CITRONELLA

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus), is a species of perennial aromatic plants which belong to the family Poaceae and are native to tropical Asia. It is widely known for its essential oil, which has natural insect-repelling properties. The essential oil is obtained from the leaves and stems.

Sometimes confused with Lemongrass, they share similarities in appearance and scent but have distinct differences, the main one being the colour of their base - citronella has a magenta or red base, while lemongrass has a green base. Additionally, citronella plants can grow up to 2 metres high and 1.2m wide, whereas lemongrass typically grows up to just over 1/2 a metre and spreads 1.2m wide.

The oil is used extensively in soaps, candles, incense, perfumes, cosmetics, and flavouring industries throughout the world. The main producers are China and Indonesia and it is also produced in Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Argentina, Ecuador, Jamaica, Madagascar, Mexico, and South Africa. The market for natural citronella oil has been eroded by chemicals synthesised from turpentine (derived from conifers), however natural citronella oil and its derivatives are still preferred by the perfume industry.

Health benefits
• Antiseptic: Antibacterial - wounds, colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostate and kidneys; Anti-fungal – ear, nose, throat, fungal dysentery; Vermifuge – removes intestinal round worms and tape worms
• Antidepressant: anxiety, sadness, negative feelings
• Fatigue
• Analgesic: menstrual cramps, muscles, neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Antispasmodic: muscles, respiratory system, nervous system, menstrual spasms, cramps, coughs, migraine, nausea, colitis, abdominal pain
• Anti-inflammatory: liver, stomach, intestines from: drugs, alcohol, narcotics, hot and spicy food, any disease, any toxic element in the body
• Diaphoretic (increase sweating): removal of toxins, excess water, fat, salts
• Diuretic: assists excretion of uric acid, excess bile, acids, salts, water and fats. Helps reduce weight, eliminate infections in the urinary system, free the body from toxins, reduce chances of renal calculi, rheumatism and arthritis
• Insect repellent: mosquito (especially Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes Yellow Fever), lice, and fleas
• Stimulant: blood circulation, hormones, enzymes (glands), brain, nervous system, immune system, metabolism
• Tonic: digestion, excretion, nervous system, brain

Warnings: Can produce irritation, dermatitis or sensitisation in skin if used in high concentrations. It should not be used on the skin of small children.