Pure Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella comes from grass, not citrus. Cymbopogon grows in tall clumps across tropical Asia and is a close relative of lemongrass, which is why the two smell similar. Citronella is the sharper and greener of the pair, with a wooden edge lemongrass that doesn't have. 

Two varieties dominate trade. Ceylon citronella is softer and a little woody. Java citronella is stronger and lemonier, and it's the more common of the two commercially. 

Most people know the scent from outdoor candles and garden torches, so it carries strong associations with warm evenings, decks, and barbecues. That association is the reason it's such a popular choice for outdoor entertainment, and it's why the oil turns up so often in candle and soap making. 

One thing to be clear about. We sell citronella as a pure essential oil for its scent. We don't sell it as an insect repellent, and it isn't registered as one. In Australia, any product sold to repel insects needs registration with the APVMA, and we haven't done that. If you need protection from mosquitoes, particularly where mosquito-borne disease is a concern, use a registered repellent and follow its label.

The main benefit of the essential oil Citronella is that it is a natural insect repellent. This essential oil is also widely used outdoors and in citronella oil burners. Not only does it help to deter flies and mosquitoes, but it will also promote a soothing atmosphere with a citronella diffuser. Citronella oil for flies, in particular, can be very effective when someone has to deal with annoying insects. Apart from being an efficient insect repellent, it provides a cooling aroma that enhances relaxation and creates a cozy living space. Of the many repellent essential oils, citronella oil is still one of the most in demand.

• Outdoor oil burner: a few drops in the water dish. The traditional way to use it on a deck or patio on a summer evening. 
• Diffuser: 4 to 5 drops per 100 ml of water. The scent is bright and strong, so start low. 
• Candle making: citronella is one of the most popular scents for outdoor candles and holds up well through the pouring temperature. 
• Soap making: it gives a clean, lemony scent that survives the process better than true citrus oils do. 
• Room and linen spray: 10 drops in 100 ml of water with a teaspoon of vodka or witch hazel to help it disperse. Shake before use. 
• Body oil: 2 to 3 drops per teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil. Patch test first, as citronella can irritate sensitive skin more readily than gentle oils. 
• Blending: it works with lemongrass, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and rosemary. 

• Product name: Pure Citronella Essential Oil 
• Botanical name: Cymbopogon species, citronella grass 
• Part used: grass leaves 
• Extraction method: steam distillation 
• Origin: India 
• Aroma: sharp, lemony and grassy with a light woody base 
• Common uses: outdoor oil burners and diffusers, candle and soap making, room sprays 
• Size: 10 ml 
• Shelf life: up to 3 years when stored cool and dark

1. For external use only. Do not swallow. 
2. Dilute before skin contact, at 2 to 3 drops per teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil. Citronella is more likely to irritate skin than many oils, so don't skip the patch test. 
3. Patch test first. Apply a small amount of diluted oil to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours. 
4. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, and inner ears. If oil gets in an eye, wipe it with a carrier oil or full-cream milk rather than water, then seek medical advice. 
5. Diffuse in a room with airflow, in sessions of 15 to 30 minutes. Long exposure in a closed space can cause headaches or nausea. 
6. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare professional before using it. 
7. Don't use it on children under 2 and halve the adult dilution for older children after checking with a doctor or pharmacist. 
8. Citronella is toxic to cats and dogs. Never apply it to an animal, keep the bottle out of reach, and ask your vet before diffusing or burning it where pets spend time. 
9. Store tightly capped somewhere cool and dark, away from heat and open flames.