Citronella Essential Oil

How to Use Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is typically used as a natural insect repellent. A 2018 study showed that “insect repellents with citronella oil as the major component need to be reapplied every 20–60 minutes”.

For this purpose, you can dilute it in a carrier oil or water and spray it around your outdoor spaces. In a diffuser, its strong, uplifting aroma can help freshen your environment.

When properly diluted with jojoba oil or coconut oil, it can be applied topically as a skincare product. Always conduct a patch test first to check for any skin reactions. For cleaning applications, mix with water and use as a spray.

As a bath oil

You can breathe and soak in the benefits of citronella oil by simply adding a few drops to warm bath water. Dilute 6-8 drops with a carrier oil and mix into the water before stepping in and enjoying the calming, relaxing atmosphere, helping to calm the body and mind.

As a skincare cream

As we mentioned above, citronella essential oil can work as a highly effective insect repellent. Before application, mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil of choice and spread evenly onto your skin.

Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of citronella with your favourite skin cream or lotion and apply as normal.

How to make Citronella Oil mosquito repellent

Citronella oil is a widely used natural mosquito repellent. Here's a method to use it:

1. Dilute citronella oil in a carrier oil or water at a ratio of roughly 10-20 drops per 30ml. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
2. Transfer the diluted mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Spray it around your garden or patio, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. It can also be applied lightly to exposed skin, avoiding the face and eyes.

Alternatively, add a few drops to an outdoor candle or diffuser.

Remember, citronella can deter mosquitoes but it doesn't kill them. Its efficacy varies and it may not compete with synthetic repellents in areas with high mosquito activity.

How to Dilute Citronella Oil

To dilute citronella oil with a carrier oil, follow these steps:

1. Take 12 drops of citronella oil and mix it with one ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil.
2. Start by pouring the carrier oil into a bottle or jar. Then add the citronella oil to it and stir them together. Now, your mixture is all set for skin application.
3. Don't forget to test it on a small area of your skin first to make sure you have no reactions. You can always adjust the amount of citronella oil to suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does citronella oil work?

The natural properties of citronella essential oil have a lot to offer, depending on how you want to apply them. People who want to relax the mind and body may find that diffusing the oil is just what they need.

Diffusing the oil can also repel mosquitos and other flying insects. Topical application of citronella oil can improve skin health and slow the signs of ageing by aiding the absorption of moisture.

What is citronella essential oil good for?

Citronella oil is known for several beneficial uses. Most notably, it's used as a natural insect repellent, deterring mosquitoes and other pests.

In aromatherapy, the oil's strong, fresh aroma is used to uplift mood and reduce feelings of stress. When diluted with a carrier oil, citronella can be applied to the skin to help combat minor infections due to its antiseptic properties.

It's also used in homemade cleaning products for its sanitising abilities.

What's the best way to use citronella oil?

Citronella can be used to make homemade bug sprays as well as in diffusers to prevent insects from entering your home. It can also be combined with a carrier oil for use in a massage, or for application to the skin and hair.

What does citronella essential oil smell like?

Citronella essential oil has a tangy, citrusy aroma with overtones of grass and faintly crisp, floral notes.

What blends well with citronella essential oil?

Citronella blends very well with citrus oils like lemon and bergamot, as well as oils like lavender, clary sage, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

What is citronella oil?

Citronella oil is a plant-based essential oil, extracted via steam distillation from the stems and leaves of the Cymbopogon (citronella) plant.

Can you put citronella essential oil on your skin?

Citronella essential oil can be applied topically to the skin, but it should always be diluted with a carrier oil first. When properly diluted, citronella oil can be safely used on the skin for various purposes.

To use it on the skin:

1. Mix 1-3 drops of citronella oil with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil like coconut oil
2. Apply the diluted oil blend gently to the desired area of skin
3. Use caution and do a patch test first, as some people may experience skin irritation

Does citronella essential oil repel mosquitos?

Yes, citronella essential oil is widely recognized as a natural mosquito repellent. Its strong, distinctive aroma can help mask the scents that attract mosquitoes, making it harder for them to locate their targets.

It's often used in outdoor candles, sprays, and diffusers for this purpose. However, its effectiveness can vary based on many factors including concentration and frequency of application.

While citronella can deter mosquitoes, it doesn't kill them, and it may not be as effective as synthetic repellents in areas with high mosquito activity.

Always follow safety guidelines when using essential oils.

What insects does citronella repel?

Citronella oil is known to repel several types of insects, including:

• Mosquitoes
• Flies
• Ticks
• Fleas
• Ants

Is citronella essential oil safe for dogs?

Citronella is generally safe for dogs, but it should be used with caution. While often used in pet products like flea collars and sprays due to its insect-repelling properties, some dogs may have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to it.

Never apply pure citronella oil directly to your dog's skin or let them ingest it, as it can cause irritation.

Also, avoid using it near your dog's face or in high concentrations.

If you're considering using a product with citronella on your dog, it's best to consult with a veterinarian first.

Is citronella the same as lemongrass oil?

Whilst they may look similar, citronella and lemongrass are two different plants, which means the chemical makeup of the essential oils is also different.

However, because they both share a similar scent, the two oils can both be used to repel mosquitos and other types of bugs, whether it's through topical application or diffusion.

What are the risks of using citronella oil?

Like all essential oils, citronella oil is highly concentrated, so it can cause irritation or allergic responses in some people.

You should always dilute citronella oil before topical application and first-time users are advised to complete a patch test before applying the oil to large areas of skin.

Is citronella oil anti-inflammatory?

Yes, citronella oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in scientific studies. Research has shown that:

• Citronellal, a major component of citronella oil, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity
• It can help reduce inflammation and swelling when applied topically
• The oil's anti-inflammatory effects may help soothe skin irritation and joint pain

These anti-inflammatory benefits contribute to citronella oil's potential uses for pain relief and wound healing. However, more research is still needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and optimal applications for inflammatory conditions.

Can I use citronella essential oil if I’m taking prescribed medication?

There are no known risks to using citronella oil when you are taking prescribed medication.

However, if you are allergic to the oil, you should look for an alternative as it will likely irritate the skin.

If you are taking prescribed medication and concerned about how it may interact with citronella oil, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor before using it.