It is extracted from a hardy grass, found in eastern parts of India and
nortern Himalayan range.
Description of Citronella :
Tall tufted perennial with narrow leaf-blades, panicle narrow, 15-30 cm
long with racemes 8-10 mm long, often rather villous, sessile spikelets flat
or concave on the back with winged keels, awn 5-6 cm long. Leaves are used
in dried form in distillation as distillation prevent fermentation. Dried
leaves can charge more easily and requires less steam and fuel. Distillation
starts rapidly and the average yield of oil is about 0.7%.
Appearance : Transparent liquid
Aroma : Lemony, Grassy, Floral
Mixes well with : Basil, bergamot, cedar wood, eucalyptus,
geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, oregano, penny royal, pine, rosemary,
orange, and tea tree.
Extraction method: Steam distillation of fresh or dried
grass.
Color: Pale yellow-brown
Chemical constituents: Citronella oil has various
chemical compounds that include acetylizable alcohols (geraniol) and
aldehydes (citronellal), citronellic acid, borneol, citronellol, geraniol,
nerol, citral, citronellal, camphene, dipentene and limonene.
Aromatherapy :
Citronella is usually overlooked as an aromatherapy oil. Citronella
possesses warming and activating qualities on biological levels. The
essential oil of Citronella has an uplifting effect on mood. It has a
softening effect on the skin and also helps to combat excessive perspiration
- making it extremely useful for use on feet. It has antiseptic,
bactericidal, deodorant and insecticide properties.
Antiseptic & disinfectant :
Citronella grass are used for the production of citronella oil which is
used in soaps, as a mosquito repellent in insect sprays , candles and also
in aromatherapy, which is famous in Britain, Indonesia. Besides oil
production, citronella grass is also used for culinary use, such as in
tea.The oil is used externally as an insect repellant. This oil is used for
relieving headaches, migraines and rheumatism. It can be used as an
antiseptic and to sanitize kitchen counters and chopping blocks. When it is
diffused in a room, the scent repels insects and bugs. Its antiseptic
qualities are good for fighting colds and flu.
Citronella grass are used for the production of citronella oil which is
used in soaps, as a mosquito repellent in insect sprays , candles and also
in aromatherapy, which is famous in Britain, Indonesia. Besides oil
production, citronella grass is also used for culinary use, such as in tea.
Candle making :
It is mostly used in the fragrance industry as turning candle making like
Parfum Magnifique, Spa Luxury, Fragrance Oils and Yummy Fragrance and feng
shui candle, natural wax candles, unity candle arrangements, roman candles
and environmentally friendly candles. The scent is also safe for use in
soaps and lotions.
Citronella is used in soap and candle making and is useful in aromatherapy
benefits. An example would be to add citronella essential oil to rose or
lemon fragrance oil that give added anais type of fragrance oil. It is also
used in candle making, scented soaps, potpourri, room spray, refresher oil
fragrance oil, scented envelope candles and cubes votive candle.
Cosmetics :
Citronella oil is used in many cosmetic preparation like
Hair care : Shampoos, conditioners, hair and scalp
treatment.
Bath & shower : Bath salts, salt glow, shower gels
(spa line).
Skin care : Facial gels, floral hydrosal water, foot &
leg lotion, hand and body lotions.
