Citronella Essential Oil Uses for Skin, Hair, and Aromatherapy

It Soothes A Fatigued Mind

Citronella oil exudes an uplifting scent that naturally uplifts negative emotions and feelings. Diffusing around the home can help improve the atmosphere and make living spaces more cheerful.

It Enhances Your Skincare

Essential oil with skin health-enhancing properties, this oil can help the skin absorb and retain moisture. These properties in citronella can help promote and maintain a rejuvenated complexion for all skin types.

One of the common skin conditions that bother everyone is acne vulgaris; and its major cause is propionibacterium acnes. A study was published in the International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics in 2008 regarding the use of citronella oil gel on acne. It was concluded that citronella oil-loaded solid lipid particles could be topically applied to treat acne, thus forming an alternative treatment for acne. (1)

It Helps Treat Fungal Infections

Several studies have found that citronella oil is imbued with antifungal properties that can help weaken and destroy certain fungi that cause health issues. A 2013 study found that citronella oil is particularly effective for eliminating a fungus known as Aspergillus Niger. This fungus is believed to cause lung and sinus infections among immunocompromised people.

It’s An Effective Insect Repellent

A natural insect repellent, the scent that citronella oil releases naturally keeps insects away from the skin. Applying it on the skin before going out can help prevent bug bites for peace of mind wherever your day takes you.

The research was conducted (published in 2019) to find the medicinal effect of aromatic plants in curbing mosquito-borne diseases. Some of the mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and filariasis. Aromatic plants have been used for ages to drive away mosquitoes. In this study, the plant chosen was Cymbopogon nardus. The study showed that the plant, and ergo its essential oil, citronella, was effective in driving away mosquitoes. If you're looking for a natural way to ease the discomfort of mosquito bites, essential oils for mosquito bites are a great option.

In fact, the US EPA (Environmental protection agency) has registered citronella oil as an insect repellant. The oil is highly efficient and better than synthetic repellants. Besides repelling mosquitoes the oil has compounds including citronellal, citronellol and geraniol which have known anthelmintic, anticonvulsant and antitrypanosomal properties which protect the body. However, the research also found that its effectiveness lessens in high temperature. (2)

Has Antibacterial Properties

The compound methyl isoeugenol found in the citronella is known to inhibit bacterial growth. Not only does it inhibit, but sometimes eliminates the bacteria. This property of the oil is useful in treating wounds and internal issues in the colon, urinary tracts, stomach and bladder.

Helps Against Depression

Anxiety, stress, and depression are more common in the world than one can fathom. It is estimated that 3.8% of the total global population, that is, nearly 280 million people in the whole world suffer from different types and stages of depression. The aromatic compounds in citronella oil benefit those suffering from this condition.

Keeps Infections Away

Citronella is not a panache against infections nor is it a replacement of medications. But, regular use of citronella can avoid the outbreak of infections in the urethra, kidneys, skin, prostate and lungs. Simply applying the oil with coconut oil will keep the body safe.

A study titled “Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass)” examined the properties of the ingredients in the oil. It was found that of all the ingredients in the oil alpha- and beta- pinene had inhibitory properties against some fungi. In certain doses the oil successfully inhibited all the strains of the test fungus. (3)

Bothered with Muscle Twitching?

Not just minor muscle twitching, but whooping cough and stomach cramps can be relieved by topically applying citronella with sweet almond carrier oil. This oil relieves spasms of all kinds. The oil is also rubbed to get relief from menstrual cramps. Aromatherapy with citronella oil in a diffuser also helps, but it takes some time for the effect to show.

Citronella Oil’s Anti-inflammatory Properties

It is no secret that plant oils have anti-inflammatory properties that curbs inflammations that cause discomfort to the stomach, legs, liver and respiratory tract. The common cause of inflammation in the stomach and digestive tract are hot, oily and spicy food. The inflammation can also be caused by alcohol, medicines or any diseases. The oil from the citronella plant can lower the symptoms caused by inflammation.

Breathe Good Fragrances Of Oil

This essential oil is used in body sprays and deodorants as it is known to subdue bad odor and make you smell lemony and citrusy. If you buy citronella essential oil, use a small amount on the clothing to get lemon scented clothes. To make the entire body smell like citronella, add it to bath water and have a refreshing bath. It is also used in mouthwashes as an ingredient.

Research was conducted / published in 2019 which aimed to find the antimicrobial and cytotoxicity of the citronella essential oil when used in mouthwashes. It also aimed at throwing light on the phytotherapy of Cymbopogon nardus. The action of citronella and commercial mouthwashes were tested on S. aureus and C. Albicans biofilms present on acrylic resins. The test results showed that both citronella and commercial mouthwashes were efficient in inhibiting the propagation of biofilms. However, the citronella was sample had better microbial reduction. The research also established that the cytotoxic effect of citronella was less. (4)

Get Rid of Toxins Within

Getting rid of toxic thoughts can be hard, but with citronella oil, getting rid of toxins from the body gets easy. Take a whole body massage or apply the oil on the lymphatic nodes. How does this work? Citronella is a sudorific or diaphoretic that causes the body to sweat, thereby taking out excess salts and toxins. It has another effect on the body. It keeps the skin healthy and as it raises the body temperature to sweat, it prevents fever. So, it also acts as a febrifuge.

Reduces or Prevents Fever

The sudorific or diaphoretic properties of the oil increase sweating in the body. It raises the body temperature and eliminates bacteria and viruses. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also help in eliminating pathogens that may cause fever. Together, these properties ensure that fever is avoided or treated.

Cause More Urination

Just like sweating, citronella also causes more urination. Besides being a sudorific or diaphoretic, it is also a diuretic. These uses and benefits of citronella oil stimulate the elimination of salts, bile, gastric acids, uric acid, and other toxins. Excess sweating and urination also cause weight loss, or at least, weight regulation. By removing the toxins, it protects the body from infections, joint diseases, renal calculi, digestion problems etc.

Get Rid of Insects

Insects can be quite annoying and sometimes it may drive you crazy. There are options in the market that can kill the insects or bugs, but they are all synthetic and full of chemicals; don’t we have enough chemicals in our lives already? Enter citronella essential oil, which repel insects. This citronella essential oil has many properties and driving away insects is one of it. Studies have found that the aroma of citronella is effective in driving away lice, mosquitoes and fleas.

Stop Fungus From Growing

Unattended fungal growth on parts of the body can lead to health conditions such as Athlete’s foot, tapeworm and jock itch. Research has found that this oil inhibits the growth and kills fungus growth. It is used to cure fungal infections in the ENT regions (ear, nose, throat). It is also used to get relief from fungal dysentery.

No More Stomach Worries?

There are different types of stomach related ailments – indigestion, flatulence, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Oil of citronella is a stomachic that helps with these troubles and help it function properly.

Citronella for Arthritis

Joint conditions including rheumatism and arthritis have dual benefits from citronella oil. First, because of its diuretic and sudorific properties it eliminates toxins and acids from the body thus preventing the joint conditions. Second, it is applied topically on the joints to mitigate inflammation caused due to joint conditions.

Retains water

If citronella causes urination and sweating, how does it retain water? Citronella helps with fluid retention as it is efficient in maintaining the water balance in the body. Adequate water can prevent muscle spasms, abdominal cramps and fatigue.