9 Citronella Oil Uses + Benefits
What is citronella used for? Here are some of its many uses:
1. All-Natural Insect Repellent
Citronella has been registered as a gentle, plant-based insect repellent in the U.S. since 1948. It has even been shown to repel dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading dengue fever and the Zika virus. (5) Research published in The Israel Medical Association Journal also shows how citronella can be effective in helping to prevent head lice, too. (6)
According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 30–60 minutes for its bug-repelling effects to last. You can combine several drops with coconut oil and spread it on your body like lotion, or add some to a spray bottle with water and cover your skin, hair and clothes.
2. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Reducer
Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress. A 2000 review published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry studied 34 different citrus essential oils and their components for radical-scavenging activities. They found that many citrus volatile components, including the main type found in citronella called geraniol, had high antioxidant capabilities for fighting free radicals that can cause disease and cellular damage. (7)
Due to its antioxidant properties, citronella can be used as a natural pain-relieving treatment to decrease inflammation and pain. Combine several (two to three) drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it into swollen joints, tissue and muscles.
3. Uplifting and Stress Reducing
Citronella has a citrusy scent that can be both uplifting and relaxing. In fact, research has shown that citronella oil seems to activate both para-sympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity. (8)
Citronella can contribute to natural stress relief so try diffusing it in your home or office to counteract a rough day. When inhaled, citronella can encourage relaxation, invigoration and pleasant memories and may even reduce trouble sleeping and depression.
4. Destroys Parasites
Citronella oil is used to expel worms and parasites from the intestines. (9) In vitro research shows that citronella’s geraniol also has strong anti-helminthic activity, which means it effectively expels parasitic worms and other internal parasites by either stunning or killing them without causing any damage to the host. (10) This is precisely the reason that citronella is used to prevent both internal and external infections, and why it should play a central role in a parasite cleanse.
5. Natural Perfume or Room Spray
Because it has a clean, fresh scent similar to lemon or lemongrass, citronella is a common ingredient in soaps, candles, incense, perfumes and cosmetics. You can naturally deodorize your home, dishwasher, refrigerator and laundry machine by diffusing citronella or running a cycle of your household appliances with a few drops of citronella included.