A Few Words of Caution: There is no inherent toxicity in the essential oil, but it has been seen to produce irritation, dermatitis or sensitization in skin if used in high concentrations. It should not be used on the skin of small children and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Children must use under supervision by adults. For safely, spray on small area of skin ( legs ), monitior before covering other areas of the skins.

Benefits Of Citronella Essential Oil

The health benefits of Citronella Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, deodorant, fungicidal & insect repellent etc.

Citronella is a grass that mainly grows in some Asian countries and some islands of the South Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus bears the name Citronella. The essential oil of citronella is extracted from two varieties of citronella. The first one is the Ceylon variety, whose scientific name is Cymbopogon Nardus and the second one is Java variety, called Cymbopogon Winterianus in botanical terminology. In both cases, the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh plant.

The oil obtained from the Java variety is considered to be higher quality. The main producers of this essential oil are China and Indonesia. This oil is also produced by certain other Asian, South & Latin American and African countries in smaller amounts.

Health Benefits Of Citronella Essential Oil

Apart from being used as a flavoring agent for foods & beverages, it has varied medicinal uses, which are listed below.

Antibacterial: Components like methyl isoeugenol and a few others that are found in this essential oil are responsible for this property. They kill bacteria and inhibit any further bacterial growth in the body. This is particularly helpful in treating infections in wounds, as well as in the colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate and kidneys.

Antidepressant: This oil fights depression and gives relief from anxiety, sadness, and negative feelings. It induces a fresh, happy feeling and hope.

Antiseptic: The antiseptic properties of this essential oil fight infections in wounds, as well as the urinary tracts, urethra, prostate and kidneys, while simultaneously protecting them from being sepsis.

Antispasmodic: It relieves spasms of the muscles, respiratory system and nervous system. It also helps to cure menstrual spasms and gives relief from symptoms such as cramps and coughs.Anti-inflammatory: Citronella essential oil sedates inflammation, particularly those situations which pertain to the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system. The inflammations caused as side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, hard & spicy food, any disease, or any toxic element getting into the body can also be soothed using this oil.

Deodorant: The crisp, rich citrus or lemon-like aroma of this oil drives away body odor and is used in deodorants and body sprays, although in very small quantities, since in heavy doses it may create skin irritations. It can also be mixed with bath water to have a refreshing, body odor-ending bath.

Fungicidal: This oil kills fungus and inhibits fungal growth. This is very useful in countering fungal infections in the ear, nose and throat region. Contracting fungal infections in the ears is very common and can be very serious. It eliminated fungal infections in other parts of the body as well and helps cure fungal dysentery.

Insect Repellant: This is one of the most commonly used properties of this essential oil, as it kills and keeps away insects. It has been found particularly effective on a species of mosquito, called Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes the dreaded Yellow Fever. This is also effective on lice, body and head louse, and fleas.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: An Insect-Repelling Power

Lemon eucalyptus oil, the common name of one of the natural oils obtained from the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant, has gained popularity as an insect repellant. This use is important when you consider the dangers of DEET and other toxic solutions, and want to steer clear of them.

What Is Lemon Eucalyptus Oil?

Lemon eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant, also known as Eucalyptus citriodora or Corymbia citriodora.

The lemon eucalyptus is a tall tree that grows up to 50 meters tall and comes from the temperate and tropical northeastern Australia.1 Its name is derived from the Latin term citriodorus meaning "lemon-scented,” and is in demand for structural timber and for honey production. It is also popular in horticulture both in and outside of Australia.

The oil – particularly p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), its synthetic version with pesticidal properties – is used as an alternative to toxic mosquito repellents and most likely works by masking the environmental cues that mosquitoes use to locate their target.2 While the term "PMD” is often used interchangeably with lemon eucalyptus oil, know that it is different from the "pure” unrefined oil, which is typically used in making fragrances.

The refined lemon eucalyptus oil, which comprises related compounds from the plant, is known by its registered tradename "Citriodiol.” However, it also has generic names varying by area, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) in the United States and PMD rich botanic oil (PMDRBO) in Europe.

Uses of Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Usually extracted through steam distillation, the essential oil3 has a pale yellow color and a thin consistency. It smells sweet, lemony, and fresh, with a woody hint. Note, however, that this pure oil is not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an insect repellant.

PMD or the refined version, on the other hand, has a long history of use but only recently became important as a commercial repellent in the country. For many years, it has been used in China as a product called Quwenling, meaning "effective repellent of mosquitoes.” American researchers initiated product investigation in the early 1990s and identified PMD as the active ingredient.

In 2000, the EPA registered oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD as a "biopesticide repellent,” meaning it is derived from natural materials. The resulting products can be applied to human skin and clothing for repelling insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies, and gnats. They are formulated as a spray or a lotion.