CITRONELLA OIL
OVERVIEW
Citronella essential oil, Cymbopogon winterianus, gramineae, is one of the important essential oils extracted from aromatic citronella grass. This oil is used extensively as a source of important perfumery chemicals like citronellal and geraniol, which finds its extensive use in soap, perfumery, cosmetic and flavoring industries throughout the world. Citronella oil comes from two plant species belonging to the Cymbopogon family.
Cymbopogon is better known as lemongrass, a type of grass with different cultivated species. Two particular lemongrass species produce citronella oil: Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, which produce Ceylon citronella oil and Java citronella oil respectively. Java citronella is mainly produced by Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Malaya, Brazil,Ceylon, India, Argentina, Equador, Madagascar, Mexico and West Indies. Presently, 300-350 tonnes of oil are produced in India for the last 6-8 years in the states of Assam, Karnataka, U.P, M.P, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Areas receiving good and distributed rainfalls throughout the year are suitable for cultivation of Citronella.
APPEARANCE
Pale yellow to dark yellow colored liquid
ODOUR
Fresh, Slightly Sweet, Lemon-like
ORIGINAL PLANT
Cymbopogon winterianus, gramineae
CAS NUMBER
8000-29-1 ; 91771-61-8
FEMA NUMBER
2380
EINECS NUMBER
294-954-7
PRODUCT CODE
AFE003007
SYNONYM
Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt
PARTS USED
Leaves
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
SHELF LIFE
24 Months
FLASHPOINT
81°C
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
0.876-0.927 @ 20°C
REFRACTIVE INDEX
1.465-1.485 @ 20°C
QUALITY
100% Pure and Natural
SOLUBILITY
Insoluble in Water; soluble in alcohols
REPELLING INSECTS
Citronella oil helps prevent mosquito bites, it does not kill mosquitoes. It only repels these insects by blocking the scent that attracts these bugs, causing them to become disoriented. The oil has a strong, distinct smell, but it’s fortunately not unpleasant.
Citronella oil has been found to be capable of repelling head lice and other insects that may be less dangerous but can still be a nuisance.
FIGHTS BACTERIA AND FUNGI
Aside from keeping away bug bites, citronella can work as a natural skin care aid by killing off bacteria and fungus. The oil contains antiseptic and antimicrobial compounds, most notably methyl isoeugenol. These compounds are responsible for the prevention of microbial growth, thus stopping infections from spreading or even occurring in the first place. Citronella essential oil has also specifically been shown to kill off Candida fungus, which can contribute to many skin concerns such as nail infections.
REMOVES BAD ODOUR
Citronella’s most prominent feature is its aroma, the crisp, rich citrus or lemon-like aroma of citronella oil drives away body odour and is used in deodorants and body sprays. It can also be mixed with the bath water to have a refreshing bath. The smell is so distinctive that you’ll definitely be able to easily identify it. It’s also so strong that it can easily overpower most other scents in the same place.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
Citronella essential oil sedates inflammation, particularly those situations which pertain to the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system. It works especially well to fight inflammation in the GI tract and can ease digestion. This essential oil also has the ability to remove toxins throughout the body that can sometimes cause pain and inflammation.
OTHER BENEFITS
It is able to relieve pain associated with arthritis and treat symptoms associated with the colds and the flu, an aromatherapy session with citronella oil can be good for both the body and the mind.
