Other names for Citronella

citronella
citronella oil
citronellol

Synopsis of Citronella

History

Citronella, primarily derived from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon species such as lemongrass, has a rich history in traditional medicine across various cultures. For centuries, it has been esteemed for its vibrant lemony fragrance and potent therapeutic properties. In ancient India and Southeast Asia, citronella was commonly infused in teas and topical balms to alleviate fever, digestive issues, and headaches. Its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities made it a popular remedy for minor wounds and skin irritations. Traditional healers often relied on citronella oil to soothe muscular pain and repel insects, thereby preventing mosquito-borne illnesses.

In addition to its individual use, citronella has frequently been incorporated into herbal combinations. When blended with other botanicals such as eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree, its efficacy as a calming agent and immune booster is enhanced. These herbal synergies have been used in poultices, bath infusions, and inhalation therapies to support respiratory health, ease tension, and promote relaxation. Modern herbalists continue to value citronella for its versatility and safety profile, often recommending it as a natural adjunct to conventional wellness routines.

Overall, citronella’s longstanding legacy in medicinal applications speaks to its remarkable contributions to holistic health. Its gentle yet effective properties make it an enduring favorite in both traditional and contemporary herbal medicine, enriching formulas aimed at fostering vitality and well-being.

Traditional and scientific validation

Citronella, primarily known for its use in insect repellents, is a natural oil derived from the leaves and stems of various Cymbopogon species. Its main active component, citronellal, has garnered attention for potential applications in nutritional products due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, citronella has been utilized in traditional medicine across Asia for treating infections, digestive issues, and as a general tonic.

Scientific studies support some of these traditional uses. In vitro and animal research suggests that citronellal may help inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which could contribute to food safety and preservation. Its antioxidant activity, as demonstrated in several laboratory studies, indicates potential for reducing oxidative stress, a factor in chronic diseases. Some animal studies also show that citronellal may help modulate inflammatory responses, though these effects have yet to be confirmed in large-scale human trials.

While these findings are promising, clinical research specifically examining citronellal’s benefits in human nutrition remains limited. Most available studies focus on topical or environmental uses rather than ingestion. Therefore, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety as a dietary ingredient. Nonetheless, the historical use of citronellal-containing plants and preliminary scientific data highlight its potential contributions to nutritional products, suggesting it could be a valuable component in formulations aiming to support overall wellness.

Citronella is used for these health conditions

Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)
Insect Repellant (Scientific)
Itching (Traditional)
Scabies (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Skin (oily) (Traditional)

This ingredient is used to support these body systems

None

Products containing Citronella

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.