Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella. Chances are you've heard of it. Maybe if you live in the right zone you have even grown it. What does everyone think of when they hear citronella? Mosquitos! But let's say you want the benefit of the citronella plant, but can't/don't want to grow it, and don't want all of the extra chemicals in store bug repellents. Citronella essential oil to the rescue!!

You can learn more about Citronella in this short video.

Benefits and Uses

But what else can you use Citronella essential oil for? Here are a few ideas...

• Add a few drops to water to use as a surface cleaner.

• Diffuse Citronella for a cheerful, optimistic environment.

• Use it in your shampoo and conditioner to add cleansing power and add shine.

• It may have antifungal properties. Add a drop of Citronella and Tea Tree essential oils to some fractionated coconut oil if you are having fungus issues and massage the mixture into the troubled area.

• It can help remove bad odors. Some people like to add it to their natural deodorant for this reason.

• It has even been used to treat parasitic infections in some cultures.

This Healthline article talks about a few of the studies that have been done on Citronella.

Bug Repellent

The obvious use of Citronella is as a bug deterrent. So let's give you some ideas of how to use it for this purpose. Here are several mixes of oils to use as a bug lotion/spray. It's nice to have options, because what may work for one person may not work for another. Plus different oils work for different pests. That is why a combination of oils is a good idea. Here's a general idea of what works on different pests. This isn't a complete list! Just one to get you started.

Mosquitoes - citronella, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, geranium, lemongrass, cedarwood, and TerraShield.

Ants and Flies - mints, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, and basil.

Gnats - citronella, lemongrass, cedarwood, and rose geranium.

Ticks and Lice - lemon eucalyptus , lavender, cedarwood, and geranium.

I'm about to list several spray recipes for you. Some people will add a few drop of some of the oils mentioned above tofractionated coconut oil, and then rub it on them for a bug repellent.

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With Aloe Vera

Ingredients

• 1/3 c Aloe Vera Gel

• 1/3 c distilled water

• 1 c isopropyl alcohol

• 1/2 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil

• 5 drops of Citronella essential oil

• 5 drops of Clove essential oil

• 7 drops of Lemon essential oil

• 5 drops of Rosemary essential oil

• 3 - 4 ounce spray bottles

1. Whisk together aloe gel, water, alcohol and coconut oil.

2. Whisk in essential oils. The ones in this recipe should be safe for children.

3. Use a funnel to add the repellent into the bottles, and label.

This recipe came from Confession of an Overworked Mom.

With Vitamin E Oil

Ingredients

• 1/4 c witch hazel

• 1/4 c distilled water

• 10-15* drops Lemongrass essential oil

• 10-15* drops Citronella essential oil

• 10-15* drops Lavender essential oil

• 10-15* drops Patchouli essential oil

• 2-3 drops Argan oil

• 1 tsp Vitamin E oil

1. Mixs all ingredients together

2. Pour into a spray bottle.

3. Reapply as needed.

* For children under 10 decrease the amounts to 5 drops of each oil.

This recipe came from Sparkles to Sprinkles.

With Neem Oil

Ingredients

• 20 drops Lavender essential oil

• 20 drops Tea Tree essential oil

• 20 drops Citronella essential oil

• 15 drops Lemongrass essential oil

• 5 drops Geranium essential oil

• 1 tsp neem oil

• 1 tbsp vodka or denatured alcohol

• distilled water

1. Add essential oils to a glass spray bottle.

2. Add the neem oil. (This is an optional ingredient, but can help keep the mosquitoes away.)

3. Add the alcohol. It is optional, but helps mix the oils into the water.

4. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.

5. Shake before each use.

This recipe came from The Things We'll Make

A Simple Mix

• 1 cup witch hazel

• 10 drops Citronella essential oil

• 15 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

• 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil

• 5 drops Lavender essential oil

• 5-10 drops Lemongrass essential oil

• 1 cup distilled water

1. Add all of the ingredients in a glass spray bottle.

2. Gently shake the bottle before each use to combine the ingredients.

This one came from Dear Crissy.

Do you have an essential oil mix you love for repelling bugs? Share it in the comments!