Citronella Not Just for Bug Repellent!

The health benefits of citronella essential oil can be attributed to its properties like antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, insect repellent, stomachic, stimulant, tonic, and vermifuge substance.

What Is Citronella Oil?

Citronella is a grass that mainly grows in some Asian countries and some islands of the South Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus bears the name citronella. The essential oil of citronella is extracted from two varieties of citronella. The first one is the Ceylon variety, whose scientific name is Cymbopogon Nardus, and the second one is Java variety, called Cymbopogon Winterianus in botanical terminology.

Some of the Health Benefits of Citronella

1. Inhibits Bacterial Growth

2. Fights Depression

3. Relieves Spasms

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

5. Eliminates Toxins

6. Helps to Reduce Fevers

7. Insect Repellant

8. Stimulant and Acts like a Tonic

9. Removes Bad Odors

Some Other Benefits :

Citronella oil may be useful in treating problems like oily skin, oily hair, abnormal palpitations, colitis, migraine, neuralgia, fatigue, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain resulting from gas or cramps, and also helps to eliminate some infections.

Inhibits Bacterial Growth

According to some research published in the Microbios Journal, components like Methyl Isoeugenol and a few others found in citronella essential oil are responsible for inhibiting any kind of bacterial growth. They kill bacteria and inhibit any further bacterial growth in the body. This is particularly helpful in treating infections in wounds, as well as in the colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate, and kidneys.

Fights Depression

Citronella oil helps to fight depression and gives relief from anxiety, sadness, and negative feelings. It induces a fresh, happy feeling and feeling of hope.

Relieves Spasms and Inflammation

Citronella essential oil relieves spasms of the muscles, respiratory system, and nervous system. Citronella essential oil sedates inflammation, particularly those situations which pertain to the liver, stomach, intestines, and other parts of the digestive system. The inflammations caused as side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, hard and spicy food, any disease, or any toxic element getting into the body can also be alleviated using this oil.

Helps to Eliminate Toxins

The diaphoretic properties of citronella essential oil increase sweating and promote the removal of toxins and other unwanted materials like excess water, fat, and salt from the body. This makes the body feel lighter, keeps the skin healthy, and also reduces fever. This also protects you from certain infections.

Reduces Fevers

While the diaphoretic property of this oil increases perspiration, its anti-inflammatory property reduces inflammation, while the antimicrobial property fights infections. The combined effects of these three properties fight fever and help to reduce body temperature.

Insect Repellant

This is one of the most commonly used properties of citronella essential oil, as it kills and keeps away insects. It has been found particularly effective on a species of mosquito. This is also effective on Lice, Fleas, Ticks, Gnats, and Flies.

Stimulant and Acts like a Tonic

The stimulating effect of the essential oil of citronella stimulates blood circulation, secretions and discharges like hormones and enzymes from the glands, brain while also increasing activity in the nervous system. This essential oil also stimulates the immune mechanisms and the metabolism of the body. Citronella oil has an overall toning effect on the body. It tones up digestion, excretion, the nervous system, and the brain while fortifying the body.

Removes Bad Odors

The crisp, rich citrus or lemon-like aroma of citronella oil drives away body odor and is used in deodorants and body sprays. It can also be mixed with the bathwater to have a refreshing bath.