The properties of citronella are surprisingly versatile, making the oil a hidden gem in the world of aromatherapy for several years.

Often compared to its neighbouring cousin lemongrass, citronella’s zesty and floral qualities make it a powerful oil to carry in the summer – both for its refreshing scent as well as its infamous protection against pests, particularly mosquitos.

Citronella has also recently grown in popularity for its status as an effective disinfectant, creating chemical-free cleaning solutions for the home.

What are the health benefits of Citronella Essential Oil?

Citronella has many benefits that are growing in popularity; however, its properties expand far beyond the expected. Citronella has been known to:

• Repel pests – especially mosquitoes
• Encourage behaviours in dogs
• Fight bacteria
• Manage pain
• Reduce stress
• Nourish hair

Can citronella repel pests?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers citronella essential oil a biopesticide, classing it as a non-toxic mode of action against potentially harmful insects. Citronella oil has been known to repel the Aedes aegypti species of mosquitoes, which can spread dengue fever and the Zika virus.

Diffusing or topically applying citronella oil can provide protection from mosquitos and their bites for up to three hours – particularly when combined with the compound vanillin, found in vanilla beans.

While topical application of citronella (using a carrier oil) will have to be conducted more often than with commercial mosquito repellents, the oil is a great natural alternative.

Using a diffuser or burning citronella candles are both popular choices for repelling pests across your indoor environment, however diffusing the pure oil is the best way to repel pests as candles will typically have a weaker scent.

Can you train dogs using citronella oil?

Citronella oil can help to keep homes hygienic by keeping dogs off furniture.

Dogs have a strong aversion to the scent, so spraying furniture or linen with a heavy dilution of the oil is a good training tool.

Citronella has such a strong effect on dogs that some pet owners use citronella collars as an alternative to electric anti-bark collars, however punishment collars of any kind are not recommended by the RSPCA.

Citronella oil should not be used on furniture accessible to cats as it can be toxic to them.

Can citronella essential oil be used against parasites and bacteria?

Numerous studies have investigated the possible anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of citronella oil - with several concluding that it can indeed be effective in weakening and destroying certain parasites. In fact, one of the oldest uses of citronella grass was in the treatment of intestinal worms.

A study in 2003 showed that geraniol, a compound found within citronella, is anthelmintic - meaning that it destroys parasites without causing damage to the host.

When diluted with a carrier vegetable oil and rubbed on the abdomen, the anthelmintic properties of geraniol will stun or kill parasites.

A 2016 study showed that citronella oil can help fight the candida fungus that causes symptoms of thrush, while a 2020 study declared the oil useful in mouthwashes to help kill and deter harmful bacteria.

Citronella's strong antimicrobial properties mean that it may also have a higher rate of effectiveness than some commercial anti-bacterial ingredients.

Because it is a natural remedy, citronella is also shown to have lower cytotoxicity than these commercial alternatives. This means that it does not contain any harmful risk to growing cells.

In spite of these effective properties, citronella oil should never be ingested and should always be spat out after use in the mouth.

How can citronella oil help manage pain?

Geraniol is an anti-inflammatory compound, which means that citronella oil can be very effective in treating swollen muscles, stubborn coughs, or inflamed skin.

It is also an anticonvulsant, and so can help to relax the muscles of the body to soothe and reduce feelings of pain. Diluted citronella can also be applied to the abdomen to alleviate menstrual cramps.

Adding a few drops of citronella essential oil to your favourite carrier oil can help target these areas of discomfort as well as improve the look and feel of the skin.

Can citronella oil be used as a natural shampoo and conditioner?

Citronella oil helps to regulate the production of sebum, a natural, waxy oil often found on the scalp. When sebum builds up excessively, hair can appear greasy, and so washing hair with a dilution of citronella oil is a good way to reduce this greasiness.

Some people have found that citronella is also useful in detangling wet hair, and leaves hair shinier, although this can differ between hair types.

Recent studies have also shown that citronella may be effective in preventing headlice. 

If you aren't a fan of the smell and want to try something different, a popular alternative you can use is rosemary oil for hair.

What is the history of Citronella Essential Oil?

Originating from the French word meaning “lemon balm”, Citronella has been utilised for centuries in China, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka for its refreshing scent and robust list of benefits.

Its uses would span far beyond the medicinal, however, with some Asian cultures utilising the grass’ fragrant aroma as a flavouring agent in several culinary applications.

References to citronella can even be found in various documents of antiquity, including the Old Testament and Sanskrit writings.

Citronella oil is an extremely versatile household product, and can contribute greatly to the cleanliness and hygiene levels of the home.

Its relaxing and soothing effects are well evidenced, and the protection it offers against parasites and bacteria is a welcome bonus.