Is citronella essential oil safe for humans?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It’s LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

Where do you apply citronella oil?

How to Use Citronella as a Pest Repellent

1. Apply it directly to the skin.
2. Mix it with lotion or oil before applying it to the skin.
3. Add it to an aromatherapy diffuser.
4. Add 2–3 drops to cotton balls and place them strategically around the home or outdoor area.
5. Mix it with water in a spray bottle.

What bugs does citronella oil repel?

Citronella oil is a natural insect repellant, especially for mosquitoes. Tests have shown it to be less effective than the standard chemical used in repellants, DEET.

Does citronella essential oil work?

Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Research says that the formulation of citronella is important to how effective it is. When the product is formulated correctly it’s as effective as DEET, and can protect you for up to two hours.

What does citronella essential oil smell like?

Oil of citronella is a naturally occurring insect and animal repellent distilled from two grass varieties. It is yellow to brown and has a grassy/floral smell. Oil of citronella is a mixture of many components.

Is lemongrass and citronella the same?

Though citronella grass may sometimes be called lemongrass, they are two different plants. However, citronella grass has reddish colored pseudostems, while lemongrass is all green. The oils can be used similarly, though they are not exactly the same.

How do you use citronella plant as mosquito repellent?

How to Harvest Citronella Oil. To make your own natural mosquito repellant, combine 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of citronella grass stems and leaves in a slow cooker and cook them for four to eight hours. Then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean, dark jar or glass.

What are some uses of citronella oil?

For the best repellant spray take a few drops of Citronella Oil with a couple teaspoons of vanilla in 8 ounces spray bottle.

Is Citronella a carcinogen?

Citronella is a plant essential oil used as an insect repellent and non-specific therapeutic agent in alternative medicine. It is not believed to be a carcinogen, although methods of testing have been almost entirely as topical agent.

Is Citronella poisonous to humans?

Despite this, the toxicity of citronella candles in humans is about the same as any other scented candle. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that citronella itself poses minimal risk to human health, even when applied directly to the skin.

What are the benefits of citrus oil?

When applied to skin, citrus oils can have degreasing and astringent properties, as well as skin brightening properties. They can help to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and balance oil. For example: lemon essential oil has antiseptic, astringent, and detoxifying properties that are great for oily or acnegenic skin types.