Citronella Essential Oil: The Lemony Shield of Protection

Citronella essential oil is extracted primarily from the leaves and stems of two grass species, Cymbopogon nardus, known as Ceylon citronella, and Cymbopogon winterianus, also called Java citronella. Native to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, these aromatic grasses are now grown extensively across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia. The largest producers of citronella oil include China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Java. Java citronella boasts a colorless to pale yellow oil, while Ceylon citronella tends to appear darker yellowish-brown. The oil’s scent is rich and fresh, offering a lemony, herbaceous, and citrusy aroma layered with sweet grassy and woody notes. Classified as a top to middle note in perfumery and aromatherapy, citronella oil’s main chemical components include citronellal, geraniol, and laevo-citronellol, each contributing to the oil’s potent aromatic and therapeutic profile.

Historical and Cultural Significance

For centuries, citronella has played an important role in traditional medicine and cultural practices across Asia and Africa. It gained prominence as a natural insect repellent, prized for its ability to mask human odors and deter mosquitoes and other pests. This property has been especially vital in malaria-prone regions where citronella oil served as a bioinsecticide, helping to save countless lives. Beyond its practical use, citronella’s vibrant lemony aroma led to its widespread incorporation in perfumes, soaps, deodorants, and even food products. This tropical grass, often called “fever grass,” owes its name to the therapeutic use of the plant in reducing fevers and mitigating symptoms of various ailments. Today, citronella essential oil remains a global favorite, cherished for its wide-ranging applications, from pest control to mood enhancement.

Therapeutic Benefits

Citronella essential oil offers a comprehensive spectrum of health and wellness benefits. Its insecticidal and parasiticidal qualities are among its most renowned, effectively repelling mosquitoes, ants, fleas, lice, moths, and ticks. When combined with vanilla oil, citronella can provide up to three hours of protection against these pests.

Beyond its role in pest management, citronella possesses significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. It combats infections, candida, athlete’s foot, and other fungal conditions while supporting wound cleaning and dandruff treatment. The oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions help ease arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pain, neuralgia, and menstrual cramps. It also acts as a natural antiseptic to cleanse wounds and bolster immune health against colds, flu, and minor infections.

Its antispasmodic capacity provides relief from spasmodic coughs and muscle cramps. As a febrifuge and diaphoretic, citronella induces sweating to reduce fevers and promote detoxification. This oil also functions as a deodorant and astringent, controlling perspiration, minimizing body odor, and managing oily skin and hair conditions such as acne and dermatitis. Additionally, citronella serves as an emmenagogue, supporting menstrual flow and alleviating PMS symptoms. Its hypotensive and sedative effects help lower blood pressure and calm anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Lastly, it acts as a stimulant and tonic by uplifting mood, boosting energy, and aiding digestion by alleviating gas and indigestion. Among the varieties, Java citronella is often preferred for its higher content of citronellal and geraniol, which contribute to superior fragrance and efficacy.

Aromatherapy Uses

Citronella essential oil is remarkably versatile in aromatherapy and practical use. Diffusing three to five drops in a 100-milliliter water diffuser clears airways, uplifts mood, and repels insects indoors. Mixing it with lavender creates a calming, pest-free atmosphere. For topical use, dilute citronella oil to one or two percent by combining six to twelve drops with one ounce of a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba. This blend can be applied to treat acne, dermatitis, or muscle pain. Citronella also enhances salves for fungal infections and shampoos addressing dandruff.

To create a repellent spray, blend sixteen drops of citronella with four drops of vanilla oil in 120 milliliters of water or witch hazel. This spray can be applied safely on clothing or skin, but contact with the face should be avoided. Citronella is also a favored ingredient in candles and tiki torches designed to keep outdoor pests at bay, and it is important to ensure that only pure oil is used rather than synthetic versions. Placing cotton balls doused with one or two drops of citronella into drawers provides a natural way to repel moths and freshen linens.

Inhalation of one or two drops from a tissue provides quick relief for headaches, colds, or feelings of depression, enhancing mental clarity and comfort.

Emotional and Energetic Effects

The bright, lemony scent of citronella essential oil delivers both an uplifting and clearing effect. It effectively dispels fatigue, depression, and mental fog while energizing the mind and calming anxiety. The aroma refreshes workspaces and soothes mood swings commonly associated with PMS. Energetically, citronella is linked to the sacral and solar plexus chakras, stimulating vitality and restoring emotional balance. This bright aroma encourages optimism, resilience, and a dynamic approach to mental and physical challenges.

Blending and Companion Oils

Citronella blends splendidly with a broad variety of companion oils. These include basil, bergamot, cedarwood, coriander, eucalyptus, fir needle, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, pine, rosalina, rosemary, sweet orange, tea tree, and ylang-ylang. These blends can extend the oil’s benefits, creating nuanced aromas and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. When citronella oil is unavailable, substitutes such as lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, melissa (lemon balm), catnip, or geranium may serve as effective alternatives.

Safety and Precautions

While citronella essential oil is a potent ally, safety must be considered. It may cause irritation, particularly varieties sourced from Ceylon (Cymbopogon nardus) due to methyleugenol content, so dilution to one or two percent is mandatory along with a patch test before full skin application. The oil should be avoided around sensitive or broken skin and must never come into contact with mucous membranes or eyes. Use with caution in children under six years old, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use.

Adulteration poses a concern with citronella oil since it is sometimes mixed with eucalyptus oil, Melaleuca species, fixed oils, or even kerosene. To ensure authentic, safe oil, always purchase from reputable, quality-focused suppliers. Proper storage in a dark glass bottle, sealed tightly and kept in a cool, dark place, preserves the oil’s effectiveness for two to four years. This oil is strictly for external use unless professional guidance is given.


Citronella essential oil is a radiant, lemony shield that protects, invigorates, and uplifts. Its rich heritage and dynamic therapeutic profile make it a valuable tool in both traditional and modern wellness practices. From repelling insects to soothing aches, easing digestion, and lifting spirits, citronella invites a fresh, vital energy into homes and hearts alike. Rooted in the vibrant legacy of tropical grasslands, this oil continues to be an essential ally for holistic health and joyful vitality.


Image by James Steakley.