Learn all about the citronella plant!

Citronella is well known for its effectiveness in repelling insects, especially mosquitoes. And no, this is not just speculation, as research published in the scientific journal Journal of Tropical Medicine & International Health pointed out that the plant, along with vanilla properties, can repel insects for up to 3 hours in a totally natural way.

Moreover, it has even been shown to be very effective in the treatment against head lice, as was published, also in 2011, by The Israel Medical Association Journal. The plant is widely used in commercialized home poisons, but what few people know is that its organic form is also very effective in preventing insect bites and even disease transmission.

Understanding more about citronella

Citronella has several applications, ranging from home perfume to anti-anxiety treatments. Very popular in South America and Asia, the plant is often confused with lemongrass and its name is a French version of the well-known lemon balm.

Origin and scientific name

Citronella, scientifically known as Cymbopogon nardus, is a species of grass with a very strong and pleasant odor. It usually brings a freshness to the places where it is planted, having an almost unmistakable smell. Although peculiar, the plant is confused with lemongrass, known by some as lemongrass, mainly because they are similar and citrusy.

In the East and in Oceania, the oil from the plant was already used at least two centuries ago to treat inflammation of the skin and to combat stress. The procedure was similar to what we call aromatherapy nowadays, and consisted in making the patient breathe citronella to become a little calmer.

Citronella and Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a technique performed with essential oils that uses their active principles as a base to achieve its treatment objectives. Some soothe, promote concentration, and even help to improve sleep.

When citronella oil is used, it has the power to protect against harmful bacteria circulating in the air, also repelling insects, and, mainly, it has some active principles that exponentially improve mood, helping in anxious crises, for example. For its use, put a few drops in a neutral cream and spread it on the body.

Combination of citronella with other plants

Citronella, although its effects are scientifically proven, combined with natural elements can be even more beneficial for human well-being. It, together with coconut oil, produces very powerful effects against acne, minor skin inflammations, and even against spots acquired over time.

About its active ingredients that repel unwanted insects, it has been proven that its extract, allied to vanilla, forms a natural repellent that lasts up to 3 hours. It may not seem like much, but normally, the ones bought in supermarkets last, on average, 1 hour and 30 minutes, not to mention that this combination is totally natural, not harming the skin.

Benefits of citronella

Citronella does not only repel flying insects, but its calming and retardant effects are increasingly studied, understood and applied in everyday life around the world. Citronella is, above all, a great ally in fighting stress and inflammation and fungi. Check out the main benefits of citronella and how they can be applied in your life!

Insect repellent

Its best known application is citronella, which is a great ally in combating bites from flying insects, especially mosquitoes and mosquitoes.

However, it is recommended that you never pass the oil or extract completely pure on the skin, since its excess odor can cause some irritation. This is not a rule, but it is recommended to dilute about 8 drops in at least 50 ml of water or a neutral-scented cream.

Bactericidal and antifungal effect

One of the main components of citronella is methyl isoeugenol, which is a natural kind of bactericide, making this vegetable oil have a great contribution in the treatment of bacteria and infections, besides being a great ally in the healing of external wounds.

There is also a form of citronella oil that can be used to make food. In this type of consumption, citronella also helps with infections in the urinary tract, the entire gastrointestinal system, and can even help in the process of expelling worms that lodge in the intestines and colon.

Keeps the house fragrant and disinfected

Owner of a very characteristic and strong odor, citronella, over time, began to be used in the composition of various cleaning products, especially perfumers and disinfectants. Besides being very pleasant to the human sense of smell, they have a number of advantages over common disinfectants.

The first is that citronella disinfectant leaves the place sterile, which can be great for those with small children or skin sensitivity issues. Also, the smell keeps insects away, creating a safe zone against mosquitoes and mosquitoes.

Facilitates relaxation

The smell of citronella is classified as invigorating and relaxing, which causes the central nervous system to enter a state of great relaxation when exposed to it. This synesthetic relationship can have two primary applications, which are: in the environment and in aromatherapy.

The first way to use it is to go into an environment and stay inside, performing relaxing tasks, such as reading a book or watching something on TV. This will promote great wellbeing, especially in cases of anxiety. The second type is used for a more immediate result, being applied as an essential oil, which takes away stress and helps the person to calm down.

Helps with healing

Inflammation, even more so in small spots, is a natural response of the body when it is trying to cope with an injury. And although it is almost always harmless, there are cases where a more serious and specific treatment is needed, especially when it comes to inflammation of the skin.

In this situation, citronella can also help, since among its compounds is citronellal, which has anti-inflammatory action, and also serves as an antioxidant, which, as many know, prevents aging.

Relieves menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps are nothing more than the tension of the uterus to expel menstrual blood, which should not accumulate inside the organ. This blood comes from monthly scaling of the walls of the uterus, which, not used in the fertilization and gestation of a fetus, must be expelled.

And in this situation, citronella is a great remedy, since it helps the organ to become less tense, causing less pain. The process of 'throwing out' all the blood happens even without the pain, so ingesting some citronella in its edible version, can be a holy remedy in combating menstrual pains, not only those of the uterus, but of the entire reproductive system.

Can be used as a hygiene and cleaning product

Citronella, because of its citronellal component, has a continuous and significant action in beauty products, since it promotes an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on the skin, being a holy medicine when the idea is to prevent aging.

There is a wide variety of products with citronella on the market, but, if you prefer, you can make them in a homemade and organic way. For the skin, for example, it is recommended to dilute one or two drops in a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the face before bedtime. It helps with acne, reduces dark circles under the eyes, and slows down aging.

How to use the citronella

Citronella and its derivatives are very diverse, and can be used in baths, massages, and even as decoration in private or public environments. This versatility is what makes it one of the darlings when we talk about plants that are medicine.

Decoration

Besides being a powerful natural remedy, citronella is beautiful and looks great indoors as a decoration in a busy room. The odor it gives off is very positive in controlling pests and insects, and it is not so big, which helps even in small spaces.

And spiritually speaking, citronella has a power of energy transmutation, which is to transform negative energy into positive, purifying the environment and increasing the flow of good energy in the environment. It brings harmony and spirituality to the place it is planted.

Inhalation

A study conducted in the mid-2000's looked at the effects of citronella, lavender, and rosemary on the brain. Participants were exposed to several of the plants and each one worked differently, something like pheromones.

Citronella, in any form, be it the plant, oil, perfume, and even in spray, which was sprayed into the environment, had a slightly better effect than the others, standing out by promoting a state of relaxation and calmness exponentially greater than that of rosemary and lavender.

Massage

Having a relaxing effect, citronella is often used in massages, as is the oil used to perform it. However, since it is very concentrated and strong, it is usually diluted in some varieties of oils, such as jojoba or como.

It is always recommended that citronella be diluted for any application on the face or body, because any excess remedy is harmful. If preferred, the person can dilute a few drops in an unscented cream. This is up to each person's taste, since the textures are different.

Baths

Citronella baths can have two motivating applications: their medicinal effects and their spiritual effects. Each one should be done one way, but both will serve both tasks. For the medicinal, choose to use a few drops of the essential oil in warm water and run it over the body.

For the spiritual bath, it is interesting that you use it in its physical form, or if you can't find it, as dehydrated leaves. This bath promotes a great energy change and a quick relief from any occasional spiritual discomfort.

Citronella care and tips

The biggest precautions you should take with citronella is that its essential oils should not be consumed orally at all. If its consumption is recommended, there are other ways. All application of the essential oils is external.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of 7 should not be exposed to citronella essential oils because they have the ability to alter some hormones, which is not recommended in any of the cases mentioned.

Are there any side effects?

If used incorrectly, the citronella derivatives, especially its essential oil, can cause skin irritation or even allergy, which is characterized by a small swelling and redness on the spot. Nothing serious, but it deserves attention.

If used in the right way, this is unlikely to happen. Also, if you inhale the smell of the oil too strongly, you may get an irritation in your throat and larynx. The advised thing is to take in some air and plenty of liquids until the discomfort passes.

Ritual with citronella for cleansing the soul

There is also a powerful ritual made with citronella with the intention of cleansing and aligning the soul. The idea is to promote the harmony that dwells in the world through our own harmony. It is simple and if done with attention, can be the opening of paths that you were asking the heavens for. Check out more about this ritual and how to do it right!

Indications

This ritual is not meant for a specific niche of people, but anyone can do it. It is usually done by people who feel they are under negative influence or bad vibes coming from somewhere. Almost instantly, this cleansing will lighten the heart and increase the flow of good energy.

Many times we are under negative influence, and the source of this influence is much closer than we imagine, and in most cases it is people who frequent our home and our life, which is a great point of attention.

Ingredients

The ingredients are simple, just simple:

- 1 bundle of green citronella;

- 1 piece of white thread.

How to do it

With the citronella bundle in one hand and the thread in the other, you must tie the small bundle with the thread, like a small broom. With it in hand, you must go to the square closest to your house and find a space that has dirt. Once you are on the dirt, don't forget to take off your shoes as a sign of respect.

Concentrate and run this little broomstick over your body, as if you were sweeping, from top to bottom. In the process, if you are comfortable, start a prayer. You can focus on the cleansing you want in your life, on opening paths. When you are finished, you should throw the tied bundle behind you and not look back.

Further information about citronella

Except for its functionalities and health benefits in a direct way, citronella is much sought after to adorn houses and to be present in environments, as a kind of energetic catalyst, which cares for the spaces where it is. Check out the care one should have with a citronella plant and where to find it to have at home!

How to cultivate?

The first thing you need to know before you buy a citronella plant is that it likes a lot of sunlight. Not only does it like it, but it needs a lot of it in order to keep growing in a healthy way. If you are going to have one indoors, make sure it will be near the window, well lit most of the day.

When you prune and divide it into more than one pot, separate it into clumps and, with root and all, put it in the next pot. It adapts quickly and soon you will have several pots full of citronella, one for each room of the house.

Price and where to buy

The citronella and its derivatives have a very large price margin, since each product has its quality and usefulness. The seedlings of the plant, for example, in specialized plant markets, cost, on average, R$ 10.00, and can be even less than this, according to the kiosk and the size of the plant.

The essential oils for aromatherapy are usually a little cheaper, because they come in smaller bottles. The ones for domestic use are the most expensive.

Citronella is a great option for you and your home!

Owner of an unmistakable odor, with innumerable physical and even psychological benefits, citronella is for sure a good idea to have at home. Besides being beautiful, it still brings good energies and high vibrations to your entire astral field.

Since it multiplies relatively quickly, you can use it for housekeeping, rituals, and it will even protect you from insect and pest attacks. And if all that wasn't enough of an argument, it's a relatively easy plant to grow, since it's pretty self-sufficient. Your house definitely needs a citronella seedling!