Citronella Essential Oil

Either because of the name or because of the dominant citrus notes in the complex and surprisingly fresh aroma, citronella essential oil is associated by many with the citrus aroma oils group, although in fact it does not belong to them. A unique plant - a perennial herb with long thin linear leaves, collected in bunches up to one and a half meters high - is just a grass. Citronella grows in tropical countries, in particular in the legendary Sri Lanka.

In ancient times, citronella oil was applied to the threshold of a house in order to prevent anyone from entering or carrying out a plan to anyone who wishes evil to the owners. Citronella was also considered the protector of the warriors, whom this oil, according to legend, made invulnerable.

Like the plant from which it is extracted, citronella aroma oil strikes from the first acquaintance with a combination of cheerfulness and invigorating effect, but the list of healing properties of this essential oil is no less surprising.

Specifications

Citronella oil is obtained from the aerial parts of citronella by distilling aromatic substances with steam. Outwardly, citronella oil is sometimes difficult to distinguish from lemon oil. Yellowish brown, with a similar liquid texture, combined with a scent, it evokes thoughts of the citrus family.

The aroma of citronella aroma oil is special: fresh, tonic, with a clear breeze top note, a plant base (reminiscent of freshly cut grass), with an oily and woody hue, a very strong bitter-lemon bottom note, it conquers "from the first breath."

Citronella oil is very similar in properties to lemon eucalyptus and lemongrass oils, so it can be used as a more economical alternative. Sage, cinnamon, mint, incense, basil, sandalwood, patchouli, bay, thyme, fir, limette, juniper, cypress, black pepper, cloves, lavender, nioli, savory, lemon, orange, bergamot, cedar ...

Impact on the emotional sphere

This is one of the most emotionally active oils: citronella quickly transforms the current state and mood, causes a surge of joy and cheerfulness. The antidepressant effect of this essential oil is manifested in the elimination of apathy, indifference and negative mood.

Citronella oil helps you to look at the situation and life in a new way, reconsider your attitude to the world and encourages you to change your routine to active development and a fun pastime. It protects against negative emotions and energy messages, helps to get rid of an obsessive feeling of ill will, and helps to activate personal development.

This aromatic oil also has a very positive effect on productivity: it tones up and increases concentration, improves memorization and assimilation of information.

As a versatile aphrodisiac, oil promotes activity.

Application in cosmetology

Citronella oil is considered one of the most effective remedies that actively affect the imperfections of oily skin. It promotes internal changes, transforms the properties of the epidermis, not only regulating the level of sebum formation, but also affecting the cleansing and narrowing of pores, evens out the skin structure, helping to get rid of acne.

True, in the role of a remedy for recent problems, citronella oil manifests itself better not in creams or lotions, but with spot application. Also, local action is preferable for other skin inflammations.

Despite the fact that the main effect of the essential oil from a unique and very aromatic herb is associated precisely with the regulation of the balance of oily skin, it no less effectively transforms skin with the opposite properties - aging and dry, contributing to its leveling, regeneration of structure and density, restoration of tone and level moisture.

Features of use and contraindications

The "talents" of citronella oil are also manifested in the domestic sphere: the bright aroma scares away almost all insects; the oil is excellent for washing dishes and removing strong odors from kitchen items, and also helps to eliminate odors in the air, including tobacco smoke.

When applied directly to the skin, citronella oil causes heating, sometimes a burning sensation and a burning sensation that can last up to 5 minutes.

May cause sneezing when used for inhalation. This reaction is not a sign of allergy, but it brings negative emotions, which is why citronella oil is recommended to be used in combination with soothing base oils.

For those with particularly sensitive skin, it is better to stop using this oil altogether.

The oil cannot be used at any stage of pregnancy, as well as with hypertension and overexcitation, because its invigorating effect is accompanied by a strong stimulating and tonic effect.

Citronella oil is also taken internally, but only in the absence of gastritis, symptoms of high acidity and peptic ulcer diseases.