Citronella oil comes from lemongrass plant species. These are Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, and Cymbopogon winterianus etc. [1, 2]
The oil has been popular since the ancient time. People use it to expel intestinal parasites, relieve muscle spasms.
It can also boost appetite and treat fluid retention, among other benefits [2].
Its most popular use is to repel disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes [2].
Below, we’ll find out what citronella can do for our health. Also, we will discuss what science has to say about the claimed health benefits of citronella oil.
1. Citronella Oil Repels Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases. These include West Nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever, among others [2].
Many of these are fatal, and you should avoid them at all costs.
That’s why it’s important to keep these insects at bay.
Most of the commercial insect repellents are full of toxic chemicals such as DEET. These chemicals can also put your health at risk [3].
It’s safer to make use of natural insect repellents like citronella oil. Studies show it has potent “mosquito-repellent actions” [4, 5, 6].
Using citronella oil in candles or diffusers could provide enough protection against mosquitoes. A study published in Journal of Vector Ecology reported that [4].
Results from the experiment show that citronella diffusers were particularly useful. Its repellency rate was 68 percent [4].
Key Takeaways:
Citronella oil can help keep mosquitoes at bay. So, it can prevent the transmission of deadly diseases such as fevers, West Nile virus and Malaria. It offers natural protection without the use of harmful chemicals like DEET.
Read More: Top 14 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
2. It Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Researchers have described diabetes as a “silent killer” many times. It’s because you won’t know that you have it until it has progressed to a severe condition [7].
This ailment causes the blood sugar levels to shoot up as the cells in the body can’t convert sugar into energy [7].
When sugar accumulates, it can damage organs including the eyes, heart, and kidneys [7].
It is due to the body’s inability to produce or use a hormone called insulin.
There are natural ways to manage this condition.
One of these is with the use of citronella oil.
Its hypoglycemic effects were the subject of investigation in a 2007 study [8].
Researchers have found that citronella can reduce blood sugar levels in rats [8].
These findings support the folkloric use of this herbal plant as a treatment for diabetes [8].
Research has also proved that citronella can keep cholesterol levels in check. It can particularly control the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides [8].
These can also help in managing diabetes.
Key Takeaways:
Diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar does not convert into energy. It ends up accumulating and damaging body organs. You can use citronella to lower blood sugar levels, and manage diabetes. It can also help stabilize levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Read More: 13 Real Home Remedies for Diabetes (That’ll Actually Work )
3. Citronella Oil Can Help Control Convulsions
If you’ve seen someone having a seizure, you know how terrifying it can be.
It can even be more so for the one experiencing the seizure.
Convulsions or seizures refer to uncontrollable shaking and twitching of the muscles. It occurs due to an “abnormal electrical activity in the brain” [9].
An attack may last for a few seconds or up to 15 minutes [9].
Luckily, there are ways to control convulsions such as with citronella oil.
It may have anticonvulsant activities that can reduce the frequency of attacks [10].
This oil has depressant effects on the central nervous system when administered during an attack. A team of scientists from Brazil reports that [10].
A dosage of 400 mg/kg reduced the number of seizures in 50 percent of the animal subjects [10].
The reason behind these anticonvulsant effects can be citronellol. It’s a monoterpene that you can find in citronella oil [11].
Key Takeaways:
You can use citronella oil to control seizures. The oil contains citronellol, a monoterpene with anticonvulsant properties.
4. It Can Maintain Proper Levels of Blood Pressure
Like cholesterol and blood sugar levels, you should also check blood pressure.
That’s because hypertension can lead to complications. These can be a heart attack, aneurysm, and metabolic syndrome, according to Mayo Clinic.
Proper diet and regular exercise are vital to keep blood pressure levels in check. But it’s also a good idea to make use of natural antihypertensive measures.
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study about citronella oil. It reports that the oil has antihypertensive properties [12].
This herbal remedy can reduce arterial pressure in the rats involved in the study [12].
When there’s too much pressure on the arteries, that’s when blood pressure levels go up.
Key Takeaways:
High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, as well as kidney problems. You may also develop aneurysm, and metabolic syndrome. Maintain proper blood pressure levels with citronella. It’s a proven remedy to reduce arterial pressure.
5. Citronella Oil Can Help Tone Down Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone feels from time to time.
It’s normal to worry about things like money matters, family, work related issues, and so on.
But, sometimes anxiety starts to affect your life and daily activities. It will then prevent you from functioning. You may find trouble interacting with other people. Then you should start doing something about it.
It’s an effective anxiolytic that you can use to resolve feelings of worry and stress is citronella oil [13].
Citronella oil has a positive impact on people suffering from anxiety disorder. It can also help prolong the duration of sleep [13].
It is crucial as there’s a vicious cycle that involves these two: sleep and anxiety.
When you’re anxious, you find it hard to get a good sleep.
And when you don’t get enough sleep, you become more anxious.
That’s why, it helps to make use of citronella, which can help you both ways.
Key Takeaways:
Citronella oil is a safe and natural anxiolytic. It can help reduce anxiety, worry, and stress. It can also help you get a good night’s sleep. Proper sleep is necessary to recharge your body. It can also soothe your emotional wellbeing.
Read More: 12+ Essential Oils for Anxiety that Work (with How to Use Them)
6. It’s a Viable Solution for Oral or Vaginal Candida Infections
Candida albicans are a type of fungus usually found in the mouth, vagina, skin, and digestive tract [14].
These fungal species exist in small amounts and usually does not cause any problem [14].
But, when it begins to outnumber other microorganisms, an infection may arise [14].
Luckily, you can treat oral and vaginal candida infections with citronella oil. It can inhibit both the growth and spread of fungi [15].
Researchers tested 12 essential oils for their efficacy to treat fungal infections [15].
They found that citronella oil was inhibiting the growth of fungi. It also prevented the formation of yeasts with a dosage of 200 micro g/ml [15].
It’s indeed advisable to use natural antifungal agents like citronella oil. Because some fungal strains are already resistant to commercial antifungal medications.
Key Takeaways:
Fungal infections occur when the fungi outnumber other microorganisms in the body. A safe and natural way to combat fungal infections is with citronella oil. Citronella oil is natural. It means the oil can help control fungal strains that have grown resistant to medication.
Read More: 9 Coconut Oil Remedies for Vaginal, Skin, and Oral Yeast Infections
7. Citronella Oil Can Fight Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of fungus called Aspergillus. [23]
It’s a rare condition that usually doesn’t affect those who are healthy and fit.
But, those who have a weak immune system or who suffer from lung problems are at risk of this condition.
Active compounds in this oil may be useful in inhibiting the Aspergillus species [16].
It also works on other types of fungi such as Penicillium and Eurotium [16].
Key Takeaway:
Citronella oil’s antifungal properties also work on fungal species that cause aspergillosis.
8. It Can Treat Food Poisoning
One of the worst things that could happen to you anywhere is food poisoning.
When you consume food contaminated with bacteria, you suffer from unpleasant symptoms. Those symptoms would make it difficult to carry on with your normal routine.
A common type of food poisoning is salmonellosis. The cause of this poisoning is a kind of bacteria called Salmonella enterica [17].
Typical symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. These symptoms may appear 12 to 72 hours after consumption of contaminated food [17].
The problem can last from four days to one week [17].
Well, you don’t have to wait that long to feel better.
You can shorten the pain and suffering by using citronella oil. It may have inhibitory effects on salmonella bacteria [18].
This oil can control the growth and spread of bacteria. Also, it can soothe the symptoms caused by the infection [18].
Key Takeaway:
Don’t let food poisoning ruin your day (or your week). Make use of citronella oil. It inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria causing the infection. It also helps lighten up the symptoms.
Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Food Poisoning that Work & How to Use Them
9. Citronella Oil Can Prevent and Treat UTI
Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when a part of the urinary system gets infected. The system usually gets infected with the E. coli bacteria [19].
At first, you may not know that you have UTI. But, in time, it will exhibit signs and symptoms such as fever, pain in the back, pain during urination, and so on.
Doctors prescribe antibiotics. But, some bacterial strains have grown resistant to medications. So, it’s better to rely on natural solutions like citronella oil.
According to a study, citronella oil has antibacterial effects against E. coli [20].
What it does is that it prevents the bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract [20].
By doing so, it puts the bacterial growth and spread to a halt.
You can, thus, use this oil to prevent and treat infections caused by E. coli such as UTI.
Key Takeaways:
Urinary tract infection is a condition that you should not take lightly. It causes unpleasant symptoms. Besides, it may also progress to a more severe condition and damage the kidneys. Treat this infection right away with the use of natural remedies like citronella oil. Citronella oil cures UTI by preventing bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.
Read More: Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI Treatment: 11 Practical Ways
10. It Can Provide Pain Relief
Do you have pain anywhere in your body?
Whether acute or chronic, pain can take a toll on your daily activities, and even affect your work.
This problem triggered by the nervous system can be a sign of an underlying condition [21].
Luckily, you can get quick pain relief using citronella oil.
Citronella oil works by blocking signal pains in the brain [22].
It means that even if you’re in pain, you won’t feel it. Because the active compounds in this oil will block the messages that may tell your brain about the pain.
It also helps that citronella oil has anxiolytic effects.
Pain can make you feel anxious and stressed out. Citronella oil helps by soothing your senses and nerves.
Key Takeaway:
Get immediate relief from pain by using citronella oil, which has antinociceptive properties.
Read More: 10 Benefits of Acupuncture – Sometimes a Little Pain can be Good
11. Citronella Oil Helps to Remove Bad Odor
The beautiful citrus smell of citronella oil is so refreshing and tangy. Its lemon-like fragrance destroys the odor-causing bacteria. Thus, it helps you stay fresh throughout the day.
Citronella oil is a fantastic addition to making body sprays and deodorants. You can opt for deodorants or body sprays that contain citronella oil as an ingredient.
You can also enjoy a bath with this beautiful aromatic oil. For that, draw a bath with lukewarm water. Add a few drops of citronella oil to the water. Soak your body in it for ten to fifteen minutes to get rid of your bad odor.
But make sure to add only a little amount of this oil as too much of this oil may make your skin feel irritated.
Key Takeaway:
Get relief from your bad odor with the help of citronella oil.
Read More: 13 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Body Odor Naturally
Conclusion
Citronella oil has many excellent benefits for the health that you should not ignore.
Use this oil to drive away disease-carrying mosquitoes, as well as treat many ailments. You can also manage severe conditions such as diabetes with citronella oil.
It’s natural, safe, and easy to use. We hope this article was helpful to you. For any queries or confusions, feel free to ask us. Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving a comment in the comments section below.
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