Citronella Oil, Not Just For Candles

Since it’s that time of year again, I thought I would take a minute to share my love for, IMO, a very underrated YL essential oil. 

Citronella.

Now, when most people hear this word they think of outdoor activities and those pesky mosquitos, hence the popularity of all those citronella scented candles.  

But did you know that’s just the tip of the ice berg and those candles could be doing you more harm than good, considering all the other toxic ingredients you're inhaling? 

Let’s start with animals and how this is so beneficial to them.  Besides the obvious of properly diluted sprays you could make to help keep the blood suckers off, you can also use Citronella to aid in the removal of fleas, ear mites, lice and even mange, just to name a few. It can also aid in the healing from tick bites and the bacteria they leave behind. Pretty impressive, huh?  (Just be sure you are consulting your veterinarian any time you're using oils). This still is only a small fraction of its benefits with animals and right now, we're only diving into dogs, cats and horses. 

Ok, now for the humans.

Again, besides the obvious, citronella has historically been used to help aid in reducing fevers, help control/calm digestive problems, including those from stress tummy issues, and, ladies, aid in the relief from those pesky menstrual cramps, all through topical and inhaled uses. 

I personally like to keep a little spray bottle of carrier oil (like jojoba or grapeseed) and citronella in my purse for an on-the-go-emergency-deodorant.  Yep, the citronella plant's leaves can be used as a natural deodorizer. So guess how well the pure distilled essential oil works!

I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit.  

I’ll be back soon!

Courtney 

*Never use an essential oil undiluted until you know how your body will react to it.