Citronella Java

Citronella Java Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum essential oil can be found in many products to fight off pests, such as mosquitoes. You will also find Citronella Cymbopogon nardus. There is no documented testing on the essential oil. This may be the reason that companies carry Citronella Java.

The therapeutic properties include as an anti-infectious, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, deodorant, fungicidal as well as other uses listed throughout the article. (1)

Essential oils are comprised of chemical families. Within these chemical families are the chemical components (constituents). The components within an oil is what creates the aroma as well as the therapeutic properties (action) of an oil.

The aroma in Citronella is an intense lemon with sweet, woodsy undertones. Citronella is considered a top-note in the fragrancy industry. The “notes” of essential oils are the various evaporation rates that they go through; top, middle and base notes with “in between” notes. Aromatically, blending oils with the three notes lends beautiful aromas evaporating at various rates, slowly and slightly changing the aroma over time.

Although Citronella has been tested non-toxic, it may induce an allergic reaction. There have been many reports of contact sensitization and dermatitis with Citronella. However, taking proper steps, you can avoid these issues.

Along with your carrier oil, add one teaspoon of vitamin E oil, an antioxidant, as added protection for those with sensitive skin. The standard dilution rates outlined by Robert Tisserand for Citronella is listed below. I recommend starting low and work up to your maximum. Your threshold may be 2% and not need to use the maximum of 5%. The maximum percentages listed is for those that have normal healthy skin. Although 0.5% is recommended for 3-24 months, because weight and health of the baby plays an important role in usage, you would have to use such a minute amount, it would be void of much therapeutic action. In this case, I would turn to an oil that is considered safer for this age. Essential oils should never be used on premature babies. (2)

3-24 months 2-6 yrs. 6-15 yrs. 15+ Pregnancy

0.5% 2% 3% 5% 2%

Internally and based on research, Citronella may present some drug interactions, specifically CYP2B6 drugs. This would be based on the methyl eugenol content. This can be found on the GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) analysis report and should be available on site with the oils you purchase. If you are on these drugs, avoid using Citronella internally. Some essential oils will also affect us internally when used externally. Citronella does not present this problem.

Essential oils can be quite effective topically, working through the dermis (skin) in the same manner that patches work for hormone replacement, smoke cessation, or pain patches.

Because of its unique lemony aroma, Citronella is most often used by perfumers in some of the most loved perfumes on the market. Blended with florals and woodsy oils lends a remarkable aroma.

Where Can I Get this Essential Oil?

It’s best to avoid purchasing oils from department stores, quick stops or drug stores. Occasionally I will see oils from companies I trust in some department stores. This is based on research I’ve previously done on a company. However, the majority found in these locations are synthetic oils passed off as “essential” oils. Essential oils that are enhanced with synthetic ingredients or synthetic oils passed off as essential oils have no therapeutic value whatsoever. My favorite companies that have analysis available on site as well as excellent service include Edens Garden, Plant Therapy, Aromatics International, and Nature’s Gift.

Bacteria-There is not a one size fits all to fight bacteria. There are many strains of bacteria. When we say ‘anti-bacterial,” it does not mean it covers every possible type of bacteria. That said, Citronella can assist in eliminating some strains of bacteria, and minor infections. Citronella is not recommended for open wounds. Once your wound has scabbed over, try the following to decrease bacteria and increase healing time. There are many carriers you can choose from. I’ve chosen Calendula infused organic oil because it is tough against stubborn wound and inflammation. Calendula works well on most skin infections, cuts, punctures, scrapes, burns and chapped skin or lips. The following is 2%. Increase or decrease as needed, keeping maximum dilution rates in mind. There are no safety concerns with Helichrysum or Frankincense.

One-ounce Calendula or carrier of choice
4 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
8 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum Italicum
6 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii

Apply up to 4 times a day or as needed. For more sensitive skin or concern for sensitivity, add 1 teaspoon vitamin E.

Arthritis and Rheumatism Pain and Inflammation-Citronella has three major components, citronellal, geraniol and citronellol. This contributes to the strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties against arthritic conditions. The citronellol within the oil adds to the relief by relaxing the muscles. Apply the following to achy joints.

One-ounce Tamanu oil
4 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 drops Balsam fir Abies balsamea
5 drops Plai Zingiber cassumunar
5 drops Juniper Berry Juniperus communis

Clean Home-Citronella makes a great room deodorizer. Its anti-fungal and ant-viral properties will kill the bacteria and leave behind a beautiful lemony aroma. Fill a one-ounce glass spray bottle almost to the top with water, leaving enough room for your essential oils. Add 9 drops of essential oil. Essential oils and water do not mix and since this does not contain an emulsifier, shake well before each use and avoid spraying on skin. Make a fresh spray each time. Although essential oils may have anti-bacterial properties, there are millions of strains of bacteria and essential oils are not resistant to bacterial growth in a water-based product.

Creating a Fragrance-Although there are many therapeutic uses for Citronella, it is also regarded in the fragrance industry as an excellent addition to beautiful perfumes. The following blend will uplift your mood while smelling beautiful!

5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 drops Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile
2 drops Ylang Ylang Cananga odorata var. genuina
3 drops Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana

Cold and Flu Season-With fall upon us and winter quickly approaching, proactively preparing for cold and flu season will have you armed and ready. In our house, along with Elderberry syrup, blends are prepared to catch germs at the first sign. The following blend can be used in an inhaler or diffuser. Topically, blended with an unscented lotion or cream, can be applied to the chest and neck. For children, apply to upper backs. This keeps their little fingers out of it and is still quite effective. This is a Master blend, meaning that when you will use a blend multiple times, you will make one big enough for this use rather than open your bottles several times. Use 15 drops per inhaler or diffuser. Topically, following percentage guidelines given above.

10 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
10 Drops Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana
10 Drops Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
15 Drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii
10 Drops Lavender Lavendula angustifolia

Depression-Although not its strongest suite, Citronella is a plus in blends for depression because of its ability to calm nervous conditions that are stress related and can add to depression. Depression, along with other autonomic responses, are best treated through direct inhalation.

Emotion involves the entire nervous system, of course. But there are two parts of the nervous system that are especially significant. The limbic system and the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is known to be linked integrally to emotion. it is through the limbic system that the molecules from the essential oils travel through the olfactory system and is also appears to be primarily responsible for our emotional life. For stress, breathe directly from the bottle or try the previous blend that also is very effective on depression as well as stress.

Digestive Tract Infections-Citronella has shown to be effective against some intestinal parasitic infections. This is due to the citronellal and geraniol, which are the two major components within the oil. (3)

For internal parasites, adults only: To one tablespoon of honey, add one drop of citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum essential oil. Gentle mix and add to one-ounce warm water, stir and drink. Consult a physician prior to using to ensure your internal issue is not more serious and may require medical attention.

Excess Water Weight-When dealing with common swelling, Citronella works as a diaphoretic which induces excess perspiration and may help to alleviate fluid.

If Edema, the concern becomes much greater. Edema occurs from increased hydrostatic pressure, reduced osmotic pressure, fluid retention, increased vascular (vessel) permeability or a possible lymphatic obstruction. If you suspect Edema, we recommend consulting with your physician. Along with exercise, elevation when necessary, low salt diet, and plenty of water to flush kidneys, Massage with Aromatherapy can stimulate the vessels and lymphatic system, releasing fluid and reducing swelling.

Our skin is put through trauma when swelling occurs. It becomes dry and irritated. I’ve added Neroli for its skin healing abilities and gentle healing carrier oils, Babassu Orbygnia Oil., along with Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis. Babassu oil is high in linolenic acids and is best used as an additive with other carriers. It’s often used in cosmetics and skin-care products. Using Babassu with Jojoba will help protect and heal the skin. The addition of essential oils that are also known for their antimicrobial properties will help to accelerate the healing actions of the Babassu oil. Apply by starting at the ankle and massaging upwards, the direction that the lymphatic system runs. Take time to massage at the lymph node sites; ankles, knees and groin area.

One-half ounce Jojoba oil
One-ounce Babassu oil
5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
10 drops Juniper Berry Juniperus communis
10 drops Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
5 drops Neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara

Fatigue and Increase Alertness One of the unique therapeutic actions of Citronella is its ability to calm the mind yet allow clarity and alertness. Along with other oils with similar properties, you’ll stay calm, alert and feel uplifted. Diffuse or add to an Inhaler the following drops.

5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 drops Spearmint Mentha spicata
5 drops Patchouli Pogostemon cablin

Free Radical Damage-Use citronella essential oil to prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Citronella is up to 22-25% percent of geraniol, which attributes to Citronella’s antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage -- the common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons. They rob other cells of electrons, causing damage and contributing to many diseases. Apply after baths and before bed.

One-Ounce Apricot Kernel (CP) oil
3 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum
5 drops Jasmine Jasminum grandiflorum
5 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii

Headache Pain-Stress and nervous tension related headaches are quickly relieved with the use of Citronella. Try the following in an inhaler or diffuser, Adult Only:

2 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
3 drops Lavender Lavendula angustfolia
5 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii
5 drops Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8 cineole

Neuralgia Discomfort-Neuralgia can be from several different underlying causes or conditions. It may be due to a damaged, weak or depressed nerve. It can cause a stabbing or burning pain, or coldness to the area. Along with Citronella, the following can help to stimulate the nerves and bring relief to the area. Rollerball applicators can be purchased from Amazon and other retailers. To a 10 ml roller ball container, add the following drops and fill with Arnica carrier oil. Apply to area as needed to relieve pain and inflammation. Avoid areas around or near eyes.

5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
3 drops Peppermint Mentha spicata

Pelvic pain can be indicative of many different health issues. We may experience pelvic pain for many different reasons throughout life and on various scales of discomfort. Finding safe, alternative relief is a plus. Research has shown that Citronella helps to ease pelvic discomfort. Depending on the cause of your pain, you can use it in a topical application or consider a Sitz bath (See my article on Sitz Baths). The following will not only lessen your pelvic pain, it will also reduce muscles spasms that may also be a contributing factor. There are several carrier choices. I chose Apricot Kernel for this recipe. Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed from the seeds of apricots. This carrier oil is a favorite of massage therapists, due to its fast absorption rate and many therapeutic properties. Its therapeutic properties include gentleness on inflamed, aging or sensitive skin.

One-ounce Apricot Kernel (CP) oil
5 Drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 Drops Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile
3 Drops Spikenard Nardostachys jatamansi
5 Drops Cypress Cupressus sempervirens

Freshly washed and dried skin is more receptive and will absorb more of the active components within your oils. Dry, gently massage the area, cover when possible.

If you choose a Sitz bath, combine oils and use 1-5 drops per one tablespoon carrier oil. For a regular bath size, use 5-20 drops. The number of drops depends on the safety of each oil youchoose to use then the maximum safe amount that is effective. Safety first.

*Depending on the strength of your dose, use no longer than 2 weeks with a week break. Reduce the chances of gaining sensitivity to an oil by varying your oils if using over a long period of time*

Reduce Fevers-Citronella is a febrifuge, which simply put, means it works to help reduce fevers. A fever can rise from many issues within the body. Citronella can work as a fever reducer while it’s uplifting properties can be comforting. Try the following fever reducing blend. For those under 2 years of age, I recommend Citronella Hydrosol. Hydrosols are gentle on children and pets. The following is not recommended for children under 2 years old.

One-ounce Carrier oil of choice
5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 drops Palmarosa Cymbopogon martini var. motia
5 drops Laurel Leaf Laurus nobilis

Apply to the neck and chest area. You can also add to a warm cloth and apply across the forward, avoiding the eyes.

Relieve Stress-Citronella helps to reduce stress related conditions by calming the central nervous system (CNS). Oils alone cannot reduce your stress. Recognizing and addressing the triggers that cause stress is the first step. Along with other actions, certain essential oils can help to get you through a much less stressful day. Try a personal inhaler. Some oils may not agree with others. With a personal inhaler, you keep the aroma to yourself and the essential oil molecules go straight to your olfactory system, calming and reducing your stress level. This will also work well in a diffuser.

5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 Drops Jasmine Jasminum grandiflorum
5 Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides

Repel Insects-Citronella has long been used as an insect repellant. Alone or along with other insect repellant oils, it’s good to have on hand year-round. Add 9 drops of Citronella to one-half ounce of unscented lotion and apply before going out. The following is also a beautiful aroma and used daily in the country where we live.

One-ounce unscented lotion
5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
10 drops Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
5 drops Vanilla Oleoresin
5 drops Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana

Skin Health-Citronella is an antiseptic, which helps to combat microbials and reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or other skin impurities. Try the following in an unscented lotion to improve your skins quality.

Two-Ounce Unscented Lotion
5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 Patchouli Pogostemon cablin
4 Geranium Pelargonium x asperum
6 Lavender Lavendula angustifolia

Smooth Muscle Spasms-As an antispasmodic, Citronella works on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. For various reasons, your gastrointestinal motility may be overworking, causing spasms in the stomach. The gastrointestinal tract has 5 parts; the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines.

To help eases these spasms, apply the following blend counterclockwise on your abdomen. The massage along with muscle calming oils will ease the tightness and discomfort the spasms can create while calming them down. I love the following oils along with Citronella for this purpose. They lend a calming, relaxing effect throughout the body, releasing tension and stress along with calming the muscles.

One-Ounce Arnica Infused oil or carrier of choice
Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
Clary Sage Salvia sclarea
Lavender Lavendula angustifolia
Sweet Marjoram Origanum majorana

Treat Anxiety-Anxiety effects over 1.5 million people in the USA over the age of 18. Citronella calms anxiety and related nervous conditions. Citronella can be diffused by adding up to 15 drops in a standard aromatherapy diffuser. Diffuse for 30-60 minutes with at least a 30-minute break in between. Because of possible negative neurological effects, it is not recommended to diffuse all night or continuously. For those times when you are out and about, you can either breathe the aroma directly from the bottle or use a personal inhaler, which holds up to 15 drops and can be purchased from Amazon and other retailers. I have found diffusers that can also be used in a vehicle. When using relaxing oils in your car diffuser, be sure they are not too strong and bring on sleepiness. You may also like the following blend.

5 drops Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus citronelliferum
5 drops Lavender Lavendula angustifolia
3 drops Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis
7 drop Ruh Khus Vetiveria zizanioides

Please leave a comment and let me know if this was helpful to you. Kindly-Rehne

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=citronella
https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oil-safety-master-class-interest/

Additional Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18436619 Inhibitory effects of terpenoids on multidrug resistance-associated protein 2- and breast cancer resistance protein-mediated transport.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26154255 Geraniol Suppresses Angiogenesis by Downregulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)/VEGFR-2 Signaling.
Sylla Sheppard-Hanger; The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual
2nd. Ed. Essential Oil Safety; R. Tisserand /R. Young; Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier
Dr. Jean Valnet, The Practice Of Aromatherapy, citronellal; pg. 31-32
Dr. Jean Valnet, The Practice Of Aromatherapy, citronella; pg. 35; 79
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19787148 ; citronellal and geranial and internal parasites