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The use of citronella essential oil for various diseases, for exterior care, for the purpose of disinfecting premises has been practiced for more than a century. The knowledge and techniques of aromatherapy came from the South Asian countries, where this plant grows in abundance. Citronella can also be found in Central America, Argentina, African countries, Vietnam, and the island of Java.
Citronella essential oil properties
Citronella grows predominantly in tropical climates, although it does well in other places if you provide it with high humidity and temperature, for example, at home. The closest relatives of the plant are lemongrass and lemongrass - their use in medicine and cosmetology is about the same.
Useful properties of oil:
- a very pleasant citrus aroma, therefore it is often used in the perfumery and cosmetic industry, for aromatizing rooms, removing unpleasant odors;
- the smell scares away mosquitoes and other arthropods;
- is a good biopesticide;
- exhibits a pronounced antifungal activity;
- has a number of therapeutic effects and is used in medicine, cosmetology, is a part of medicines;
- It is used to isolate substances such as geraniol and citronellal, which are abundant.
Helps citronella oil against fleas, lice, scabies mites. The essential extract is obtained from the dried stems and leaves of the plant by the method of water-steam distillation. The volume of world production is 4 thousand tons, 40% of which comes from Indonesia and China.
Citronella oil composition
Citronella essential oil is a light brown or yellow liquid with a herbaceous floral scent. The oil contains:
- geraniol;
- geranyl acetate;
- citronellal;
- citronellol;
- citral;
- limonene;
- methyleugenol;
- dipentene;
- vanillin.
Citronella aromatic oil can be of several types, but the most common are Ceylon and Javanese. The main component of the first is geraniol, which contains up to 20%, and citronellal is only 5-10%. Javanese oil is considered more valuable. Its main component is citronellal, the amount of which reaches 45%.
Citronella oil uses
Essential oils are volatile, meaning their molecules evaporate easily. Filling the air, they enter our nose, where they specifically affect the olfactory cells. The nerve signals that are sent go directly to the brain - its limbic system and the hypothalamus. These areas regulate emotions, mood and physical condition.
Citronella oil in cosmetology
Citronella ester is often used in cosmetics for face and body skin care. This is one of the most effective means for achieving health, youth and beauty used by women:
- refreshes the complexion;
- tones the skin;
- cleanses and tightens the pores of the face;
- smoothes the relief of aging skin;
- helps to reduce wrinkles, including those on the neck;
- copes with coarse areas, warts, is suitable for peeling;
- effective for boils, acne, oily skin;
- relieves dandruff.
Penetrating into the depths of the skin, it regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands and carries out natural face cleansing. Also suitable for dry type - softens and moisturizes, eliminates many dermatological problems, tightens the skin.
It is used as a deodorant for excessive sweating of the feet. It is necessary to add a few drops to the cream or warm baths. The antiviral properties of the ether make it possible to effectively care for the lips during the cold period of the year - it protects against herpes. Add to lip balm and apply periodically.
Citronella oil for health promotion
Citronella ester is used in aromatherapy. A tart citrus aroma gives a good mood, gives vigor. It also has many other advantages:
- eliminates headache caused by migraine;
- increases the productivity of brain activity (attention, memory, assimilation of information);
- strengthens the entire body;
- improves digestion;
- restores the body after illness, surgery;
- reduces food cravings;
- protects against colds, viruses;
- eases the condition with VSD, dizziness, vestibular disorders;
- stimulates the immune defense;
- eliminates excessive sweating;
- relieves congestion in the ears, increases hearing acuity;
- stimulates the production of sex hormones;
- makes the connective tissue more elastic, which allows you to increase sports loads;
- accelerates the regeneration of the skin.
Citronella aromatic oil is sprayed with an aroma lamp, added to the bath, used for inhalation and in compresses. Drop 3-4 times into cold water, and then just heat.
Mosquito repellent citronella oil
A mosquito bite is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance. Some types of bloodsucking can transmit dangerous infections from another person or animal. Everyone is well aware of the existence of malaria mosquitoes. To protect yourself from insect attacks, you can use natural repellents.
One of the mosquito repellents is citronella essential oil. It acts on the receptors located in the antennae of insects, prevents bites. It is best to use highly concentrated citronella oil (50 to 100%). It is more effective and has a long exposure time. 10% citronella oil solution is able to provide short-term protection against insects.
Contraindications and side effects
Citronella oil must be diluted with base oils, cosmetics (shampoo, cream). If it comes into contact with the skin in its pure form, it causes a burning sensation and may cause a burn. For those with particularly sensitive skin, it is better to refuse the use of oil and use other types of essential extracts in caring for their appearance.
Citronella oil is contraindicated for use by pregnant women, and at any stage of bearing a child, its use can lead to undesirable consequences. Many essential oils, including citronella, contain the essential substance thujone. Once in the bloodstream, it causes the uterus to contract and can lead to the loss of the baby.
It is possible to take citronella oil internally only in the absence of complaints of gastritis, high acidity, peptic ulcer disease. Ether has an invigorating, tonic effect, therefore it is not recommended to take it for hypertensive patients with nervous overexcitation, since the condition of such a person will only worsen.
Terms and conditions of storage
Any essential oil will deteriorate if exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Direct light exposure greatly shortens the shelf life of this product. If blue rays predominate in the light range, destruction is many times faster than with a spectrum that is more saturated with red.
Therefore, the oil should not be kept in ordinary plastic or glass bottles, which are absolutely transparent. The container for storing essential extracts should be ivory, brown. But even in such a container, oils cannot be placed on light-flooded places such as illuminated window sills, shelves.
They do not like ethers and high temperatures. They should be kept further away from areas where central heating radiators, radiators and other sources of intense heat radiation are located. Essential oils are volatile, so they evaporate almost instantly, especially at elevated temperatures. Pure oil (100%), subject to the integrity of the package and its tightness, can be stored for 3-5 years.
Conclusion
The use of citronella essential oil makes it much easier to take care of the body, appearance and health. Ether also helps in everyday life. Eliminates unpleasant odors, drives insects out of the home, and aromas the room.
