Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus)

CITRONELLA OIL

Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH

Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus) comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. It has a sharp lemony fragrance with deodorising effect and is excellent as an air freshener and for use in vaporisers.

This uplifting oil is famous for its ability to repel insects. Citronella oil is classified and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a bio-pesticide, meaning it has an effective insect repellent and yet non-toxic effect on the human body. Also the National Pesticide Information Center describes Citronella oil as an effective insect repellent. Please take into consideration the fact that there are products offered as citronella oils that come from different species such as Pelargonium citrosum or Citronella geranium. Unlike Cymbopogon nardus they repeatedly demonstrated in trials to be ineffective mosquito repellents.

Citronella oil is high in antioxidants and phytochemicals. It has been used for centuries in China and other Asian countries to fight infections and inflammation and reduce skin rashes.

According to various studies, Citronella oil has been shown to fights free radical damage, promotes relaxation, supports digestive and intestinal health and massaged into skin helps relief muscle aches. Numerous clinical studies also proved Citronella oil is an antiseptic, antifungal antimicrobial natural agent.

Pure essential oils can be used as essences in the bath or in vaporisers. They can also be used to make up your own massage blends having first diluted them in HealthAid massage oil base or lotion base.

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