Citronella

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus

Botany and Origins: Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus are tufted, perennial grasses with long narrow leaves, and numerous stems arising from short rhizomatous roots. Commercial cultivation of Cymbopogon nardus is limited to Sri Lanka and Cymbopogon winterianus is commercially cultivated in Indonesia, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, China and more recently India and Vietnam. In the aromatherapy industry, they are defined as Ceylon Citronella or Java Citronella where the main difference is the geraniol content.

Method of Extraction: Citronella essential oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the leaves.

Cultivation: Conventional

Historical and Traditional Uses: Poultices of the leaves were widely used in India and Sri Lanka to treat minor cuts, abrasions and swellings. Extracts of the leaves were used as a febrifuge, stomachic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and as a vermifuge. The oil is used extensively in detergents, waxes, household soaps and cleaners and to a minor extent in cheap perfumes and toiletries. It is also used extensively as an insect repellent. Java Citronella is used as a major source for the isolation of citronellal and geraniol.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Citronella essential oil has been reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activities. Cymbopogon nardus is reputed to be as active as penicillin against certain gram-positive bacteria. Cymbopogon nardus essential oil was found to give almost complete protection against Anopheles cullicifacies (a principal malaria carrier) for up to eleven hours. The oil was considered comparable with synthetic repellents of dimethyl and dibutyl phthalate.

Indications:

• Musculoskeletal System: Citronella essential oil is recommended in a massage oil for the relief of arthritic and rheumatic pain, muscular pain and neuralgia.
• Nervous System: It has a fresh invigorating scent indicating that it may be used to alleviate nervous exhaustion and fatigue.
• Respiratory System: The aldehyde content suggests that Citronella essential oil has excellent antimicrobial properties and is often recommended as an inhalation against colds, flus and minor infection.
• Skin Care: Citronella essential oil is well known as an insect repellent. For this purpose, it may be used in a spray, diffused into the air or applied to the skin in a massage oil. It is also recommended for excessive perspiration and oily skin conditions.

Safety: It has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising but it may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.

Country of Origin: China

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)