Organic Essential Oil - Citronella

Latin name : Cymbopogon Nardus

Part of the plant used: dried herb

Source: Sri Lanka

Extraction method: steam distillation

Citronella oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon plant species, especially Cymbopogon nardus. Organic citronella essential oil is renowned as a plant-based insect repellent, a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action, and has been registered for this use in the U.S. since 1948. The main producing countries are Indonesia and China, which together account for approximately 40% of the world's citronella essential oil production.

In addition to being useful as an insect repellent for the skin, this oil is good for excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair, and works as a deodorant. It is said to relieve pain due to rheumatism and arthritis, and to help fight off the flu, colds, and minor infections. The oil is good for the digestive system, helping to heal colitis and intestinal infections, and eliminating intestinal parasites. It relieves menstrual cramps and pain, and increases heart rate. Used in a vaporizer, it is known to alleviate fatigue, headaches, and neuralgia, and promote a positive and optimistic mood. Avoid use during pregnancy and in children under 3 years old. Do not ingest.

Ancient cultures in India, Egypt, and other places where Cymbopogon grasses grew used them to repel insects, especially mosquitoes. In those times, people settled near rivers and other bodies of water. While this was beneficial in many ways, it also meant a large number of insects, particularly mosquitoes, which caused disease and death. Therefore, using this grass as a repellent was a matter of life and death.