National Nutrition coming at you with a brand new series! Come, sit down, put your feet up and listen in as our Essential Oils Specialists tell you everything you need to know about all your favorite Essential Oils.
Today, we'll be talking about Citronella Essential Oil which is known for being a strong bug repellant. Learn more about how you can use it for not only your upcoming camping trips but for daily use!
If you're interested in purchasing some of our Aromapathic Labs Citronella Essential Oils, please click here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/catalogsearch/result/index/?all=true&aw_shopbybrand_brand=417&q=citronella
In aromatherapy, Citronella is thought of having a cooling effect; good for stress; uplifting spirits, and stimulating brain function. Often used in an essential oil burner, Citronella is the ideal companion for warm summer nights. It is also found in many cosmetics, shampoos, perfumes, and candles...
To learn more about Citronella Essential Oil please read our article on it: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/essential-oils/citronella-essential-oil-2/
Plant History
Plant History When citronella was first discovered, it was often used as an insect repellant Authentic citronella plants are a grass plant formally known as Cymbopogon
nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus. The plant grows in warmer Asian climates such as, Sri Lanka and Java. Once citronella started being used commercially, the rest of Indonesia, Burma, India & Sri Lanka started to grow the plant quite rapidly and
this is where most of the worlds citronella oils come from today. When citronella was first discovered, it was often used as an insect repellant, especially in
tropical climates where mosquitos are abundant. Indonesians would also use Citronella as a flavour enhancer in their food, much like Thai's use lemongrass.
Over time, it was discovered that citronella had many more uses than Just being a natural mosquito repellant. This oil also treated lice, internal parasites,
migraines, sore muscles and has anti -bacterial and anti -fungal properties, which is why it's now used in many deaning products. As beneficial as citronella
can be, like the tea tree plant, the citronella plant is considered an invasive species.
Botanical Information
Citronella is a grass plant that's part of the Poaceae family that can grow up to 5 feet in height and 3 feet wide. While it grows long grass -like blades and
heavily resembles lemongrass, citronella has a red coloured stem, while lemongrass is fully green. It's also interesting to note, that many plants that are
sold as citronella are in fact a geranium plant that's cross mixed with citronella and looks nothing like the authentic plant. Therefore, if you buy a "Mosquito
Plant," know that you aren't getting the authentic citronella species. True citronella plants grow long grass stems, while the crossbreed's grow a textured
foliage and don't contain the citronella oil that's used in aromatherapy.
Growing Information
Citronella thrives well all year round in warmer climates, but can survive in colder climates as an annual or if planted indoors. The soil used to grow this plant Essential Oil
should be well draining since it must be watered and fertilized often. It's also important to note that this plant should be placed in an area that receives 6-8
hours of sunlight, too much sun may dry out the plant.
Parts Used
The stems and grass blades from citronella plants are used. The grass is used in oil extraction and the base of the stems are used in certain culinary dishes.
OIL INFORMATION
Extraction Method
Citronella oil is extracted from either citronella species (Cymbopogon nardus/Cymbopogon winterianus) through steam distillation, as are most essential oils.
The grass is placed in a chamber of the steaming still and as the steam heats up, it pulls the essential oil out of the leaves. The steam and oil then travel
through the apparatus and when they reach a holding chamber, the temperature cools, causing it to re -liquify. The mixture is then carried through to the
separator and the oil is siphoned off the water and used in essential oils, while the fragrant water is commonly used to scent products.
Active Ingredients
The main active components that make up citronella oil from Cymbopogon nardus are; Citronella, Geraniol, Limonene and Methyl Isoeugenol. The active
components that make up citronella oil from Cymbopogon winterianus are; Geranyl Acetate, Limonene and higher percentages of Citronella] and Geraniol.
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