Citronella Essential Oil from Natural Health Crafters

Citronella

Citronella Cymbopogon nardus grass is native to southeast Asia and grown commercially in Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Indonesia and Java. It is widely naturalized in tropical Asia and grown as an ornamental in South Florida and southern California. The grass is a coarse, clump-forming tropical grass that can grow 5-6 ft (1.5-1.8 m) tall. The stems are canelike and the leaves are grayish green, flat, about 3 ft (0.9 m) long and 1 in (2.5 cm) or so wide. It does not spread by runners, as some grasses do, but the clump increases in size as the plant matures. When Citronella was first exhibited in London in 1851 it was introduced as “nard” oil, which is why it has been confused with Spikenard oil ever after. The citronella plant is believed to have derived from the wild growing ’managrass’ native to Sri Lanka.

The leaves of the citronella plant are used in many cultures for their medicinal value, for treatment of fevers, intestinal parasites, digestive and menstrual problems, as a stimulant and as an insect repellant, the Chinese have used citronella for many years for rheumatic pains. In Mozambique it was used to prevent fevers. It was also used to reduce appetite and revitalize nerves. The decoction mixed with milk was used to strengthen the blood and the nervous system when taken twice a day. The leaves of the citronella grass are usually harvested in the early morning and then dried on the ground outside of the distrilleries. Drying requires only 3 to 4 hours in bright sunlight but, much longer during the rainy season. While drying, the leaves must be turned over periodically to prevent fermentation. Careful short drying of the leaves is beneficial to the quality of the oil, whereas long drying, especially in the rain, is harmful. The leaves should not be exposed for any length of time to sun or rain, and the material should be distilled the same day that it is harvested. If this cannot be done, it should be dried inside the factory or under sheds or on platforms near the boiler. When purchasing citronella grass, the distillers base their estimates on a yield of 1 lb. of oil per 150 lb. of dried leaves.

Oil of citronella with a high content of citronellal are used chiefly for the isolation of citronellal, and for conversion of it into citronellol, citronellol esters, hydroxy citronellal, and synthetic menthol. Oils with a low citronellal and high geraniol content are used for the extraction of geraniol, and conversion of it into its esters. This type of oil is lower priced, and therefore serves well for the scenting of soaps and technical preparations where cost is of prime consideration. Citronella Ceylon essential oil was one of the worlds dominant insect repellents before the introduction of DDT. Recent history has indicated that Citronella is once again becoming the product of choice for health conscious customers.

Essential oil is steam or water distilled from the dried chopped up grass, the yield being around 0.7%. Citronella's main constituents are citronellal and geraniol. Together they produce a rosy-floral, lemony aroma. A mixture of minor constituents including camphene, borneol and methyleugenol combine to produce a peculiar aroma resembling damp, musty vegetation. Before the advent of chemical sprays, Ceylon citronella was used in combination with Virginian red cedarwood oil in commercial insect repellents. Because of this original use, some people still insist on the Ceylon type for keeping insects at bay. Bugs like gnats and mosquitoes probably don't make that distinction; their aversion is to the citronellal, constituent which is found in both types of oil. Citronellal is actually present at higher levels in the Java type.

Citronella will produce a subtle sensation of warmth when properly diluted in a massage oil and applied to the skin. Dilute 3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of massage oil. Using this in a friction massage may help bring relief to painful joints and muscles. Perform a simple friction massage by rubbing a targeted area vigorously until warmth is produced by the friction. The idea is to bring blood and soothing warmth into the affected area. Combine citronella with eucalyptus to heighten this effect, or use lavender to make the effect more moderate and balancing.

Like its closely related counterpart, essential oil lemongrass, citronella is astringent and can help with oily complexions. Can also help with minor infection, but is more commonly known for its ability to assist in combating colds and flu. Citronella can also be used for excessive perspiration and for conditioning oily skin and hair.

On a mental level the aroma of citronella can be gently clarifying. Combining citronella with lemon will support its clarifying benefit while the addition of geranium or rose will make it more moderate and balancing. People who object to the aroma of citronella can easily modify its damp-musty undertone with a few drops of rose otto.

Adulteration

Citronella oil is cheap and therefore adulteration by other oils is not very likely. Citronella itself is used for cutting geranium oil and rose oil.

GRAS

Citronella essential oil has GRAS status.

Properties, Indications and Uses

Uses: Used as an insect repellent either alone or in conjunction with other essential oils eg. Geranium, Palmarosa etc.

Toxicity

Irritation / sensitization: Applied neat to the skin of rabbits it caused irritation, 5/22 patients with dermatitis were sensitive to citronella oil. (38)

Cases of eczematous, contact-type hypersensitivity to citronella oil have been reported as has folliculitis of the acneform type. Oil of citronella in perfumes has been listed as a primary irritant and sensitiser. (39)