Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

Cybopogon nardus /Cybopogon winterianus

The citronella plant is a grass, there are two species or varieties, usually from South Asia. Their Latin names are Cybopogon nardus and the Java variety Cybopogon winterianus. Lemongrass is their cousin, Cymbopogon flexuosus. Knowing a plants Latin name is very important. Let me tell you why. The plant that you purchase from the garden center is Pelargonian citrosum or citrosa geranium also known as the mosquito plant. It is ineffective against mosquitoes, sorry but it smells great. The next time you're in the garden center looking for plants that repel mosquitoes look for the genus Cymbopogon, and the species nardus or winterianus. Citronella's cousin lemongrass also repels mosquitoes the genus is the same, Cymbopogon it's species is flexuosus. Both plants look the same. The essential oil from the fresh citronella plant is extracted by steam distillation. Citronella essential oil is medicinal, it has many health benefits.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria and inhibits it's growth.

Antidepressant:Helps with depression, mental fatigue and it's emotionally uplifting.

Antiseptic: Fights infections.

Antispasmodic: Relieves spasms of the muscle, respiratory system and nervous system.

Anti-inflammatory: Sedates inflammation.

Deodorant: The citrus in this oil drives away body odors.

Diaphoretic: Increases sweating; therefore releases toxins from the body.

Diuretics: increases the frequency of urination, and disposes of waste products and toxins.

Febrifuge: Fights fever and decreases body temperature, because it's anti inflammatory,

increases perspiration and antimicrobial.

Fungicidal: Citronella kills fungus and inhibits its growth.

Insect repellent:Kills and keeps away insects, including mosquitoes.

 Stomachic: Clears stomach of infections, helps it function properly.

Stimulant: Has a toning effect on the  entire body, stimulates metabolism, circulatory and nervous system.

Reference:

https://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/garden-myth-citronella-geranium-vs-5-easy-to-grow-mosquito-repelling-plants-that-work/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-citronella-essential-oil.html

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