Essential Oil Profile: Citronella

Latin Name: Cymbopogon winterianus

Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)

Plant Part: Leaves (some include stems)

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Top Element: Wood

Functional Groups: Alcohol, Ester, Aldehyde

Type: Stimulating

Ayurvedic Dosha (Balance): Pitta, Kapha

Scent: Lemony, slightly fruity

For Skin Type: Oily

Cautions: Not during pregnancy;skin sensitizing; do not take orally.

Physical Uses: Colds, flu, cooling, perspiration, sore muscles and joints, toothaches, digestive issues, rheumatism, fatigue anti bacterial, oily skin and fungal.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Mental fatigue, emotionally uplifting, calmness.

Other Uses: Insect repellent for flying insects, especially mosquitoes. apply a drop to a bandana to ward off insects or add 15 drops to 1 ounce witch hazel spray.

Blends Well With: Grasses, citrus, lavender, roots and wood.

Possible Substitutions: Lemongrass or eucalyptus lemon( Eucalyptus citriodora)

                                                                                             photo from ls-naturals.com

References

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level Level,2001-2011.

http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/health-benefits-of-citronella-essential-oil

http://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/citronella-oil.asp

http://essentialoilbenefits.org/citronella-essential-oil/