Organic essential oil - Citronella

Latin name: Cymbopogon Nardus

Part of the plant used: dried herb

Source: Sri Lanka

Extraction method: steam distillation

Citronella oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon plant species, especially Cymbopogon nardus. Organic Citronella essential oil is renowned for being 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 major countries producing this oil are Indonesia and China, which 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 ease pain due to rheumatism and arthritis, and resists flu, colds, and minor infections. The oil is good for the digestive system to cure colitis, intestinal infections, and remove intestinal parasites. It eases menstrual cramps and pain, and speeds up the heartbeat. Used in a vaporiser, it is known to dissipate fatigue, headaches and neuralgia, and create a mood of cheerfulness and optimism. Avoid use during pregnancy and on children under the age of 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 settled 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, the use of this herb as a repellent was a matter of life and death at that time.