Essential Oil 50ml - Citronella

Latin Name: Cymbopogon Nardus
Part of Plant Used: Dried Herb
Source: Java
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Citronella oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon plant species, especially Cymbopogon nardus. Citronella essential oil is famous as a plant-based insect repellent, a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action, and has been registered for this use in the U.S. since 1948. The main countries producing this oil are Indonesia and China, who together produce about 40% of the world's Citronella essential oil.

As well as being useful as an insect repellent for the skin, this oil is good for excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair, and functions as a deodorant. It is said to relieve pain due to rheumatism and arthritis, and resist flu, colds and minor infections. The oil is good for the digestive system to cure colitis, intestinal infections and to eliminate intestinal parasites. It relieves menstrual cramps and pain, and speeds up the heartbeat. Used in a vaporiser, it is known to dissipate fatigue, headaches and neuralgia, and creates a mood and optimism. Avoid use during pregnancy and with children under 3. Do not consume internally.

Ancient cultures in India, Egypt, and other places, where Cymbopogon grass species grew, used them to repel insects, especially mosquitoes. In those times, people would settle near rivers and bodies of water. While this was a good thing in many ways, it also meant a huge amount of insects, mosquitoes, which caused diseases and killed people. So, the use of this herb as a repellent was a matter of life and death at the time.