Description

Details

Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella) is native to Indonesia, where it has been used in insect sprays, soaps, candles, and cleaning agents for thousands of years. It is a close relative of lemongrass and is used in local cuisines. Our citronella essential oil is steam-distilled from leaves grown in Indonesia.

Common Uses

Most people are familiar with citronella’s use in repelling insects from citronella candles. Citronella candles sometime mix in cedarwood essential oil to round out the scent of the smoke. Citronella vapors provide clarity and clear breathing. Topically, citronella is good for oily skin. Diffuse, mix with a blend, mix a few drops in a spray bottle with water and spray to exposed skin/clothing, or apply in a 2-5% dilution.

Fun Fact

Citronella was one of the world’s dominant insect repellents before the introduction of DDT. Recent history has indicated that Citronella is once again becoming the product of choice for health-conscious customers. Citronella essential oil is listed on the minimum-risk pesticide list of the EPA, which means that it can be used as an effective and active ingredient in pesticides (including insect repellants) when blended with other minimum-risk ingredients, and poses minimal risk to human and environmental health.