Citronnelle - Huile essentielle

Lemongrass - Essential Oil

Fresh and lemony, Java citronella essential oil is known for its repellent, purifying, and refreshing properties. It can be used in diffusers, diluted in cosmetic treatments, and in homemade preparations to sanitize, tone, and repel insects.

Avertissement

Les propriétés, indications et modes d’utilisation présentés sont tirés d’ouvrages et de sites de référence en aromathérapie, hydrolathérapie et phytothérapie. Ces données sont fournies à titre informatif et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Elles ne remplacent en aucun cas un diagnostic, une consultation ou un suivi médical et n’engagent pas notre responsabilité. Avant toute utilisation, consultez le guide des huiles essentielles pour connaître les précautions d’emploi. En cas de doute, demandez l’avis d’un médecin.

Properties

Refreshing
Refreshing
Natural repellent
Natural repellent
Natural shield
Natural shield

Uses

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icone-site-diffusion-utilise-born-to-bio

  • Properties, uses & synergies

  • Precautions for use

  • History of the plant and characteristics

Properties

Java Citronella essential oil is particularly appreciated for its many traditional properties.
According to specialised aromatherapy literature, it is known for:

• Natural repellent properties against mosquitoes and flying insects
• Air-purifying action
• Cleansing and deodorising effect
• Gentle skin tonic
• Refreshing and invigorating power
• Helps ease nervous tension

These qualities make this essential oil a favourite ally in both natural care and household care, while still requiring careful use.

Traditional uses

Aromatherapy

Traditionally diffused, Citronella essential oil is used to cleanse the air, freshen the atmosphere and help keep insects away. Its intense, invigorating lemony fragrance is ideal in summer.

Cosmetics and natural care

It is used in natural deodorants and purifying skin care. Diluted in summer massage oils, it brings a refreshing, toning effect.

Household care

Thanks to its powerful, lemony fragrance, it is often added to multi-purpose sprays, fabric softeners and homemade household products to give them a fresh, deodorising note.

Well-being and relaxation

Its fresh, penetrating fragrance is appreciated for its relaxing and balancing effect, while creating a stimulating, clean atmosphere.

Other possible uses

In perfumery and candles, its intense lemony aroma is used to add a fresh note to compositions, and it blends particularly well with floral and woody notes.

Uses

Diffusion

A few drops in a diffuser are enough to freshen the air and keep insects away.
• Recommended duration: 15 to 20 minutes per session, in a well-ventilated room.

Skin application

Always dilute in a vegetable oil (e.g. jojoba, sweet almond).
• Recommended dilution: 20% maximum (i.e. 2 drops of essential oil per 10 drops of vegetable oil).
⚠️ Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes and sensitive areas.

Inhalation

Uncommon, but possible in a blend at low doses for a purifying, revitalising effect.

Aromatic bath

Mix a few drops into a dispersing base (e.g. powdered milk, neutral gel or natural dispersant) before adding them to the bath water.

Synergies

Java Citronella essential oil blends harmoniously with other oils to enrich its benefits:

• Lavandin Super: a soft, calming atmosphere (diffusion)
• Lemon Eucalyptus: a refreshing blend (diffusion)
• Tea Tree: a purifying atmosphere, ideal in winter (diffusion)
• Rose Geranium: toning body care (cosmetics)
• Peppermint: freshness and vitality (cosmetics)
• Lemon, Scots Pine, Exotic Basil: to freshen and scent household preparations (household care)

⚠️ Precaution: always respect the appropriate dosages and make sure it is sufficiently diluted before applying to the skin.

Essential oils are powerful active ingredients that should be used with caution.

The use of Java Citronella essential oil is not recommended for:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Children under 6
• People with asthma or epilepsy without medical advice

Specific precautions

• Never use undiluted on the skin: risk of irritation.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes and sensitive areas.
• Do not ingest without the advice of a healthcare professional.
• Store away from light, air and heat, in a tinted glass bottle.

A well-stored oil can keep its properties for up to 3 years after opening.

The plant

Java Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is a tropical herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family, native to South-East Asia. It grows in dense clumps up to 1.5 metres tall, with long, thin, sharp leaves that have a fresh, lemony fragrance.

Grown mainly in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, it thrives in hot, humid climates, which encourage the concentration of aromatic compounds in its leaves.

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh leaves, a traditional method that preserves all of its aromatic molecules.

With an intense, penetrating lemony fragrance, it has become an essential oil, both for its traditional uses and for its modern applications in aromatherapy and household care.

Anecdotes & History

Used since Antiquity in South-East Asia, citronella was used during ritual ceremonies and to naturally repel insects. In local traditions, its leaves were also used to scent clothes and protect food supplies.

The name "citronella" comes from its lemony fragrance, even though it does not belong to the citrus family. Even today, it remains a pillar of modern aromatherapy, essential for freshening living spaces and enjoying its invigorating fragrance.

Physical and olfactory characteristics

Citronella essential oil is characterised by:

• Appearance: clear liquid
• Colour: pale yellow to golden
• Scent: lemony, fresh, with a herbaceous and slightly woody nuance
• Staying power: long-lasting fragrance in diffusion

This lively aromatic profile makes it a benchmark oil for freshness and cleansing.

Biochemical composition

The richness of Citronella essential oil lies in its high content of terpene aldehydes.
Main active constituents:

• Citronellal: 35 to 45%
• Geraniol: 15 to 25%
• Citronellol: 10 to 20%
• Traces of limonene, geranyl acetate and β-caryophyllene

This composition explains its repellent, purifying and refreshing properties.

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