Citronella Essential Oil

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 that produce 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 works as a deodorant. It is said to ease pain due to rheumatism and arthritis, and to resist flu, colds and minor infections. The oil is good for the digestive system to cure colitis, intestinal infections and remove intestinal parasites. It relieves menstrual cramps and pain, and quickens the heartbeat. Used in a vaporiser, it is known to dissipate fatigue, headaches, and neuralgia, and creates a mood of optimism and uplift. Avoid use during pregnancy and on children under 3 years of age. Do not consume internally.

The ancient cultures of India, Egypt and elsewhere, where the 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 lot of insects, mosquitoes, which caused diseases and killed people. So, using this herb as a repellent was a matter of life and death at the time.