QA

Quick Answer: How To Use Citronella Oil

How do you use citronella essential oil?

Citronella oil is often used as an insect repellent, although research has indicated it may also have antifungal properties and help with wound healing. You can use citronella oil in a diffuser or spray bottle, or you can dilute it in an oil or lotion before applying it to your skin.

How do you use citronella oil at home?

How to Use Citronella as a Pest Repellent Apply it directly to the skin. Mix it with lotion or oil before applying it to the skin. Add it to an aromatherapy diffuser. Add 2–3 drops to cotton balls and place them strategically around the home or outdoor area. Mix it with water in a spray bottle.

Can you rub citronella oil on your skin?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It’s LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

What bugs does citronella oil repel?

Citronella. You can wear this lemony, grassy-floral scent to keep away fleas and mosquitoes. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to reapply it more often throughout the day than you would a repellent containing DEET.

What can you mix with citronella oil?

The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils.

Where do you put citronella?

Placement. It’s best to place your citronella candle where it can offer the most protection of your outdoor area from bugs. One central candle may be enough, or you might need a protective perimeter of candles for a larger area. You should also keep it in a spot that’s protected from wind and rain.

How long does citronella oil burn for?

The length of burn time expected before you are out of fuel depends on the fuel type and on the source of that particular fuel. For instance, paraffin or citronella oil will last anywhere from 6 to 16 hours depending on the capacity of the fuel chamber (larger torches usually burn longer).

Is citronella oil good for nail fungus?

Citronella, geranium, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint, among others, have been tested specifically against fungi and found to be effective antimicrobials for that purpose. Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has demonstrated antifungal capabilities.

Why is citronella banned?

Citing a study that found internal ingestion and intraperitoneal injection of methyl eugenol, a constituent compound found in citronella, to be “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” Health Canada took what many consider to be a drastic step to eliminate insect repellents from store shelves nationwide.

Is citronella oil harmful to humans?

Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.

Why is citronella for outdoor use only?

Pro: Citronella Candles are Generally Safe, Clean and Nontoxic. Still, like other scented candles, citronella candles can lead to poor air quality if used indoors, in part because all scented candles produce more smoke and soot than non-scented candles. Because of this, they should only be used outside.

How do you mix citronella?

Boil 1 cup of water. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of fresh or dried citronella. Mix well. Pour the liquid into the spray bottle. Add 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin. Store it in a cool place, such as the fridge. Shake before spraying.

How do you mix citronella oil for mosquitoes?

Citronella oil Citronella contains compounds like citronellol, geraniol, citral, and limonene that keep mosquitos away. When mixed with alcohol, the efficiency of citronella oil increases and makes a potent repellent. Mix 10 drops citronella oil, 10 drops alcohol, and 90ml water and pour into a spray bottle.

What smell do bugs hate the most?

Insects hate peppermint. In fact, the stick bug uses a milky substance it can emit from behind its head that fills the air with the scent of peppermint. The bug uses this to fight off predators, as the scent is an unbearable irritant to most insects.

What is citronella plant good for?

According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants.

Does citronella smell like lemongrass?

Lemongrass and citronella grass are closely related and can look and smell very similar. However, citronella grass has reddish colored pseudostems, while lemongrass is all green. The oils can be used similarly, though they are not exactly the same.

How effective is citronella?

This mosquito repellent uses a mix of citronella, rosemary, geranium, mint, clove and peppermint essential oils. The company says it has tested its effectiveness in a lab and that it provides more than 90% protection for the first three hours of use.

Is citronella same as lemongrass?

Both, citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) & lemon grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) are cousins in nature. They look similar and grow the same way, and are processed in the same manner too. But, scientists say, Citronella is not for consumption while lemon grass is known as a herbal tea drink.

Is citronella good for hair?

It Promotes Hair Growth Did you know that Citronella essential oil could treat dandruff, annihilate head lice, and alleviate itchiness as well? It nourishes the scalp and hair thereby stimulating the growth of your tresses.