Citronella essential oil has a refreshing, clean scent that is said to reduce stress and replace it with feelings like rest, comfort and renewal. Learn more about its benefits and get DIY Citronella Diffuser Blends to try too!

This underestimated essential oil has many uses and benefits. The benefits of being a natural insect repellent and a healthy cleaning aid are just the tip of the iceberg of citronella essential oil uses.

In addition to repelling bugs and mosquitoes, citronella oil can also be used to help soothe respiratory issues and improve mood.It can also be used to lower mental and emotional barriers to happiness and sleep. 

Citronella Essential Oil Facts

Citronella essential oil comes from the tall, aromatic perennial grass native to Sri Lanka. Commonly used to deter moths, fleas, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Plant Part: Leaves

Note: Middle

Family: Poaceae 

Aroma: Fresh, citrus, lemony aroma

Citronella Blends Well With

Citronella oil can be blended with other oils to create powerful synergistic effects. Citronella essential oil blends well with:

• Lemongrass
• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Spearmint
• Eucalyptus
• Lime
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Sandalwood
• Tangerine
• Ylang Ylang
• Geranium
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Sweet Orange
• Grapefruit

Therapeutic Properties of Citronella Oil

Analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, insect repellent, febrifuge, stomachic, tonic.

How to Use Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella essential oil can be used in many ways. To broadly categorize the two major ways citronella oil is used, we can break the uses down into inhalation or topical application.

Aromatic Citronella Essential Oil Uses

If using for aromatic purposes, add a few drops of oil to a diffuser and enjoy the benefits of the oil. You can also add a few drops to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam.

Besides diffusing, another way to inhale the citronella essential oil safely is to take a small cup, place a cotton ball at the bottom, and drop a few drops of the oil onto the cotton ball. Waft the aroma towards you and inhale through your nose. This will achieve a similar result to the diffuser method.

Topical Citronella Essential Oil Uses

Citronella is also commonly used topically. Topically, there are three major topical uses of citronella essential oil:

• Hand cream or lotion
• Massage oil
• Room spray

Each of these ways are excellent uses of the oil.

Citronella Essential Oil Benefits

Its strong antibacterial properties help to cleanse the skin and prevent infections. It can also be used to remove odors from fabrics and enclosed air. It is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation, making it a valuable tool in relieving pain and irritation.

It can be used outside to keep pests away. Citronella Oil is also a great surface cleaner for sticky tables and countertops.

• Naturally repels mosquitoes and other insects
• Helps fight against infection.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Promotes relaxation and peace of mind
• A natural source of antioxidants
• Helps improve air quality
• Has mood-boosting effects

Citronella Diffuser Blends

To use citronella essential oil in a diffuser, simply place a few drops of the oil into water. Place one of these citronella oil mixes into your diffuser with the required water for your machine, turn the diffuser on, and voila!

There are many citronella diffuser blend combinations. Here are some of our favorites:

Citronella Essential Oil Recipes

Topical Insect Repellent - Mosquito Be Gone

Citronella essential oil can be a natural insect repellent. Citronella can protect you from mosquitos for a few hours. This can be extremely helpful for outdoors adventures in the summer.

Citronella can be a natural insect repellent because it is able to mask the odors that your body releases into the air. These odors are what attracts the insects, particularly the mosquitos.

Masking the odor can prevent mosquitoes from becoming attracted to you, and it will make you smell good! 

Massage Oil with Citronella

For massage oil it is a very similar process. Put a carrier oil of your choice, preferably coconut oil or sweet almond oil, into a bowl. Add a few drops of the citronella essential oil into the carrier oil. Mix carefully and then massage the mixture into your skin.

Homemade Household Cleaner

This essential oil can also be used in natural, homemade cleaners. Citronella essential oil is known to have two components that assist with cleaning: citronellol and geraniol.

This essential oil can be great for preventing the spread of bacteria that may be harmful to you. It can also prevent the growth of any harmful bacteria that is already present.

Citronella Outdoor Summer Spray

A few drops of citronella essential oil in homemade room spray or air freshener essential oil spray, can be especially helpful in removing bacteria from surfaces and the air. It can also keep away the bugs from your deck, balcony, or porch.

Add to Conditioner and Shampoo

Citronella essential oil is a great essential oil for adding to your conditioner and shampoo. This oil is excellent for general hair health.

Citronella, when added to conditioners and shampoos, can be extra effective in protecting hair from sun damage, helping to get rid of pesky tangles, and adding extra volume to the hair.

In terms of scalp health, citronella has been shown to enhance the health of the scalp and to moisturize it. Not only can citronella essential oil moisturize your scalp, but the oil can also help your scalp to better absorb and retain the moisture that it is receiving. 

Citronella Hand Cream

To make a hand cream or a body lotion with citronella benefits, squeeze a bit of lotion into a clean bowl. Drop a few drops of the essential oil onto the lotion to dilute the oil. Mix carefully with a spoon, a toothpick, or a popsicle stick. Once the oil has been diluted, rub lotion mix onto your hands or other places you may use lotion.

More Essential Oils For Using and Diffusing

Lemongrass oil has a sweet, lemony scent that is said to be refreshing, uplifting, and energizing. It has antiseptic and astringent properties, and is a natural deodorant. Read our blog post on diffuser blends with lemongrass.

Lavender oil has a floral, sweet scent that is said to be calming, relaxing, and refreshing. It has antiseptic and analgesic properties, and is thought to be beneficial for skin conditions. If you love lavender oil, read more about lavender essential oil types and lavender diffuser blends.

Tea tree oil has a strong, herbaceous scent that is said to be cleansing, purifying, and refreshing. It has antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and is thought to be beneficial for a variety of skin conditions. Check out this tea tree oil foot soak to try at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Citronella Oil

Here are some common FAQs about this oil:

What is Citronella essential oil good for?

Citronella is renowned for its ability to keep pesky mosquitos and other biting insects away. But its beneficial properties extend beyond simply repelling bugs. Its uplifting aroma provides a mood and energy boost, while also promoting relaxation.

It is a powerful pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and is even used topically to target muscle spasms, tension in the joints, and even headaches.

Furthermore, it has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it great for use in cleaning products, especially those designed for humid environments. On top of that, Citronella is an antioxidant, astringent, and has sedative effects.

Does Citronella essential oil repel mosquitos?

Numerous studies have been conducted to explore Citronella's effectiveness as a mosquito repellent. It works by confusing the insects' olfactory sensors, which are used to detect the carbon dioxide and lactic acid emitted by humans.

Though it may require more frequent application than chemical-based repellents, it's a great way to protect yourself without exposing yourself to toxins.

How to use Citronella essential oil?

Citronella essential oil has plenty of uses.

• You can add 6-8 drops to your essential oil diffuser with 100 ml of water to fill your home with its fragrance.
• You can also add 10 drops to an essential oil inhaler and carry it with you for on-the-go therapeutic use.
• Additionally, you can make a spray by combining 15 drops of Citronella with 1 tablespoon of grain alcohol in a glass spray bottle and 3 tablespoons of distilled water to the mixture and spray it onto surfaces and in the air.

Conclusion for Citronella Essential Oil Blends

If you are looking for a versatile and helpful essential oil, try citronella! This essential oil can be helpful on hikes, walks, days in the park, nights under the stars, and even at the family barbecue. It can be helpful for hair and skin health, as well as being helpful for household cleaning and bug repellent. There is no shortage of uses and benefits of citronella essential oil.

Share on Pinterest

More Essential Oil Blends

• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Clove
• Nutmeg