Citronella oil uses- How to add to your daily routine 

Have you ever wished there was an essential oil that could work wonders for your physical and mental well-being? Well, you might be in luck. Citronella, an oil extracted from lemongrass leaves, might enhance your daily routine. 

Completely natural and projected to hit a staggering $180 million in global sales by 2033, citronella oil is a rising star in the essential oil market. Its popularity is not without reason-its health benefits are profound.

Whether being a calming oil for stress relief, doubling up as an insect repellant, or helping with pain relief and skin care- you’ve got nothing to lose when incorporating it into your routine. Today, learn about the uses of citronella oil, its composition, and potential benefits. 

What is citronella oil? 

As we mentioned before, citronella is an oil from the Asian grass plant Cymbopogon Genus, which is also commonly referred to as lemongrass.It’s known for its yellow and brown colour and strong citrusy aroma. Citronella oil’s chemical structure typically comprises lemongrass itself, but it can contain other chemicals or essential oils (depending on the brand you choose). 

At NutravVit- our Java Citronella is completely natural with no other ingredients- more on that later. 

What are the benefits of citronella oil?

Citronella oil uses are nothing new; this essential oil has been used for centuries across the world due to the following perceived health benefits:

Natural insect repellent 

Have you booked any upcoming summer holidays and are concerned about the mosquitoes? Or perhaps you’re conscious about bugs or midges spoiling your British summer? If that’s a yes to any of those- citronella oil for mosquitoes and midges can be helpful. Its strong smell can repel insects from your skin, lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours, based on the type you use!

May speed up wound healing

Citronella oil for skin can potentially help speed up the healing process of wounds. This oil contains high anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which, when combined, may help with wounds. In 2016, a study was conducted on animals that looked at diabetic ice and candida-infected wounds. They found that citronella oil may help heal the wounds more easily. 

It might help with pain relief

Citronella oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which might work towards providing pain relief and helping lower swelling associated with arthritis. While more up-to-date research is needed, a study conducted in the 2000s of 34 essential oils showed that citronella was high in antioxidants and had natural pain-relieving properties. So, applying a gentle amount to your skin may reduce swelling or tenderness.

It could help with stress and mood

The citrusy scent this oil provides may help your mood. Research shows that this essential oil can activate your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, decreasing your blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate. If you’re someone prone to a lot of stress, anxiety, depression, or unpleasant moods, this oil may help uplift you.

Has antibacterial and antifungal effects 

Just before, we shared a study about how citronella helped diabetic mice with candida infection. Candida fungus also contributes to many fungal and skin infections, such as acne and athlete’s foot. The antibacterial and antifungal properties citronella oil contains can help work as a natural aid to kill fungus and bacteria. 

Citronella oil uses- how to add to your daily routine 

There are many methods of application of citronella oil; here are some of the most popular ones: 

Skin application 

If you want to apply this oil to your skin, gently add 1-2 drops to your face wash or body wash. The reason for adding it is that it can add extra moisturiser and eliminate extra blemishes. It also works well for massages. Use two tablespoons of carrier oil like coconut, jojoba,   or olive oil and apply it to your skin. Make sure you massage it in circular motions to feel the benefits!

Reminder: Citronella is an aromatic essential oil, so it’s often highly concentrated. It should always be diluted and applied with a carrier oil or cream. 

Hair application

Like skin application, you can also try applying citronella oil for hair. Adding 2-3 drops to your regular shampoo or shower gel can help reduce unnecessary oiliness, dandruff and infections. 

Make it into a spray 

Another option is to combine citronella oil and water into a spray to add a pleasant fragrance to your room or repel insects. To do this is relatively simple: just add 10-15 drops of citronella essential oil to 30ml of water in a spray bottle. 

Use a diffuser 

To enjoy aromatic oils’ full benefits, try adding citronella oil to a diffuser, candles, or humidifier. If you want to enhance the smell, try adding it with other oils like cedarwood or rosemary for a pleasant blend. 

Try NutraVit Java Citronella Oil 

Before browsing the internet to see what’s best, why don’t you try our Citronella (Java) Oil? 

It has a lovely, refreshing, leafy scent with lots of lemon notes. This oil is completely natural, has ethically sourced ingredients, uses modern extraction techniques, and is free from animal testing. 

Whether adding it to your bath or into a carrier oil for massage, its rejuvenating smell can uplift your mood, be a great outdoor protective agent for family and friends and help soothe skin irritations. 

Final thoughts 

Overall, citronella oil has many uses, whether it’s for skin or hair application, acting as a natural insect repellent, fragrance, or even a mood booster. But whatever you decide to use citronella oil for, remember to always dilute it properly before using it.

Never ingest citronella oil and always undergo a patch test first to make sure your skin is not sensitive towards it. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications speak to a healthcare professional first before adding citronella oil into your routine. 

Want to enjoy other essential oils?

Check out our post about argan oil and its benefits. 

Looking for a broader range to choose from? View our aromatic oils here.