Citronella oil

Citronella oil is extracted from hardy grass Cymbopogon nardus (Indonesian: Sereh) by steam distillation. The part used is finely chopped fresh, dried or part-dried grass.

Citronella oil has a slightly sweet, lemony smell. This aromatic perennial grows about 1 meter (3 feet) high and is a popular ingredient in wax candles, as an insect repellant, and is also widely used in perfumes, soaps, skin lotions and deodorants.

Citronella oil's most useful quality is that of it being an insect repellent. It is best used in a spray, a diffuser or on a cotton ball amongst linen. It is also useful in ridding cats and dogs of fleas.

Furthermore, citronella oil helps to clear the mind and has a general toning and tonic effect on the body. It is helpful with colds, flu and minor infections and also has deodorizing qualities.

The therapeutic properties of citronella oil are antiseptic, bactericidal, deodorant, diaphoretic, insecticide, parasitic, tonic and stimulant. Citronella oil may irritate sensitive skin and cause dermatitis in certain individuals.

The main chemical components of citronella oil are citronellic acid, borneol, citronellol, geraniol, nerol, citral, citronellal, camphene, dipentene and limonene.