* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Botanical Name:Cymbopogon nardus
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Color: Clear
Consistency: Thin
Perfumery Note: Top
Aroma Strength: Medium
Aroma: Citrusy (similar to lemongrass), slightly fruity, fresh, sweet.
Use: Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellant, oily skin. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.]
Constituents: Geraniol, citronellal. [B. Lawrence, "Citronella Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, June/July 1985, 27, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 155]
Cautions: Possible sensitization. [Robert Tisserand, (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 205.] Lawless says to avoid Citronella during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 134.]
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Directions
All pure essential oils should be used with care. Do not apply directly into skin. A 2% dilution of essential oils to a base of carrier oil or lotion is recommended for all skincare and massage preparations.
Ingredients
100% Pure Citronella Essential Oil
Cautions
Avoid contact with sensitive areas, such as eyes. Citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied prior to sun exposure. During pregnancy, use only with advise from a trained aromatherapist. For external use only. Keep all bottles out of reach of children.
Additional Information
Citronella's lemony-floral scent is versatile and uplifting in blends for the home.
Patio Spray
This refreshing outdoor spray evokes the scent of sweet flowers, fresh herbs and lemon. Use it to mist the air on warm summer evenings.
4 drops citronella oil 2 drops rose otto oil 2 drops lavender oil 4 drops lemon oil
Add all of the oils to two fluid ounces of distilled water and place in a spray bottle. Shake well prior to use.
Wild Wood Potpourri
Citronella is the predominant scent in this woodsy potpourri.
1/2cup sandalwood chips 1/2 cup bayberry bark 1/2 cup cedar chips 1/4 cup licorice root 2 cups lemon peel 2 cups orange peel 1 cup lemon verbena 1/2 cup lemon balm 1/2 cup calamus root 1 teaspoon lemon oil 1 teaspoon citronella oil 1 teaspoon bergamot oil
Combine the dry ingredients, then add the oils and mix gently. Try spina cristi, uva ursi and pinecones for added color and texture. Other oils that would work well in this potpourri include tangerine, ginger, rosemary, bay and hibiscus flowers. Refresh with the oil blend as needed.
Room Spray
Use this soft, citrusy, slightly sweet scent as an indoor spray after house cleaning, or before guests arrive. (Avoid spraying directly on furniture.)
Add all of the oils to two fluid ounces of distilled water and place in a spray bottle. Shake well prior to use.
Citronella Candles
The Traditional Method
Create your own citronella candles for summertime ambiance.
candle wicking wax tin cans for molds 12 to 24 drops citronella oil per ounce of wax
Melt the wax in a double boiler. (Be careful not to splash wax on the heating element.) When the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and allow to cool slightly. As the wax begins to set up, stir in the citronella oil. Pour the mixture into the tin cans, add the wicking, and finish setting.
The Lazy Man's Method
Buy the standard white, non-scented "votive" candles (1 1/2" x 1 1/2") which are available at many popular retail outlets or gift shops. With a basic soldering iron, press the heated tip down into the top of the candle until it sinks in about an inch deep. The tip should enter the candle vertically from a central location just near, but not touching, the wick. Remove the soldering tip, then fill the hole woth a few drops of citronella essential oil. Use the heated soldering tip to gently melt the wax over the top of the hole to evenly seal it.
This is a very quick and easy method to make your own secented candles, and you can do a few dozen in minutes for later use!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
