Jennifer Lane - Certified Aromatherapist on
Summer is just around the corner, and with it come the mosquitoes! Instead of relying on bug spray to keep the bugs away, try using a citronella diffuser blends. Not only will you be keeping yourself safe from bug bites, but you'll also be enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy. In this blog post, we'll share some of our favorite diffuser blends with citronella, as well as other ways to use and benefit from Citronella oil.
Citronella essential oil has a refreshing, clean scent that is said to reduce stress and replace it with feelings like rest, comfort and renewal. It can also be used to lower mental and emotional barriers to happiness and sleep. Learn more about its benefits and get DIY Citronella Diffuser Blends to try too!
This underestimated essential oil has many uses and benefits. The benefits of being a natural insect repellent and a healthy cleaning aid are just the tip of the iceberg of citronella essential oil uses. In addition to repelling bugs and mosquitoes, citronella oil can also be used to help soothe respiratory issues and improve mood.
Citronella Essential Oil Facts
Citronella essential oil comes from the tall, aromatic perennial grass native to Sri Lanka. Commonly used to deter moths, fleas, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects.
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Leaves
Note: Middle
Family: Poaceae
Aroma: Fresh, citrus, lemony aroma
Citronella Essential Oil Blends Well With
Citronella oil can be blended with other oils to create powerful synergistic effects. Citronella blends well with:
- Lemongrass
- Basil
- Cedarwood
- Spearmint
- Eucalyptus
- Lime
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Sandalwood
- Tangerine
- Ylang Ylang
- Geranium
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Cypress
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Sweet Orange
- Grapefruit
Therapeutic Properties of Citronella Oil
Analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, insect repellent, febrifuge, stomachic, tonic.
How to Use Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella essential oil can be used in many ways. To broadly categorize the two major ways citronella oil is used, we can break the uses down into inhalation or topical application.
Aromatic Citronella Essential Oil Uses
If using for aromatic purposes, add a few drops of oil to a diffuser and enjoy the benefits of the oil. You can also add a few drops to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam.
Besides diffusing, another way to inhale the citronella essential oil safely is to take a small cup, place a cotton ball at the bottom, and drop a few drops of the oil onto the cotton ball. Waft the aroma towards you and inhale through your nose. This will achieve a similar result to the diffuser method.
Topical Citronella Essential Oil Uses
Citronella is also commonly used topically. Topically, there are three major topical uses of citronella essential oil:
- Hand cream or lotion
- Massage oil
- Room spray
Each of these ways are excellent uses of the oil.
Citronella Essential Oil Benefits
Its strong antibacterial properties help to cleanse the skin and prevent infections. It can also be used to remove odors from fabrics and enclosed air. It is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation, making it a valuable tool in relieving pain and irritation.
It can be used outside to keep pests away. Citronella Oil is also a great surface cleaner for sticky tables and countertops.
- Naturally repels mosquitoes and other insects
- Helps fight against infection.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes relaxation and peace of mind
- A natural source of antioxidants
- Helps improve air quality
- Has mood-boosting effects
Citronella Diffuser Blends
To use citronella essential oil in a diffuser, simply place a few drops of the oil into water. Place one of these citronella oil mixes into your diffuser with the required water for your machine, turn the diffuser on, and voila!
There are many citronella diffuser blend combinations. Here are some of our favorites:
Refresh Diffuser Blend with Citronella Essential Oil |
Warmer weather and changing seasons brings increased exposure to mosquitos and other bugs that can make you itchy. This refreshing diffuser blend with citronella oil is perfect for keeping the bugs away without using harsh chemicals. Citronella oil has a strong, lemony scent that mosquitoes don't like, so you can enjoy your warm weather without being bothered by pesky bugs!
|
Wildflower Diffuser Recipe |
Looking for a helpful and refreshing way to enjoy your essential oils? Try using a wildflower diffuser blend. This combination of scents is perfect for creating a calm and uplifting atmosphere. The aromas of these oils will transport you to nature, providing an escape from daily stressors.
|
Bye Bye Bugs Blend |
If you're looking for a way to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay this summer, you may want to consider using this citronella diffuser. Citronella oil is known for its mosquito-repelling properties, and diffusing it in your home or yard can help keep these pests away.
|
Back Porch Diffuser Blend |
The uses and benefits of citronella make it a powerhouse in the world of natural remedies.The oil can be used in many different topical variations as well as in a diffuser. This is a favorite to enhance your energy and mood.
|
Outdoor Escape |
Citronella is a powerful essential oil that has a citrusy, lemony scent. It's been used for centuries as an outdoor insect repellent.
|
Citronella Essential Oil Recipes
Topical Insect Repellent - Mosquito Be Gone
Citronella essential oil can be a natural insect repellent. Citronella can protect you from mosquitos for a few hours. This can be extremely helpful for outdoors adventures in the summer.
Citronella can be a natural insect repellent because it is able to mask the odors that your body releases into the air. These odors are what attracts the insects, particularly the mosquitos.
Masking the odor can prevent mosquitoes from becoming attracted to you, and it will make you smell good!
Massage Oil with Citronella
For massage oil it is a very similar process. Put a carrier oil of your choice, preferably coconut oil or sweet almond oil, into a bowl. Add a few drops of the citronella essential oil into the carrier oil. Mix carefully and then massage the mixture into your skin.
Homemade Household Cleaner
This essential oil can also be used in natural, homemade cleaners. Citronella essential oil is known to have two components that assist with cleaning: citronellol and geraniol.
This essential oil can be great for preventing the spread of bacteria that may be harmful to you. It can also prevent the growth of any harmful bacteria that is already present.
Citronella Outdoor Summer Spray
A few drops of citronella essential oil in homemade room spray or air freshener essential oil spray, can be especially helpful in removing bacteria from surfaces and the air. It can also keep away the bugs from your deck, balcony, or porch.
Add to Conditioner and Shampoo
Citronella essential oil is a great essential oil for adding to your conditioner and shampoo. This oil is excellent for general hair health.
Citronella, when added to conditioners and shampoos, can be extra effective in protecting hair from sun damage, helping to get rid of pesky tangles, and adding extra volume to the hair.
In terms of scalp health, citronella has been shown to enhance the health of the scalp and to moisturize it. Not only can citronella essential oil moisturize your scalp, but the oil can also help your scalp to better absorb and retain the moisture that it is receiving.
Citronella Hand Cream
To make a hand cream or a body lotion with citronella benefits, squeeze a bit of lotion into a clean bowl. Drop a few drops of the essential oil onto the lotion to dilute the oil. Mix carefully with a spoon, a toothpick, or a popsicle stick. Once the oil has been diluted, rub lotion mix onto your hands or other places you may use lotion.
More Essential Oils For Using and Diffusing
Lemongrass oil has a sweet, lemony scent that is said to be refreshing, uplifting, and energizing. It has antiseptic and astringent properties, and is a natural deodorant. Read our blog post on diffuser blends with lemongrass.
Lavender oil has a floral, sweet scent that is said to be calming, relaxing, and refreshing. It has antiseptic and analgesic properties, and is thought to be beneficial for skin conditions. If you love lavender oil, read more about lavender essential oil types and lavender diffuser blends.
Tea tree oil has a strong, herbaceous scent that is said to be cleansing, purifying, and refreshing. It has antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and is thought to be beneficial for a variety of skin conditions. Check out this tea tree oil foot soak to try at home.
Conclusion for Citronella Essential Oil Blends
If you are looking for a versatile and helpful essential oil, try citronella! This essential oil can be helpful on hikes, walks, days in the park, nights under the stars, and even at the family barbecue. It can be helpful for hair and skin health, as well as being helpful for household cleaning and bug repellent. There is no shortage of uses and benefits of citronella essential oil.
Where to Buy Essential Oil?
I am frequently asked what essential oil brand we use at Loving Essential Oils. We are not exclusive to one company and actually enjoy trying a variety of brands and essential oils. When buying oils it is important to buy only 100% pure essential oils from a reputable company.
Don't just buy on price alone, research the company if you are not familiar with them. Here are several reputable brands we use:
- Barefut Oils
- Rocky Mountain Oils
- Plant Therapy
- Spark Naturals
- Edens Garden
- Aromawest
Share on Pinterest
More Essential Oil Blends
- Rosemary
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Clove
- Nutmeg
FAQs
What does citronella essential oil blend well with? ›
The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils.
Can use citronella essential oil in a diffuser? ›You can use citronella oil in a diffuser or spray bottle, or you can dilute it in an oil or lotion before applying it to your skin.
How do you use citronella oil in a diffuser? ›A. Using as aromatherapy: Add a few drops of citronella oil to the diffuser well and let the fragrance cleanse your home. B. Treating health issues: Add a drop or two of citronella oil to a cotton ball and inhale it.
What 3 essential oils go well together? ›| Essential Oil | Blends Well With |
|---|---|
| Chamomile | Cedarwood, Lavender, Vetiver, Cypress |
| Cinnamon | Sandalwood, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Rose, Ylang ylang, Cedarwood |
| Clary Sage | Geranium, Juniper berry, Cedarwood, Lavender, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Tangerine |
Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.
What are the health benefits of citronella? ›- Relieves Pain And Inflammation.
- Treats Gastrointestinal Disorders.
- Relaxes The Mind.
- Augments Skin.
- Ward Off Bugs.
- Hair Health Beneficial.
- Inhibits Fungal Growth.
- An Overall Body Tonic.
It is effective against a wide variety of pests, including but not limited to flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Its distinctive odor drives away some insects, while preventing others from identifying a host. Candles made of Citronella oil work effectively to repel mosquitoes and insects when burned in the immediate area.
What essential oils should not be used in a diffuser? ›Dr. Block advises against diffusing lavender and tea tree oils because of the potential complications, particularly in children and teens. Pregnant women and people who have hormone-related medical conditions such as diabetes should talk to their doctors before using essential oils topically or with a diffuser.
What oils should I diffuse to keep mosquitoes away? ›The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends lemon eucalyptus oil as an active ingredient in insect repellents. Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora or Corymbia citriodora) is a type of eucalyptus tree. It has naturally high amounts of the compound citronellal, which repels bugs.
Is citronella good for lungs? ›When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.
Does citronella actually work? ›
Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they're not so great for the very thing they're advertised to do: repel mosquitoes. That's one conclusion from a new study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases.
What carrier oil to use with citronella? ›Topically: Before applying citronella oil to your skin, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, in a 1:1 ratio.
Which is the most powerful essential oil? ›- Top Essential Oil #1: Lavender Oil.
- Top Essential Oil #2: Tea Tree Oil.
- Top Essential Oil #3: Peppermint Oil.
Here are some of the essential oils most commonly used to promote spirituality: For cleansing and purifying: Angelica, anise, balsam fir, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, lemon, lemon tea tree, myrrh, opoponax, peppermint, spearmint, and white sage.
What is a perfect essential oil blend? ›The 30/50/20 rule
Put simply, your blend will be made up from 30% top note oils, 50% middle note oils and 20% base note oils. So if your blend was 10 drops in total, you'd use 3 drops of a top note, 5 of a middle note and 2 of a base note. We told you it was simple!
Fights depression and anxiety – When used in a diffuser, citronella essential oil can be an effective reliever of anxiety and depression. The revitalizing and soothing lemon scent of the oil works to lift the spirits and replace negative feelings with those of freshness and hope.
Is citronella good for blood pressure? ›Citronella. People traditionally use citronella oil as a mosquito repellent, but it may benefit the health of the heart. A small 2012 study, published in the Journal of Health Research, reports that inhaling citronella vapors may significantly reduce a person's blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
Is citronella good for high blood pressure? ›Citronella significantly decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate after inhalation. Subjectively, participants reported feeling in a better mood and fresher.
How do you use citronella essential oil to repel mosquitoes? ›Apply a few drops of Citronella Oil to your skin and spread it out evenly over the affected areas for good protection. For maximum mosquito repelling effect, you should reapply the Citronella Oil every four hours.
Is citronella oil toxic to breathe? ›It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.