Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus / Cymbopogon winterianus)
Plant Family Poaceae/Gramineae
Synonyms –
Origin
Citronella Oil is obtained from the green and tall blades of Cymbopogon grass. This fragrant grass got its name from the French word meaning “lemon balm,” due to its floral, citrus-like aroma. Native to Sri Lanka. Extensively cultivated in other tropical countries.
Extraction Method
Citronella oil is an essential oil that’s made from the steam distillation of the Asian grass plant in the Cymbopogon genus. It is necessary up to 100 kg of fresh Cymbopogon winterianus raw to obtain 1 kg of essential oil.
Nature of the Oil
Pale yellow, transparent & smells citrusy, slightly fruity, fresh and sweet.
Perfumery Note – A top note of strong aroma lasts up to 24 hours. The Citronella Essential Oil has rich citrus or lemon balm-like aroma with various properties.
Citronella oil finds extensive use in perfumery, both directly and indirectly. Soaps, soapflakes, detergents, household cleaners, technical products, insecticides, etc. are often perfumed exclusively with this oil.
Main Constituents

Properties
Diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antiinflammatory, stomachic, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge.
Therapeutic Properties
With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and expectorant properties, Citronella Oil can offer respite from discomforts of the respiratory system, such as congestion, infection, and irritation of the throat or sinuses, shortness of breath, mucus production, and symptoms of bronchitis. Simply diffuse a blend consisting of 2 drops each of Citronella, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils to attain this relief while also enhancing circulation and reducing stress and anxiety.
For a tonic massage blend that stimulates, supports, and strengthens all the body’s systems, including the digestive, excretory, nervous, and endocrine systems, blend together 10 drops of Citronella Essential Oil and 10 ml of Coconut Carrier Oil. Gently massage this blend all over the body to boost immunity and circulation while soothing arthritic discomfort, back pain, abdominal cramps, and headache.
For a detoxifying massage oil, dilute 5 drops of Citronella Essential Oil in 5 ml of Sesame Carrier Oil. Massage this blend into the parts of the body affected by pain and inflammation. This blend is reputed to not only reduce both symptoms but to also promote the body’s elimination of toxins through sweat and excretory functions. To stimulate digestion and reduce menstrual cramps, this blend can be massaged onto the abdomen in a circular motion for 1 minute or until fully absorbed into the skin.
For an invigorating massage that addresses fatigue and lethargy, dilute 2-4 drops of Citronella Essential Oil in 2 Tbsp. of Olive or Jojoba carrier oil and massage it into the skin until it is fully absorbed. This blend is reputed to promote the body’s release of negative emotions such as aggression, restlessness, and sadness.
Aromatherapeutic Uses
Used in aromatherapy applications, Citronella Essential Oil is known to slow or prevent the growth and spread of harmful airborne bacteria while also repelling flying insects, such as mosquitos. It eases and uplifts negative sentiments such as sadness, anxiety, and stress by relaxing the body and mind and promoting a sense of lightheartedness. Furthermore, it is reputed to ease muscles spasms, such as menstrual cramps, as well as spasms of the respiratory and nervous systems. This, in turn, alleviates discomforts such as coughs. Its fresh, bright citrus-like scent is known to naturally refresh the musty scent of the stale and unclean air. This cleansing and invigorating quality make Citronella Oil an ideal ingredient in natural room sprays and diffuser blends. Its happy fragrance is also reputed to normalize an irregular heartbeat and palpitations, to ease headaches, migraines, nausea, neuralgia, and symptoms of colitis, and to improve energy levels to overcome fatigue. The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils.
Psychological Profile
The fresh and fruity lemon-based scent of the Citronella essential oil is known to uplift the atmosphere of the surroundings and keep negative emotions and thoughts at bay. The aroma of this oil instills a feeling of optimism by boosting energy levels. It eliminates unhealthy thoughts, sadness, or anxiety and slackens the body and mind fostering a perception of light-heartedness.
Blends Well With
Essential oils of Bergamot, as well as with other citrus, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spruce, Tea Tree, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Our safety advice
We recommend a dermal maximum of 18.2% based on 29.1% geraniol with dermal limit of 5.3% (See Geraniol profile, Chapter 14). Considering its lack of genotoxicity, its chemopreventive activity, and the fact that anticarcinogens constitute over 60% of the oil while methyleugenol is only found at 0-1.7%, we do not consider that citronella oil presents a material risk of carcinogenicity.
Cautions
Low risk of skin sensitization, otherwise has GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe). Dilute before use. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.
Other varieties
Ceylon and Java are the two varieties of Citronella from which the essential oil is derived via steam distillation of their fresh leaves. The main chemical composition of Citronella Oil’s two varieties is similar but the constituents vary in their amounts: The main chemical constituents of Citronella Ceylon Oil, which is derived from the Cymbopogon nardus botanical, are Geraniol, Camphene, Limonene, Methyl isoeugenol, Geranyl acetate, Borneol, Citronellal, and Citronellol. The main chemical constituents of Citronella Java Oil, which is derived from the Andropogon nardus botanical, are Citronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, and Geranyl acetate.
Due to its higher Geraniol and Citronellal content, Java is the variety that is believed to be of higher quality. Both oils vary in color from a pale yellow to a brownish shade; however, the Java variety generally has a fresher, lemony scent reminiscent of Lemon Essential Oil while the Ceylon variety may have a warm, woody nuance to its citrus aroma.
References

1. R. Tisserand, R. Young, E. M Williamson “Essential Oil Safety. A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, Churchill Livingstone ELSEVIER, 2014
2. R. Balz “The Healing Power of Essential Oils”, LOTUS LIGHT SHANGRI-LA, Twin Lakes, 1996
3. J. Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition), London: Harper Thorsons, 2014
4. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1981-1987 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1989), 39-40.
5. P.Dugo, L. Mondello, E. Sebastiani, et al., Identification of Minor Oxygen Heterocyclic Compounds of Citrus Essential Oils by Liquid Chromatography-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. (Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies 22, 1999), 2991-3005.
6. B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils, Number 2. (Perfumer & Flavorist 25, 2000),
   46-49. SCCP, Opinion on Furocoumarins in Cosmetic Products. (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, 13-Dec.-2005), SCCP/0942/05.
7. Л.ГДудченко, Г.П.Потебня, Н.А.Кривенко «Ароматерапия и аромамасаж», «Максимум», Киев, 1999