The Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Citronella Oil

The various benefits of citronella oil have been a popular research topic for the past few years. Because of this, it has been established that it has interesting effects against certain infections and skin problems.

There are even people who suggest that it can help with weight loss, gastrointestinal problems and bruising. Want to find out more? So read on here!

To begin with, it is important to note that citronella is produced through the distillation of an Asian plant from the Cymbopogon genus. It is also known as “lemongrass” because of its characteristic citrus scent. The plant can grow up to one and a half meters tall and it can be easily identified due to its striped green leaves.

Benefits of citronella oil: What does science say?

A review published in Current Drug Discover Technologies highlights the therapeutic potential of citronella oil. Specifically, they note that it contains components such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol, which provide the antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing effects.

Citronella is currently widely used as a natural insect repellent, as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes that it is effective and non-toxic. But beyond that, it has been used for other purposes. Let’s look at some applications that are supported by science.

Also read: The 10 best essential oils for the skin

Mosquito repellent

It is no coincidence that one of the best known benefits of citronella oil is its use as an insect repellent. Research has proven that it can help prevent mosquito bites.

A study published in Tropical Medicine & International Health found that citronella oil combined with vanillin, an organic compound from vanilla beans, provides protection against mosquitoes for up to three hours.

Fungicide

In recent studies published in the journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, they found that citronella oil has antifungal properties. That is, it can help weaken or eliminate certain types of fungi that cause health problems, such as aspergillus niger.

This microorganism is a common cause of respiratory infections, especially in patients with a weakened immune system. In the study, citronella oil helped to destroy the cell wall of the fungus and fight the microorganisms in the cells. Because of this, researchers decided that it could act as a natural and organic fungicide.

Right now, we still need more research to prove the effects. However, it is important to note that a study published in the medical journal Acta Odontologica Scandinavica in 2016 also found that it may be useful for treating fungi such as Candida Albicans.

Wound healing

Another well-known benefit of citronella oil is the healing of damage to the skin. Doctors even recommend it for patients with diabetic neuropathy whose injuries tend to be difficult to heal. In a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology , they found that this essential oil has the potential to accelerate wound healing.

The researchers specifically observed that it had interesting effects on the healing of wounds infected with Candida in diabetic mice. In general, they concluded that it has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects.

Also read: Sage and honey for treating small wounds and scratches

Weight loss

In itself, citronella oil is not a miracle cure for weight loss. However, it can help people who are trying to lose weight. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that inhaling citronella oil reduces appetite and therefore weight gain.

Other benefits of citronella oil

Citronella oil is also used for aromatherapy for therapeutic reasons. However, many of these uses are not supported by research. In any case, anecdotal evidence suggests that you can use it as an adjunct to treatments for certain problems, including:

• Stomach cramps and gastritis.
• Joint pain such as those caused by arthritis.
• Muscle pain.
• Tension headaches and migraines.
• Hyperhidrosis.
• Fatigue and stress.

Its use varies depending on the benefits you want out of it. As a mosquito repellent, we recommend combining between 10 and 15 drops per. 30 ml of water. You can also put it in a diffuser to spread its scent around your rooms.

Similarly, you can combine 15 drops with 30 ml of body cream or base oil (coconut, olive or jojoba oil) to massage it into your skin. Are you ready to try it?