Organic Java Citronella Essential Oil

Also known as lemongrass, citronella is a tropical herbaceous plant from the Poaceae family. It is easily recognizable by its fragrant lemon, slightly peppery scent, thanks to its leaves and stem. A perennial plant, its long linear leaves average 1 meter (the tallest reaching up to 2 m!). It has rhizomes that spread out and end in a hollow stem surrounded by a leaf sheath. These leaves have rough, sharp edges.

Also known as "Indian Verbena".

Cultivation & Origin

Java citronella originates in certain Asian countries such as Indonesia, China, Nepal, and in some regions of Africa and the West Indies.

This plant is quite easy to cultivate and does not require extensive maintenance to grow. However, it needs optimal watering. The amount of water it needs varies according to the seasons. Between May and October, citronella should be watered abundantly: the plant experiences significant vegetative growth during this period.

Java citronella essential oil is obtained by distilling the aerial parts of the plant. It is mainly used for its repellent properties, especially against mosquitoes! Citronella stalks are widely used in cooking, particularly in Southeast Asia where they are included in many everyday dishes.

Health Properties

Soothes joint tension :

• Organic Java citronella essential oil has a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect thanks to its concentration of terpenic aldehydes. It proves effective in helping to soothe inflammation in the joints or respiratory tract. To benefit from its calming properties, it should be applied topically, previously diluted in a vegetable oil, with circular massages on the affected area alone or in combination with other essential oils such as wintergreen or eucalyptus, for example.

Calms the mind and promotes sleep :

• Citronella also has a calming, even hypnotic, effect, which has a positive impact on relaxation and sleep quality. Some people diffuse organic Java citronella essential oil in the bedroom to create a soothing and fragrant atmosphere that promotes falling asleep and relaxation. It is also a natural way to purify the ambient air thanks to its antiseptic properties!

Repels insects :

• Java citronella essential oil is one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy for repelling insects, especially mosquitoes! It represents an effective natural repellent thanks to the citronellal and geraniol it contains.
  To enjoy your summer evenings, you can use it in diffusion, in combination with other essential oils, but also in cosmetic use diluted beforehand in a vegetable oil. It can also be incorporated into homemade repellent spray recipes.

Cosmetic Properties

Helps fight excessive perspiration :

• In cosmetic use, organic Java citronella essential oil is a very good deodorant and purifying active ingredient. Indeed, thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, it is effective in helping to fight against bad odors throughout the day.
  Its pleasant fragrance also provides relaxing properties, a pleasant scent to your homemade deodorant recipes. Be careful to dilute it beforehand in a vegetable oil before applying it to the skin to avoid any irritation!

Fights itching :

• In case of insect bites, organic Java citronella essential oil will help fight against itching and associated redness.
  Diluted in a vegetable oil alone or in combination with other oils such as lavender, for example, it will quickly help restore comfort.

Usage Tips

Organic Java citronella essential oil is mainly renowned for its repellent effects against mosquitoes and insects. Thanks to its antiseptic properties and its citrus scent, it also helps purify the ambient air and eliminate bad odors from the house.

For well-being, the plant's anti-inflammatory components help soothe certain inflammations of the skin, joints, or respiratory tract. It is also used to soothe itching.
It can also be diffused in the bedroom or simply inhaled to reduce stress and nervousness and fall asleep more easily.

For topical application, organic Java citronella essential oil should always be diluted to 20% in vegetable oil due to its potentially irritating activity.

Organic Java citronella essential oil can be used alone, or in combination with other oils such as camphor rosemary, wintergreen, or lemon eucalyptus for its soothing action on inflammation. It can also be supplemented with ylang-ylang, lavender, and sweet orange essential oils to enhance its soothing properties when diffused.