Citronella is a lemony, intense oil associated with Cleansing and Spa resorts... hated by insects & bugs
The Origins Of Citronella Essential Oil
A slightly sweet and lemony, very top note based essential oil
Extraction
The oil is steam distilled from the dried grass. Steam distillation of Cymbopogon (lemongrass), the fresh grass uses large amounts of energy and yields a lower quality oil, so dried grass is the preferred method.
INCI
Cymbopogon nardus
Aromatherapy Uses
Citronella Leaf Essential Oil is cleansing to the local environment around it. It freshens the air and has intense deodourising effects.
Citronella Leaf has long been used in Candles, especially outdoor candles to help ward off insects, bugs and mosquitos.
Skin Uses
Citronella is primarily used in skincare products intended to ward of insects and bugs. In low dose Citronella has been used in some eczema based products and tends to work best when the eczema is assoiciated with oily skin.
Hair Uses
The high levels of limonene and isoeugenol in Citronella are good at regulating sebum levels in the scalp which can help combat greasy hair. It can also sooth and nourish a dry, itchy scalp.
Therapeutic Properties
Citronella is useful for stress and anxiety, especially tension where you feel enclosed and unable to escape. Citronella is associated with being both uplifting and relaxing.
Citronella Blends well with
Cinnamon blends well with frankincense, myrrh, orange, mandarin, benzoin, Clove, Coriander, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange, Pine, Rosemary and Thyme.
Precautions
As with all essential oils avoid during pregnancy.
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.