Cymbopogon nardus and Java Citronella are the two types of Citronella. The main constituents are citronellal and geraniol and minor constituent are camphene, methyleugenol, and borneol. Citronella is well known for its use in natural insect repellents and is often blended with cedar oil. Citronella can also be used in natural perfume oils, aromatherapy massage oils, and as an astringent for oily skin. Try a friction massage by blending citronella with lavender oil or eucalyptus oil. Blend with other oils like lemon oil, rose oil, lemongrass oil, rose otto, or geranium oil for various aromatherapy benefits.  Test Citronella oil made by steam distillation for skin irritations with a drop on the inner arm.

The familiar grassy, lemony scent of citronella oil, steam distilled from a tropical grass, is often found in patio sprays and outdoor candles.

There are two types of citronella grass, namely Cymbopogon nardus, also known as lenabatu or Ceylon citronella, and C. winterianus known as maha pengiri or Java citronella. The Ceylon citronella is the type cultivated originally. It grows naturally on Sri Lanka Island and possibly may have arisen from a wild grass called C. confertiflorus. The Java type, C. winterianus may have arisen from the Ceylon type, C. nardus.

Ceylon citronella oil was originally produced the most, but the Java type slowly became more popular due to its higher yield. It is cultivated internationally in Central America, Haiti, the South Pacific, and tropical Africa.

Citronella's major components, citronellal and geraniol, work together to create a rosy-floral, lemony scent. The combination of the minor components including camphene (camphor-like), borneol (chamomile-like), and methyleugenol (clove-like) produce a unusual damp, musty vegetation-like aroma, more prominent in the original Ceylon type than the Java type. Before chemical sprays, Ceylon citronella was used with a cedar oil - Virginian red cedarwood oil in commercial insect repellents. Because of this original use, there are individuals who still demand the Ceylon type for keeping insects away even though bugs probably don't know the difference. Insects are repelled by the citronellal found in both types. Ironically, there is even a greater amount in the Java type.

One of the most widely used perfume oils is the Java type of citronella oil. The abundant constituents in this oil are citronellal (up to 50%) and geraniol (up to 45%), which are often used as a starting point for perfumes. Individual components are isolated or fractionated from the oil by redistillation in a vacuum, causing the fractions to separate out as they evaporate. This occurs because each component evaporates at its own rate according to time and temperature. It's easier for perfumers to create aromas combining individual fractions than whole oils with their complex mixtures of components. Citronellal and geraniol are two of the most significant and widely used perfume building blocks. They occur together in the Java type citronella oil in higher amounts than anywhere else.

Using Citronella
Since citronella is thought of as an insect repellent, it is unfortunately overlooked as an aromatherapy oil. Take advantage of citronella's physical and mental warming and activating effects.

For a subtle sensation of warmth in a massage oil, dilute 3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of massage oil. Use to help relieve joint and muscle pain with a friction massage. A friction massage is done by rubbing an area vigorously until warm, bringing blood into the affected area. Increase this effect by blending citronella with eucalyptus oil or use lavender oil to moderate and balance.

Like lemongrass oil, citronella is an astringent that can help oily complexions. Test for skin irritations by placing a drop of oil the inner arm. Apply one to three drops of oil on a cotton ball and gently wipe oily areas. Clean and moisturize.

Citronella's scent can be mentally gently clarifying. Blending citronella with lemon oil strengthens the clarifying effects, whereas mixing with geranium oil or rose oil moderates and balances. The damp-musty undertone of citronella can be modified with a few drops of rose otto.

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