Oil of the Month: Citronella [June]

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OIL OF THE MONTH: JUNE

CITRONELLA

Citronella Essential Oil

Cymbopogon Nardus

About Cymbopogon Nardus
Its Scent is Sweet and Citrus. Fragrance is said to be uplifting, refreshing and simulating.

Extraction Method: Steam distillation.
Country of Origin: Java
Colour: Yellow
Note: Medium/Top

Limited use in aromatherapy - its main use is as a natural and pleasant smelling insect repellent.

10 WAYS TO USE CITRONELLA

1. Home Fragrance

Particularly effective in combination with bergamot and useful against the smell of smoke, cooking smells, pet smells etc

Add a few drops of citronella to a burning candle to infuse the oil into the air around your home.
Use in an oil burner, lamp ring or radiator fragrancer.

2. Insect and Parasite Repellent

Particularly useful for flying insects - mosquitoes, moths, gnats, and midges.  Also effective against ants and fleas.

3. Fleas and Ticks

Mix 3ml Citronella with a squirt of washing up liquid to spray on pets before walking in long grass.

4. Candle Making

Add to candlewax when  making your own candles.  Especially good for use in the garden.

Have you read our Blog " 6 Ways to Repel Insects Naturally " Plants that help control Insects in the Garden.

5. Head Lice

Effect against head lice and nits.  Add to neem and lavender for an effective treatment.

6. Personal Use

Use on your body diluted in a base oil or your normal body lotion or sunscreen to help protect against mosquitoes and midges.  Add to a spray for use on horses and people

7. Astrigent

Use in Skin Care for Oily Skin.

8. Perfumery

Use to lift the fragrance of a Blend.  Less sharp and piercing and sweeter than the citrus oils which some people prefer.

9. Clothes Freshener

Add a few drops to your washing machine to give all your clothes a citronella fragrance and protection.

Put a few drops on a cotton ball and place in your linen drawer to leave a fresh fragrance.

10. Cat Deterrent

Cats dislike the smell of citronella and avoid spending time in places they can detect it but it will not do them any harm to be around it or upset the animal. Use to Stop furniture scratching - a few dabs in appropriate places.  Stop digging and defecating on gardens - add a few drops to a used teabag and place around the garden. Replace every few days or after heavy rain - completely biodegradable.


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