Citronella Essential Oil

Latin Name: Cymbopogon NardusPlant Part Used: Dried HerbSource: VietnamExtraction Method: Steam DistillationCitronella oil is steam distilled from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon plant species, especially Cymbopogon nardus. Citronella essential oil is known as a plant-based insect repellent, a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action, and has been registered for this use in the US. USA Since 1948. The main countries producing this oil are Indonesia and China, which together produce around 40% of the world's citronella essential oil.In addition to being useful as an insect repellent for the skin, this oil is good for excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair, and works as a deodorant. It is said to soothe pain due to rheumatism and arthritis, and resist   flu, colds and minor infections. The oil is good for the digestive system to cure colitis, intestinal infections and eliminate intestinal parasites. It relieves menstrual cramps and pain, and speeds up the heartbeat. Used in a vaporizer, it is known to dispel fatigue, headaches and neuralgia, and create an uplifting mood and optimism. Avoid use during pregnancy, and in children under 3. Do not consume internally.Ancient cultures in India, Egypt, and elsewhere where Cymbopogon species of grass grew used them to repel insects, especially mosquitoes. In those times, people settled near rivers and bodies of water. While this was a good thing in many ways, it also meant a lot of insects, mosquitoes, that caused disease and killed people. So, using this herb as a repellent was a matter of life or death at that time.