Guide to essential oils

Essential oil Citronella

4.8 - 688 reviews
Soothing, lemongrass essential oil is traditionally recommended for preparing massage oils for joint comfort. Lemongrass essential oil is also known to soothe insect bites. Diffused in a room, lemongrass essential oil purifies the air thanks to its cleansing effects.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Appropriate

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Appropriate

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Suitable

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Possible but not recommended

  • Food grade

    Food grade

    Suitable

Features

Properties

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Aerial parts

Botanical name

Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Bibliographic references

  • Franchomme P., Jollois R., and Pénoël D. (2001) L'Aromathérapie exactement. Editions Roger Jollois.

  • Baudoux D. (2002) Aromatherapy - Healing with Essential Oils. Amyris Publishing.

  • Zhiri A., Baudoux D. and Breda M.L. (2008) Chemotyped Essential Oils. New Edition. Editions Inspir.

  • Willem J.-P. (2005) Aroma Family. Albin Michel Publishing.

  • Purchon N. (2001) The Aromatherapy Bible. Marabout Publishing.

  • Baudoux D. (2003) The Practical Aromatherapy Formulary for Prescribers and Pharmacists. Inspir Publishing.

  • Le Foll N. and Da Costa B. (2005) Flavors and Well-Being. Cooking with Essential Oils. Filipacchi Publishing.

  • Festy.D (2014) My Essential Oils Bible, Leduc Publishing.

  • Faucon.M (2012) Treatise on Scientific and Medical Aromatherapy, Sang de la Terre Publishing

Properties

Citronella essential oil is traditionally used for: Osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatism, insect and animal bites and insect repellents.

Health

Beauty

Find out more

Properties

Citronella essential oil is renowned for the following health benefits:

  • Rich in powerful transdermalanti-inflammatory active ingredients

  • Repels mosquitoes

  • Antifungal

  • Deodorant and atmospheric antiseptic

  • Moderately anti-bacterial

Uses

It is traditionally used to improve the following conditions:

  • Rheumatism, arthritis, tendonitis

  • Presence of mosquitoes (preventative) and mosquito bites (curative)

  • Excessive perspiration

  • Air purification

Synergies

  • Peaceful summer evenings: Cedar, Geranium essential oils, etc.

  • Soothing insect bites: Spike lavender, Peppermint essential oils, etc.

  • Joint health: Lemon eucalyptus, American wintergreen, Juniper essential oils, etc.

In practice

Peaceful summer evenings: For air diffusion.


Peaceful summer evenings: Mix into your oil blend. Apply the mixture locally to the affected areas.

Soothing: :Mix into your oil blend. Apply your blend locally to the affected area.


Precautions

  • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 6 years of age.

  • Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

  • Always use diluted.

  • If using orally, seek advice from a healthcare professional in case of hormone-dependent conditions or family history, as well as in cases of kidney failure.

  • Certain natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy in some sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic composition.

  • Avoid old or oxidized essential oils. Store away from light and air.

  • As a general rule, always test your preparation on the inside of your elbow at least 48 hours before use.

  • For use as a cosmetic ingredient, please refer to the specific precautions.

Find out more

Java citronella is a tropical botanical plant native to southern India, belonging to the Poaceae family. Also known as Indian verbena or lemon grass, its stems and leaves have remarkable aromatic qualities. Widely used in cooking, the fresh stems sliced into rounds are a traditional ingredient in Southeast Asia, adding a lemony flavour to dishes. In Morocco, it is used to flavour green mint tea.

As is traditionally known, planting a Java citronella plant around your home will help reduce the presence of mosquitoes. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the aerial parts (stems and leaves), so it has the same properties as the plant itself. Rich in anti-inflammatory and purifying active ingredients, this essential oil is traditionally used for joint health and air purification, creating a fresh and healthy atmosphere!

Congratulations on the quality of the products and logistics

P
Pio

great for DIY bug sprays... i actually use it for my DIY anti-insect repellants for my horses, and for myself as well. works great when combined with rosemary, lavender, geranium and a hint of cinnamon oils.. to ward off these pests!!

L
Lisa

THE PRODUCTS ARE OF EXCELLENT QUALITY

H
Hugo

I used it in a diffuser. The citronella scent is very pronounced, and 2 drops are enough, otherwise it stings the nose and eyes! On the other hand, it had no effect on mosquitoes.

S
S

Perfect

C
Catherine

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier Oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Wok duck fillet with lemongrass and basil (N. Le Foll and B. Da Costa)

Kitchen

Serves 4 - Preparation: 30 min - Cooking time: 15 min

  • 2 duck fillets

  • 1 Victoria pineapple or ½ pineapple

  • 300 g sugar snap peas

  • 2 red onions

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1 piece of fresh ginger

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

  • salt and freshly ground pepper

  • Lemongrass essential oil: 1 drop

  • Basil essential oil: 1 drop

Directions: Slice the duck fillets into 1cm thick strips. Peel and chop the pineapple into pieces. Trim the sugar snap peas, blanch them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then drain. Peel and finely chop the garlic and onions. Peel and grate the ginger. Heat a wok or frying pan, pour in the olive oil and, when hot, sauté the onions, garlic and ginger for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Add the duck strips and sear them over high heat for 2 minutes, then add the pineapple and the sugar snap peas, followed by the essential oils. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for a further 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve immediately.

Rice and prawn salad with mandarin flavours (N. Le Foll and B. Da Costa)

Kitchen

Serves 4 - Preparation: 20 min - Cooking time: 10 min - Resting time: 30 min

  • 200 g basmati rice

  • 100 g cooked and peeled prawns

  • 200 g squid

  • 200 g shelled peas

  • 2 small, firm courgettes

  • juice of 1 lime

  • 250 ml coconut lotion

  • 1 tbsp mustard

  • salt and freshly ground pepper

  • Citronella essential oil: 1 drop

  • Mandarin essential oil: 5 drops

Directions: Wash the squid. Slice into rings and steam for 4 minutes. Wash the rice in cold water, place it in a pan of cold water and bring gently to the boil. Add the citronella essential oil and a pinch of salt, then add the salt to the water and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the peas and cook for a further 5 minutes. Check the tenderness of the rice and drain. Brush the courgettes under cold running water and cut them into small cubes. In a salad bowl, mix together the mustard, lime juice, mandarin essential oil, coconut lotion, salt and pepper. Add the rice, prawns, squid and raw courgettes. Mix well and leave to rest for at least 30 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times.

Thai-style mussel soup (N. Le Foll and B. Da Costa)

Kitchen

Serves 4 - Preparation: 20 min - Cooking time: 6 min

  • 1.5 kg of bouchot mussels

  • 1 large, just ripened mango (still quite firm)

  • 1 tomato

  • 1 red onion

  • 150 ml coconut lotion

  • 1 tablespoon of oil

  • Lemongrass essential oil: 1 drop

  • Basil essential oil: 1 drop

Directions: Wash, scrape and trim the mussels. Peel and dice the mango. Scald the tomato, cool it under running water, peel and deseed it. Peel and chop the onion. In a large saucepan, lightly brown the onion in the oil, add the mango, tomato pulp and lemongrass essential oil, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add the drained mussels, cover and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the pan regularly until the mussels open. Add the coconut lotion and basil essential oil, stir and wait 2 minutes before serving.

Avocado and crab mousse (N. Le Foll and B. Da Costa)

Kitchen

Serves 4 - Preparation time: 15 min

  • 2 large avocados or 4 small, ripe ones

  • 150 g of crab meat

  • 2 of tablespoons crème fraîche or coconut lotion

  • 1 spring onion

  • 1 small piece of fresh ginger

  • 2 limes

  • salt and freshly ground pepper

  • Lemongrass essential oil: 1 drop

Directions: Juice the limes. Peel and grate the ginger. If using canned crab, drain it and shred the meat with a fork. Mix the crab with half of the lime juice, crème fraîche or coconut lotion and season with salt and pepper. Peel and chop the spring onion. Peel the avocados and mix them with the grated ginger, then add the chopped spring onion, citronella essential oil and the remaining lime juice. Season with salt. Divide the avocado mousse into serving bowls and arrange the crabmeat on top. Serve immediately.

Grapefruit and coconut lotionshake (N. Le Foll and B. Da Costa)

Kitchen

  • ½ cucumber

  • 1 grapefruit

  • 150 ml coconut lotion

  • citronella essential oil: 1 drop

  • Basil essential oil: 1 drop

Directions: Blend the ½ cucumber, the grapefruit juice and the coconut lotion previously mixed with the essential oils, together with 2 or 3 ice cubes.

Sautéed chicken with tomato, vanilla and citronella (N. Le Foll and B. Da Costa)

Kitchen

Serves 4 - Preparation: 15 minutes - Cooking time: 40 minutes

  • 1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces

  • 3 shallots

  • 400 g of tomato pulp

  • 50 g of pine nuts

  • 1 teaspoon of honey

  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil

  • salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 3 drops of vanilla extract

  • 1 drop of citronella essential oil

Directions: Remove the skin from the chicken pieces. Peel the shallots and brown them in olive oil, then add the chicken pieces and turn them over to sear on both sides. Add the tomato pulp, honey (with the essential oils mixed in) and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the pine nuts and stir. Serve with steamed potatoes or boiled green cabbage with a knob of fresh butter.