Citronella, all its benefits and medicinal properties

What is citronella and what is it used for?

Citronella is a grass native to southern India and Sri Lanka, widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and Latin America. It is a plant up to a meter and a half tall, with rigid, glaucous green leaves.

The intense lemony aroma of the citronella or Cymbopogon narduyes fully justifies the name by which this plant is known, and also the very similar lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), in English lemongrass.

This scent is very effective when it comes to repel insects; that’s why This plant is known above all as a repellent.

His intense and very pleasant flavor may allow sweetener to be dispensed with. So much so that in the Canary Islands it has been recommended as a sugar substitute for patients with diabetes.

Citronella medicinal properties

Citronella highlights its rich in essential oil, with citronellol, citral, eugenol, nerol, geraniol and limonene. Is very appreciated in perfumery and aromatherapyand is attributed antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic, antispasmodic, digestive and tonic virtues.

Helps relax stomach muscles, relieves spasms and helps stop bacterial infection. Lemongrass has been successfully tested to combat Helicobacter pylori infectionthe bacterium responsible for gastritis and gastric ulcers. One of the main uses of citronella is as essential oil used as natural insecticide against mosquitoesso much for prevent bites as to disinfect them. Carrying a supply of citronella oil and applying a little to bare areas of the skin when visiting areas where insects abound is an excellent preventative measure and a valid alternative to conventional insect repellents. Citronella essential oil is also applies as pain reliever on bumps and bruises, to relieve rheumatic pains such as arthritis and muscular, for the low back pain and the cervical tension and to relieve migraineIt is also effective in combating skin problemsas juvenile acne and the hypersweatingCitronella oil, like lemongrass and palmarrosa oil, are highly valued in aromatherapy for him skin carein case of expression lines, wrinkles, oily skin and chapped lips. These oils are also used in case of fatigue and stress.

How is it used

It is used in the form of dried and chopped plant for infusionin envelopes like insect repellentand the essential oilfor sale in herbalists.

Natural remedies with citronella

To treat gastritis and gastrointestinal spasms

Citronella can be combined with yarrow, chamomile, plantain and mint in equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil a tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water for 1 minute, let it rest, strain and drink after meals.

citronella tea

In areas with a warm climate, such as the Canary Islands, citronella is used to prepare a digestive and refreshing infusion, as it relieves stomach heaviness while helping to reduce body heat. citronella it is taken alone.

How to prepare it: A teaspoon of its aromatic leaves is served for each cup of water. Boil for just 1 minute and let it rest for another 5. The infusion can be taken both hot and cold from the fridge.

Precautions and contraindications

The essential oil should not be taken orallyespecially during the pregnancy and lactation.

May cause dermatitis in prone people.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”