight loss: Inhaling citronella oil on a daily basis has resulted in weight reduction for many people. It is known for lowered cholesterol and slowed weight gain.

Citronella oil how to use

There are numerous ways in which you can use citronella oil. Some of them are as follows:

Note: These creams can also be used as an ointment to heal your wounds.

1. Diffuser: Diffusers are used to disperse the fragrance of the herbs into the air. We at gratus naturals have curated ceramic diffusers for you.    
   All you have to do is add a few drops of the oil into the diffuser and wait for the results.
2. Spray: Every household has small spray bottles either used or new. All you have to do is add few drops of citronella oil into the water and put the mixture inside the bottle. Shake the bottle and spray the droplets in the corners of your house.
3. Oils and creams: you can even add few drops of this to the carrier oils and creams that you use.

Note: These creams can also be used as an ointment to heal your wounds.

Citronella oil in skin care

Citronella oil is not just confined to being a mosquito repellent. Rather, it has multiple benefits. All of us are skin freaks these days and we should be one because a good skin always makes you feel confident.

Let us look at some of the benefits of this oil for your skin:

1. Anti-bacterial: Anti-bacterial properties of the oil helps fight acne and reduce inflammation on the skin.
2. Texture: Massaging the oil onto the skin smoothens the texture of the skin and makes the skin look brighter and healthier.
3. Wounds and cuts: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the oil reduce the inflammation on the skin thus healing the wounds. It prevents the injuries from getting septic.
4. Tightening and anti-ageing: the oil also tightens the skin and prevents wrinkles. In other words, it prevents the skin from looking dull and aged.

Citronella vs lemongrass

You cannot confuse citronella with lemongrass. Although both are closely related plants, but still they are different from each other.

Firstly, citronella has a pinkish-red base stem whereas lemongrass has greenish base stem.

Second, citronella grows up to six feet tall and lemongrass grows up to two feet tall.

Third, citronella cannot be used for cooking purposes but lemongrass can be used in cooking.

Last, citronella is basically an insect repellent but lemongrass is also for aromatherapy, cooking etc.

Even though both are different, both possess individual and effective properties.

Why Does Citronella Oil Keep Mosquitoes Away?

The studies have shown the reasons behind citronella oil acting as a mosquito repellent. The first and the foremost is the fragrance of the oil attracts the mosquito towards itself which unables the mosquitoes to find their target. The fragrance also weakens the activity of the mosquitoes.

DIY Recipes using citronella oil

Worrying about how to use this essential oil?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

We have bundled a list of DIY recipes you can try out with this oil.

1. Candle: Melt few unflavoured candles in a pan and add few drops of this oil into it. Pour the mixture into a mould/jar and let it settle. Now, burn the candle and see the mosquitoes vanishing.

Note: you can even add drops of other essential oils such as lavender or tea tree for more fragrance.

2. Spray: All you have to do is buy an empty spray bottle and add water to it. Next, pour few drops of citronella oil and spray into your room or backyard twice a day.
3. Cream: the oil can also be added to your body creams. Mix some drops of citronella oil with your body lotion and apply it on your body before going out. You will definitely repel mosquitoes!

The same cream can also be used as an ointment for treating wounds.

Where to buy citronella oil and how to be sure it’s pure?

A pure citronella oil will have a pure and strong smell which could be sensed at a distance from the diffuser. An adulterated citronella oil wouldn’t be that effective and will be itchy on skin.

We definitely recommend you to try out our naturally extracted citronella oil for the best results.

Why to inhale strong good night when you can inhale Gratus Naturals’ pure citronella oil!