Citronella
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner. Apple Tree Initiatives and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided.
Citronella is known to have many medicinal properties due to its major ingredients like citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. Some medicinal properties of citronella include:
- Anthelminthic
- Antimicrobial
- Anticonvulsant
- Antioxidant
- Antitrypanosomal
- Wound healing activities
- Anti-diarrhoeal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimalarial activities
- Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic
- Hypocholesterolemic
Herbal folklore records Citronella's uses as a fever reducer, insect repellent, anti-parasitic and as a soothing agent for pain, inflammation and skin healing. It has a long history of use as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps and natural deoderizers. It has also been widely used in Southeast Asian countries as a flavouring for foods and beverages.
Oil of citronella is practically non-toxic to birds. It is slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Oil of citronella repels insects rather than killing them.
Citronella is primarily a mosquito repellent.
Citronella oil is effective in repelling Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquito species.
Citronella has an inhibitory effect on a broad range of fungi.
Citronellal and linalool obtained from Cymbopogon nardus oil were equally effective against all fungal species.
However, citronella does not kill fungal organisms.
According to studies, citronella reduced blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate following inhalation.
Individuals who had taken citronella had reported better mood and were fresher.
The alpha and beta brain activities were also improved with citronella.
Citronella has an anti-amoebic effect and is effective against Entamoeba histolytica.
Citronella also acts as an anti-bacterial and is active against various bacterial organisms like Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella species.
Citronella is also effective against body and head lice. Citronella oil can be combined with neem and coconut oil for the prevention of head lice transmission.
Citronella is also used as a fumigant against adult houseflies and red flour beetles.
Citronella acts as an insecticide. Instead of killing pests, the oil of citronella repels pests. This oil attracts pests due to its scent. This makes it difficult for insects to find their target to feed on.
Citronella acts as a herbicide. Citronella and its active component citronellal can be toxic to plants and also inhibit the growth of weeds. It works by causing necrosis and subsequent death of plant tissues.