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Citronella Oil – What are Citronella Essential Oil Health Benefits? Medicinal Values and Properties Of Citronella Essential Oil | Health Benefits Of Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon. The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, perfumery, cosmetic and flavouring industries throughout the world.Citronella oil is also a renowned plant-based insect repellent, and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948.The United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ considers oil of citronella as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action. Research also shows that citronella oil has strong antifungal properties,and is effective in calming barking dogs.

Citronella essential oil is a cicatrisant, capable of healing and forming scar tissue; it is antiseptic, bactericidal, diuretic, a tonic, insecticide, deodorant and emmenagogue. In aromatherapy, the essential oil of citronella is used as an insect repellent, to treat colds and flu, headaches, excessive perspiration, migraine and neuralgia.Citronella oil can be used on skin wounds to prevent infection and to help with the development of scar tissue.Use a few drops of citronella essential oil on a bandage to help a wound heal more quickly and to prevent tetanus and other harmful infections. Besides helping with the healing process, citronella oil will smell much better than typical disinfectants.Taken internally, citronella can also help with digestive complaints and weight loss.

Citronella oil, an essential oil, possesses activating and warming qualities both physically and mentally.The aroma is said to be like its relatives lemongrass and palmarosa. However, citronella oil is overlooked in aromatherapy because of its association with insect repellency. When citronella oil is diluted properly in a base oil and is applied to skin, it produces a mild sensation of warmth which relieves painful muscles and joints. Mentally, the aroma of citronella oil may help with nervous fatigue due to its clarifying properties. It can also ease pressure of migraines and headaches. Citronella oil blends well with cedarwood, orange, geranium, lemon and bergamot – however, you should only use essential oils under those specialised in the field. It is safer to consult a qualified aromatherapist if ever in doubt.

Health Benefits:

1.Vermifuge:The Citronella Essential Oil kills intestinal worms. It should be administered in mild doses to children. It is effective on both round worms and tape worms. Since presence of worms interfere with the normal physical and mental growth and also with the absorption of nutrients by the body, the use of this oil can promote this obstructed growth by eliminating worms.

2.Tonic:This property is meant for the overall toning effect on the body. It tones up digestion, excretion, nervous system and the brain and fortifies the body.

3.Stimulant:The stimulating effect of the Essential Oil of Citronella stimulates blood circulation, secretions and discharges like hormones and enzymes from the glands, brain and the nervous system and other functions. This also stimulates the immune mechanism and the metabolism of the body.

4.Stomachic:The use of this oil frees stomach from infections and other problems and helps it function properly.

5.Insect Repellant:This is one of the most used properties of this essential oil, as it kills and keeps away insects. It has been found particularly effective on a species of mosquito, called Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes the dreaded Yellow Fever. This is also effective on lice, body and head louse, fleas etc.

6.Fungicidal:This oil kills fungus and inhibits fungal growth. This is very useful in countering fungal infections in the ear, nose and throat region and other parts too and helps cure fungal dysentery.

7.Febrifuge:While the diaphoretic property of this oil increases perspiration, anti inflammatory property reduces inflammation and the anti microbial property fights infections, the combined effect of these three properties fights fever and reduces body temperature.

8.Diuretic:The increase in the frequency and quantity of urination due to this property of Citronella Essential Oil has many benefits. It disposes waste substances and toxins from the body, such as uric acid, excess bile and acids, salts etc. as well as water and fats. This helps reduce weight, drain out infections in the urinary system, frees the body from toxins, reduce chances of renal calculi, rheumatism and arthritis, improves digestion and keeps the heart healthy.

9.Diaphoretic:The diaphoretic properties of this essential oil increases sweating and promotes removal of toxins and other unwanted stuff like excess water, fat and salts from the body. This makes the body feel lighter, keeps the skin healthy and also reduces fever. This also protects you from certain infections.

10.Deodorant:The crisp, rich citrus or lemon like aroma of this oil drives away body odour and is used in deodorants and body sprays, although in very small quantities, since it heavy doses it may give skin irritations. It can also be mixed with the bathing water to have a refreshing, body odour ending bath.

11.Anti Inflammatory:It sedates inflammations. Particularly those pertaining to the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system. The inflammations caused to side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, hard & spicy food, any disease or any toxic element getting into the body, can be sedated using this oil.

12.Anti Spasmodic:It relieves spasms of the muscles, respiratory system and the nervous system. It also helps cure menstrual spasm and gives relief from symptoms such as cramp, coughs etc.

13.Anti Septic:The anti septic properties of this essential oil fights infections in the wounds, urinary tracts, urethra, prostrate and kidneys etc. and protects them from being septic.

14.Anti Depressant:This oil fights depression and gives relief from anxiety, sadness, negative feelings etc. It induces a fresh, happy feeling and hope.

15.Anti Bacterial: Components like methyl isoeugenol and a few others, found in this essential oil, are responsible for this property. They kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth in the body. This is particularly helpful in treating infections in wound, colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostrate and kidneys.