Uses & Effectiveness
Overview
Citronella oil is made from citronella grass. Sri Lanka citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon nardus. Java citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon winterianus.
Citronella grass is native to tropical areas. The essential oil is made through a process called steam distillation. During this process, steam is passed through the grass to pull out the oil.
People most commonly use citronella oil as a mosquito repellent on the skin. It’s also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don’t confuse citronella oil with lemongrass or stone root. These are not the same.
Citronella oil, although not a vitamin, contains natural compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and limonene, which give it a unique fragrance and repel insects like mosquitoes, making it a common ingredient in insect repellents.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Citronella oil is commonly consumed in small amounts in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people.
When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.
Interactions
We currently have no information for CITRONELLA OIL overview.
Special Precautionsand Warnings
When taken by mouth: Citronella oil is commonly consumed in small amounts in foods. But there isn’t enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people.
When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Citronella oil is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. There are reports of poisoning in children who consumed insect repellent containing citronella oil. Citronella oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin in children over 6 months of age, as long as it doesn’t get into the eyes or mouth.
Dosing
Citronella oil has most often been applied to the skin in adults in concentrations of 10%. Higher concentrations up to 100% have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
