The scent of citronella oil is practically very common in bug repellents and for good reason. Nonetheless, not many would know the splendid uses and benefits of this oil other than keeping bugs at bay. In fact, only the market would notice that the global demand for citronella oil has significantly increased recently.
In this read, let us explore the phenomenal benefits of Citronella oil in length — particularly with its use in a massage therapy treatment! You would uncover that, without a doubt, citronella oil is one of the oils to look forward to these days.
WHAT IS CITRONELLA OIL?
Citronella oil is an essential oil obtained from freshly harvested leaves Cymbopogon Winterianus. It is a fragrant grass producing oil that has a sweet, floral and citrusy aroma. In aromatherapy and perfumery, this fragrant oil is considered superior. It is a top note of medium aroma. It has a pale yellowish colour that is watery and thin in consistency. Moreover, it exhibits amazing features that lead to several benefits for skincare, haircare, and many more. These benefits will be discussed shortly.
EXTRACTION METHOD FOR CITRONELLA OIL
The extraction method for citronella oil is through steam distillation. The harvested leaves are left in the field for almost a day to make it semi-dry. Overgrown leaves are utilised by being chopped into pieces before being placed into the still. This is for better oil recovery. The process takes more or less 3 hours with boiler operated plant and approximately 5 hours with a fire plant. These are different distillation equipment used in the process.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CITRONELLA OIL AND LEMONGRASS OIL
Have you also come across between these two and was confused of their difference? We will briefly discuss citronella oil and lemongrass oil because they are often compared and taken alike by most consumers. Although they have similarities and are closely related, they are two distinct plants. For the physical properties of the grass, citronella has a reddish colour whilst lemongrass has a yellowish to greenish shade. For its aroma, a lemongrass leaf releases a lemon-like scent contrary to that of a citronella leaf which is a strong odour that hints floral, citrusy aroma.
BENEFITS OF CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL: WHY USE IT?
- As an effective cleanser: Antifungal and antibacterial properties of citronella oil is favourable to use in massage therapy treatment. Functioning as an effective cleanser, it can help eliminate odour caused by bacteria in the skin. At the same time, it deeply cleanses the topmost layer of the skin and, consequently, removes dead skin.
- Functions as a skin toner: Besides its cleansing properties, citronella essential oil is also effective in toning down the skin and tightening the pores. It has excellent astringent properties that can help out in toning the skin — diminishing the appearance of blemishes and pigmentations.
- Improves the look of the hair: Incorporating citronella essential oil for our hair has rewarding results in the long run. Regular topical application of this oil can remove pesky flakes and drive away head lice. At the same time, citronella oil nourishes and conditions the hair and scalp when massaged gently. This is especially worthwhile for those having tresses and curly hair. When blended with your regular shampoo, this nourishing oil helps the hair look more plump and fuller.
- As an insect repellent: Nothing quite like the scent and skin-friendly properties of Citronella oil that wards away bugs and insects. Other than as a household product, citronella oil can be used in massage therapy treatment for this benefit. It becomes a natural means of keeping unwanted pests away whilst keeping your skin healthy-looking. More importantly, one can avoid the chemical-based topical application if opting for citronella oil.
- A natural perfume: This is one of the best features of citronella oil benefited by many manufacturers alongside the many skin-friendly properties it offers.
HOW TO DILUTE CITRONELLA OIL?
Citronella essential oil can simply be added to oils, creams, and other formulations, to create a bespoke blend. For direct topical application, always dilute your citronella oil before applying it to the skin with your preferred carrier oil.
For basic guidelines for adults, follow the ratio of 15 drops of Citronella essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil for a 2.5% dilution. For children, follow a 1% dilution — 6 drops of Citronella oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil. For sensitive skin, start with a ratio of one drop per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil. You can try Jojoba oil or Moroccan Argan oil. Or you can check on the several options of carrier oils available here at N-essentials.
SIMPLE TIPS: USES OF CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL?
USED AS A BATH MASSAGE OIL
The citronella oil is perfect to be used as a bath massage oil as it drives away bad body odour whilst releasing a crisp, lemon-like aroma. One can also add a few drops of this oil and blend it with your bath water to enjoy a quick, pampering bath time.
USED FOR A FULL BODY MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENT
The benefits of citronella essential oil mentioned above are impeccably enticing for our skin — especially when used for a full body massage. To create a massage blend ready for direct topical application, follow the recommended dilution mentioned above. You can choose from the many essential oils that befit perfectly well with citronella essential oil. We will enumerate these essential oils shortly below.
USED FOR A HAIR MASSAGE TREATMENT
Citronella oil can be used intentionally for hair massage treatment only. When used as a massage oil for the hair, this nourishing oil can reduce oiliness, dandruff, and other dirt and blemishes. For topical application, lather your bespoke blend of citronella oil and massage it gently onto your scalp. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing the hair with lukewarm water.
USED FOR A FOOT MASSAGE TREATMENT
Citronella oil is not popular amongst the many oils used for foot massage treatment. However, its benefits on the soles of our feet are just as commendable. As we know, our feet are considered to be the most absorbent part of the body. This means that the effect of citronella oil is absorbed at a faster rate when applied in a foot massage treatment.
USED FOR AROMATHERAPY
Alongside being used as a massage oil, one can use citronella oil concurrently in an oil diffuser for aromatic benefits. Besides, when sprayed or diffused on air, foul smell caused by the formation or growth of airborne bacteria is eradicated.
TOP 10 ESSENTIAL OILS THAT BLEND WELL WITH CITRONELLA OIL
Now, for you to navigate on your adventurous side, listed below are a few of the top essential oils that will do great when blended with citronella essential oil. The aroma is complementary and their properties are suitable to mix with that of our nourishing oil.
- Bergamot essential oil — With bergamot oil and citronella oil combined, the cleansing power of the blend is enhanced because both oils have impressive antibacterial properties. This bespoke blend is ideal for those having acne and blemish-prone skin. Its aroma is an amplified citrusy scent.
- Cedarwood essential oil — If you are looking for a powerful cleansing ability in oil blends but prefer woodsy scents over the citrusy scent, cedarwood oil is the oil for you. Just like bergamot oil, cedarwood oil also has antimicrobial properties. Such property is valuable when reducing stubborn acne breakouts.
- Clary Sage essential oil — The slightly fruity, floral and herbaceous scent of clary sage oil blends perfectly well with citronella oil. Combine clary sage oil with citronella oil to create a blend that is suitable for both oily and dry skin. This is because clary sage oil has properties that help in balancing the oil production of the skin.
- Eucalyptus essential oil — Eucalyptus oil has a minty, camphorous scent that is suitable to blend with citronella oil. When combined with citronella oil, it gives an aroma that hints at a forestry vibe.
- Lavender essential oil — Lavender oil is unquestionably one of the most popular essential oils out there. It is also a versatile, fragrant oil that blends with any oil and still produces a bespoke blend. Citronella oil is one of these oils that is suitable to be paired with lavender oil.
- Geranium essential oil — Geranium oil has a sharp yet sweet, minty-rose scent. To some noses, it is known as the “masculine” version of lavender oil and rose oil. Its aroma blends just well with citronella oil. Moreover, this oil is suitable for mature and ageing skin types. It contains an astringent property that can tighten pores — consequently reducing the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Peppermint essential oil — Peppermint oil has a sharp, cool and refreshing aroma that is suitable to combine with citronella oil. Due to its ability to remove excess oil, peppermint oil is suitable for people with oily hair and skin.
- Pine essential oil — Pine oil is enriched with antioxidants that can help prevent the signs of ageing such as fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles, among others. Combine pine oil with citronella essential oil to boost its formulation and is suitable for mature and ageing skin.
- Rosemary essential oil — Rosemary oil hydrates the skin and also removes excess oil on the skin. It also has antibacterial properties that make it a good cleanser. Blend rosemary oil and citronella oil to create a blend that is suitable for oily skin.
- Sandalwood essential oil — Just like rosemary oil, sandalwood oil also hydrates the skin, especially the drier skin. It gives the ultimate replenishment your skin needs. For simple yet effective nourishment for the skin, combine sandalwood oil with citronella oil to create a simple blend but still works effectively.
OPTIONS: CARRIER OILS TO DILUTE CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL
Enumerated below are a few recommendations we have for carrier oils. It has a brief description of its benefits when used as a base oil for citronella essential oil.
- Apricot Kernel carrier oil — As a base oil, apricot kernel oil is non-greasy. It is an enriching emollient that is very advantageous for the skin. It lessens the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and dark circles. It also improves the look of dry skin.
- Avocado carrier oil — Avocado oil is enriched with vitamins that will nourish the skin. It is also abundant with high-fat content that is a good choice as a massage oil.
- Borage carrier oil — Borage oil is suitable for most skin types if intended to be used as a base oil. Other than being used as a massage oil, it also functions well when used as a facial oil.
- Camellia carrier oil — Camellia oil’s viscosity is comparable to that of jojoba oil’s. It is a good alternative if jojoba oil is a favourite.
- Castor carrier oil — Using castor oil as a base oil to blend with your citronella oil allows the nutrients to soak deep into the skin. This provides an intense moisturisation that will function similarly with a lotion.
FINAL TAKEAWAY: CITRONELLA OIL FOR MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENT
We have known then that there is thriftless usage of citronella essential oil when it comes to household products and aromatherapy. With skincare and massage therapy treatment, on the other hand, not many are aware of its benefits and various applications. It is a good thing that this article is solely dedicated to citronella essential oil. It deserves the exposure it rarely gets when it comes to the skincare world.
WHERE TO BUY CITRONELLA OIL ONLINE IN BULK AT A WHOLESALE PRICE IN AUSTRALIA
Now you know all about the wonderful benefits of citronella essential oil when applied to your skin, it is time to make a purchase. N-essentials has several premium oils in store for you — including citronella essential oil. Browse through our online store to know more about our products. They can be bought either in single purchases or bulk orders. Moreover, ordering online is fairly easy. Simply select your preferred size, quantity, payment, and shipment method.
Got queries regarding bulk orders and billing? Our team will be happy to respond to your questions. If you wish to buy citronella essential oil online or wish to know more about other products, feel free to reach our team via email at info@n-essentials.com.au.