Essential Oil Citronella

Botanical Name

Cymbopogon nardus / Rendle

Benefits and Qualities

Citronella essential oil is above all suited to external uses in unguents or massage oils where it responds to inflammation caused, for example, by a sting, or brings relief to rheumatic pains. While its qualities as an insect repellant are legendary we should not forget its ability to bring refreshment to any living space.

Production

Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the fresh or partially dried upper segments of cymbopogon nardus Rendle.

The Plant

Citronella is often labeled as ""from Ceylon."" It does, in effect, grow on this island, and more generally throughout Southeast Asia, where it is widely cultivated, especially in Java. Very finely chopped, citronella leaves bring an agreeable fragrance to cooking. This is not the opinion, of course, of mosquitos and other insects which, fortunately, do not like its fragrance at all.

Caution

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep away from children.

Principes aromatiques

Citronnellal, geraniol, citronnellol, citronnellyl, geranyl acetates.

Parfume-Creation

Java citronella possesses a mildly sweet, floral odour of the forest; a somewhat rosey, bitter and fresh fragrance of grass. (Ceylon citronella is a little more camphoraceous.) This essence is most often used to perfume cleaning and maintenance products.

Description olfactive

Head-heart note. Herbaceous odour; lemony.