Learning to Use the Unique Properties of Citronella Essential Oil for Personal Benefit
The properties of citronella essential oil have been known since the days of ancient India. Women used it to rejuvenate and brighten their skin, men inhaled the rich, citrus scent before military battles in order not to feel fear and become invulnerable to rivals. Today citronella oil has not lost its popularity, being widely used in cosmetology, folk medicine, cooking and the household sphere.
Features of citronella essential oil
Citronella oil is obtained from the dried plant by steam distillation. In color, consistency and aroma, citronella oil resembles orange or lemon. Ether has a rich aroma with hints of citrus, which perfectly invigorates and tones. That is why this substance is often used as a natural "energy".
The composition of citronella essential oil depends on the growing conditions of the plant. The main components are:
- terpenes - used as fragrances in the manufacture of perfumery and cosmetic products;
- terpene alcohols - found in many detergents;
- citral is a monoterpene-type aldehyde used as a fragrance in cosmetic and perfumery products.
Citral is also used in the manufacture of ophthalmic drops and other drugs.
Citronella essential oil properties
Due to its unique properties, citronella essential oil is used both in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, and in cosmetology.
The action of citronella oil:
- accelerates the elimination of toxins and toxic substances from the body;
- promotes muscle relaxation and relieves spasms;
- improves the tone and elasticity of blood vessels;
- strengthens capillaries and fights against their permeability;
- normalizes the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
- has a mild diuretic and diaphoretic effect;
- improves memory and concentration;
- strengthens hair, stopping hair loss;
- improves the state of the nervous system, relieves the negative effects of stress.
Citronella essential oil strengthens the body's immune defenses, so its use is recommended during seasonal exacerbations of colds and flu.
The use of citronella oil in traditional medicine
Due to its many beneficial properties, citronella essential oil is used both in complex treatment and for the prevention of many diseases. One of its main areas of application is the elimination of anemia, neuralgia, migraine attacks, vestibular disorders and dystonia.
Citronella oil helps to relieve headaches and dizziness, apathy, weakness and loss of strength. The natural remedy effectively fights against hearing and vision impairment, nausea caused by vegetative-vascular disorders.
Scope of application of citronella essential oil in herbal medicine:
- Improving hearing if it deteriorates, recovering from surgery or infectious diseases.
- Accelerating metabolism - citronella oil cleanses the body of toxic compounds and reduces appetite by stimulating the burning of fat cells. That is why citronella is used for weight loss.
- Strengthening the immune system and restoring an exhausted body after prolonged illness and surgery.
- Restoration of mobility of muscles and joints, and in combination with therapeutic exercises - improvement of the condition of the musculoskeletal system.
- Treatment of dermatological diseases - citronella essential oil effectively fights against fungal infections, acne, warts and calluses.
Citronella oil is used in many massage products. It eliminates unpleasant symptoms from bruises, injuries and sprains, normalizes muscle tone and restores joint mobility.
The properties of citronella essential oil in cosmetology
Regular use of citronella essential oil helps to improve the condition of the skin and hair, due to which the aromatic substance is included in many cosmetics. It normalizes the production of sebum, eliminates unpleasant shine, fights enlarged pores and blackheads.
The use of citronella oil in cosmetology:
- Add 3 drops of ether to warm water, pour into a bowl and use to steam your face. This procedure helps unclog pores and remove excess oily gloss.
- Mix 2-3 drops of the fragrant product with the usual milk, cream, fluid or lotion, apply on the face in the evening, before going to bed.
- Apply 2-4 drops of citronella essential oil to a wooden comb and comb your hair for a few minutes.
This natural remedy helps fight excessive sweating and calluses on the feet. To do this, add 3-4 drops of oil to warm water and use it for foot baths. The duration of the procedure should be at least 10 minutes.
Home use
One of the most important properties of citronella essential oil is its insecticidal effect. The citrus scent of this product repels cockroaches, mosquitoes, midges and others insects... The oil extract can be used in a variety of ways - add to body cream and apply to the skin, soak cotton pads in the oil and spread around the room.
A remedy for the destruction of mosquitoes, bedbugs and other blood-sucking insects can be made independently by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil with 9-12 drops of citronella essential oil. The prepared composition can be applied to open areas of the body, window and doorways.
Citronella oil can be added to dog and cat shampoo (15-20 drops) and used for bathing pets. This will keep fleas and ticks away.
Also, the natural remedy can be used as a home air fragrance. It effectively fights against the smell of tobacco, onions, fish and other unpleasant odors. The essential oil is added to an aroma lamp or warm water for cleaning floors.
Contraindications to use
Citronella oil is highly concentrated, so it must be used very carefully, in strict proportions.
The tool has several contraindications for use.:
- children under 6 years old;
- the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- epilepsy;
- increased excitability;
- arterial hypertension;
- gastritis with increased gastric acidity;
- colitis;
- a stomach or duodenal ulcer;
- abrasions, wounds, burns and other skin damage;
- tendency to skin allergic reactions;
- individual intolerance to citronella.
Citronella essential oil is a natural remedy used in cosmetology, perfumery and herbal medicine. The oil extract is distinguished by antiseptic, tonic and immunomodulatory properties, and the pronounced repellent and disinfectant effect allows the use of citronella in the domestic sphere.