Citronella is best known for its usage as bug repellant, offering a bright citrus aroma with an undertone of green woody notes, used traditionally in candle-making and in small quantities for perfumes.

• Bug Repellant
• Candlemaking
• Insecticide
• Local Anesthetic (Mild)
• Perfume Ingredient

Aromatic Scent: Fresh, bright, lemony, slightly sweet with a mild green undertone, with some woody notes on the dry down.

Dr. Nick Notes

Citronella has been a prized ingredient in my therapeutic arsenal for years. When I travel internationally and head into the forest, woods or jungles, I’ve found it’s presence to be supportive at keeping the bugs at bay. Citronella is a relatively intense green-citrus aromatic extracted from the Cymbopogon grass. For years I sourced the Ceylon type (Cymbopogon nardus) from Sri-Lanka and most recently have been enjoying the more complex layered aromatic qualities of Indian Java type Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) which has a more crisp citrus scent to my senses.

Citronella is a great ingredient for soap and candle makers, perfumers, aromatherapists. It offers a unique and bright aromatic citrus, and must be blended carefully so it doesn’t overwhelm the senses… or cause dermal irritation on the skin. There is low risk for skin sensitization from this ingredient: Citronella contains constituents such as citral & citronellal which can be irritating on the skin, so very low concentrations are recommended when applied topically. Sometimes I will add citronella into my laundry detergent or hand / dish soaps for an extra crisp citrus fresh.

How to Use

• Try 1-2.5% in your favorite carrier oil to make your own bug repellant. Other great ingredients are Pink Pepper, Lemon Eucalyptus, Lavender. Always use a patch test to test for sensitivity before applying to the whole body!
• Add 0.125-0.25% into your dish soap or laundry detergent for an extra sense of clean and fresh. Or add several drops each run.
• Diffuse into the environment using a diffuser to yield a clean citrus scent. I prefer combining with other ingredients and use citronella with a low percentage.
• Use as an aromatic component in candle making or botanical perfumery. Typically very small % are used!
• Place a few drops on incense to help keep the bugs away and add a green citrus aroma

Precautions

• Always dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and light.
• Do not use on infants/young children.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Bitter Orange, Black Pine, Blood Orange, Cedar Atlas, Clove, Cypress, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Helichrysum, Juniper, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lime, Litsea Cubeba, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tangerine, Vetiver

Cultivation: Organic | Wildcrafted
Origin: India, Sri-Lanka, Nepal
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Terpenes: Citronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Geranyl acetate, Elemol, Germacrene D, Citronellyl acetate, Elemene Beta, Geranial + Neral (Citral), Linalool, Isopulegol, Caryophyllene Beta, Humulene, Pinene, Myrcene, Ocimene, Eugenol, Cadinene

References

Hay, I.C., Jamieson, M., & Ormerod, A.D. (1998). Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for Alopecia areata. Arch Dermatology., 134:1349-52

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. *