Organic citronella

Cymbopogon winterioanus

• Datasheet

Botanical Properties

Citronella is a herbaceous plant whose long, thin, upright leaves can measure up to 2m in height. The Cymbopogon genus contains many different species (around 50), that all stem from a lineage originating in Asia: these include C. nardus citronella, Chinese citronella, Madagascan citronella, and the strain used for the production of this essential oil: Java citronella.

Origin and history

The term Cymbopogon is derived from the greek word “kymbe”, meaning pod, and “pogon”, meaning beard. This plant, which originated in Asia, is highly valued within Southeast Asian cuisine. It is typically combined with coconut milk, and together these two flavours are found in many Thai, Laotian, and Cambodian dishes. Citronella is also frequently used in perfumes, cosmetics, and natural medicine.

Organoleptic properties

Aspect: liquid

Colour: pale yellow

Odour: citrus, characteristic of citronella

Distilled parts: all over-ground parts

Country of origin: Indonesia

Density: 0.880 – 0.897

Chemotype

Main biochemical components or chemotype: Citronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol

Allergenic molecules naturally found within this essential oil: Citral, Citranellol, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

Certain natural components of this essential oil may cause allergic reactions. Please do an allergy test on the skin in the crease of your elbow before using this product.

Properties

Our organic citronella oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Its:

• antiseptic
• cleansing
• antiparasitic

This properties make this oil the number one enemy of mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella is also antifungal and antibacterial.

Indications

This well-known insect repellent is essential during those long summer evenings or travels to tropical climates. Furthermore, this essential oil will help soothe any existing mosquito bites due to its capacity as an anti-inflammatory. We also advise its utilisation to help fight rheumatisms, tendinitis, and arthritis.

Instructions

Please consult your doctor before taking any treatment or therapy orally.

Oral administration:

Take 1 drop of citronella essential oil 3 times a day, mixed with a little honey, syrup, or a lozenge, to fight mouth problems and fungal infections.

On the skin:

As a mosquito repellent: Mix 2ml of organic citronella essential oil with 2ml of lemon eucalyptus essential oil and 30ml of a vegetable oil (such as calendula or hazelnut).

By diffusion:

Diffuse this essential oil to prevent or rid your home of insect infestations and avoid their nasty bites.

Possible synergies

Repellent: Geranium

Rheumatism: Juniper

Energetic values and synergies

In energy aromatherapy, Java citronella is associated with the solar chakra, Manipura, which is the third chakra. It is associated with the colour yellow.

Citronella essential oil will reduce your fears and activate the solar chakra. It will considerably calm the Vata and Pitta doshas (bodily energy types in Ayurvedic medicine).

In synergy: Lavender, Mint As a massage : Mix 10ml of organic citronella essential oil with 100ml of virgin coconut oil or another vegetable oil. Apply to the celiac plexus in circular motions.