Tuesday Tidbits

CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL

Citronella Essential Oil- Just in time for Summer Candles!

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Grass
Country of Origin: Indonesia
INCI Name: Cymbopogon Winterianus

Benefits: anti-bacterial, insect repellent, anti-inflammatory, uplifting, relaxing, deodorizer, stimulates circulation, wound healing, antiseptic, anti-fungal, 

With a rich history in Asia where it has been used for over 2,000 years in religious ceremonies and to make perfumes, Citronella oil is an essential ingredient in a host of products. Acquiring its name from the French word meaning “lemon balm,” Citronella is made from the distillation of the Cymbopogon genus grass plant, a close cousin to Lemongrass. It emits a floral, citrus-like aroma that has an uplifting quality. Widely used in insect-repelling candles, Citronella can also be used in soaps, lotions, sprays, and incense. It also blends quite well with other essential oils like LemonBergamotCedarwoodEucalyptusTea TreeLavenderPine and many more.

In cosmetic and topical products, Citronella can deodorize foul body odors, help to slow the look of aging, help improve your skin’s health and its absorption of moisture – making it a great additive to any deodorant or body spray. Citronella can also help protect the hair from sun damage, boost volume, combat dandruff, and remove tangles. Create your own deodorant line using citronella in a base of organic witch hazel, or a deodorant paste made of organic shea butterorganic beeswaxtitanium dioxidesodium bicarbonateOregon hazelnut oil, and a blend of essential oils such as citronellacedarwood and lime

Along with its insect repellent uses, Citronella has other aromatherapy applications. It can prevent the spread of airborne bacteria, relax the body and mind to help curb sadness, anxiety, and stress, and it’s valued for its cleansing, disinfecting, and freshening properties. Keep in mind that citronella candles made with synthetic citronella fragrance will not be effective in keeping away insects. Only pure citronella essential oil will have all the benefits of citronella. We do offer a wide variety of natural candle waxes for your candle making needs!

Citronella is also said to have medicinal properties. It can help boost the healing process of wounds, stimulate and improve circulation, help facilitate the healing of eczema and dermatitis, help reduce swelling, help promote weight loss, and help to boost metabolism and digestion. It is also ideal for use on bug bites, warts, age spots, and fungal infections. Try creating a salve using organic castor oilorganic beeswaxorganic coconut oilorganic tamanu oil, CBD, and a blend of citronellalavenderpine and lemongrass essential oils. 

Do not apply directly to skin. Most essential oils are not designed to be applied directly, rather they are designed to be mixed with a carrier oil such as our organic sunflower or organic jojoba oils.  Always perform a small patch test when applying to skin.

Do not take internally unless you are licensed to apply them as such.

This information is for reference only. These recommendations have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not mean to treat, cure or remedy any diseases.

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