What is citronella essential oil good for?
What is citronella essential oil good for? Citronella oil is known for several beneficial uses. Most notably, it’s used as a natural insect repellent, deterring mosquitoes and other pests. In aromatherapy, the oil’s strong, fresh aroma is used to uplift mood and reduce feelings of stress. The unique composition of citronella oil contains compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which are known to act as natural deterrents for mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other bothersome pests.A spray application may be good for freshening up a room or applying to your skin as an insect repellent. To make a citronella oil spray: Add citronella oil to water in a glass spray bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water.When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to oil of citronella? Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.
Can you put citronella essential oil on skin?
When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported. Citronella oil contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Applying diluted citronella oil to inflamed areas may help reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort associated with certain types of pain, such as minor injuries or arthritis-related pain.Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, while its analgesic abilities can help reduce pain associated with these and other issues. Citronella is also effective in combating bacterial and fungal infections.Is Citronella Essential Oil safe to use directly on skin? No. Citronella Essential Oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application. A 1–3% dilution is generally recommended to prevent skin irritation.Cleansing and Protection: In certain cultures, citronella is believed to possess cleansing properties and is used in rituals to ward off negative energy and promote positivity. Spiritual Significance: The aroma of citronella can be associated with purity and protection in various spiritual and belief systems.
Which essential oils do mosquitoes hate the most?
Thyme and clove oils were the most effective mosquito repellents and provided 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 h of protection, depending on oil concentration. Clove oil (50%) combined with geranium oil (50%) or with thyme oil (50%) prevented biting by An. The only natural mosquito repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is oil of lemon eucalyptus. But many other essential oils, such as lemongrass, clove, and patchouli, have been shown to have repelling properties as well.Today, citronella essential oil is most commonly found in natural insect repellents, candles, and body care products. It has a fresh, lemony scent and comes with many benefits — from warding off insects to soothing the skin.Peppermint and Eucalyptus These two oils give off a bold, cool scent that many insects dislike. Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil are both excellent scents that repel mosquitoes. You can use essential oil diffusers, spray mixtures, or even body lotions containing these oils.Insect repellent Citronella oil is used especially as a mosquito repellent, particularly for Aedes aegypti (dengue fever mosquito). Research also indicates that citronella oil is an effective repellent for body lice, head lice, and stable flies.CITRONELLA Citronella oil, which comes from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in commercial bug sprays and candles. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, but wonderfully pleasant to people.
How to use citronella essential oil to repel mosquitoes?
A cheap and practical insect repellent: Add several drops of citronella oil to a small amount of baby oil. Apply to bare skin. Keeps the mosquitoes off very well. Research has found that citronella oil combined with vanillin can protect people against mosquitoes for three hours. It can work for over six hours when combined with DEET. However, on their own, citronella candles are known to give very minimal amounts of mosquito protection.Another research study found peppermint oil to be significantly effective in repelling insects that carry diseases like yellow fever. Other essential oils reported to be successful as mosquito repellents include lemongrass, basil, neem, eucalyptus, catnip, lavender and thyme.Boogie® Insect Repellent Lotion effectively repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours. It contains 20% picaridin, is odorless and has a non-greasy feel that moisturizes skin.For those enjoying time outdoors, using repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender offers a chemical-free way to repel these pests. These essential oils are effective and provide a pleasant scent. They can be used in candles, sprays, or diffusers.