CITRONELLA OIL
Botanical Name:
Cymbopogon winterianus
Common Name
Citronella
Vernacular Name:
None
Plant Family:
Gramineae
Distribution in Nepal:
Cultivated throughout Nepal especially in sub-tropical regions in the south of the country.
Principal Constituents:
Rich in citronellal content (20-35%). Citronellic, Borneol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Citral, Citronellal, Camphene, Dipentene, Limonene, among others.
Description:
Light yellow fluid liquid having a fresh & sweet aroma.
Method of Extraction:
From the partially wilted leaves of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt by steam distillation.
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Physiologic Actions (Refer to Glossary for Descriptions):
Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Astringent, Bactericidal, Carminative, Deodorant, Digestive, Febrifuge, Fungicidal, Galactogogue, Insecticidal, Nervine, Sedative, Stomachic, Tonic
Other Uses:
Benefits the nervous system and useful in treatment of stress-related conditions such as headache, insomnia and nervous tension. Useful in treatment of skin problems such as acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, scabies and helps with excessive perspiration. Tissue toner. Useful in the treatment of circulation, muscles and joints complications and relieves arthritis, inflamed joints, muscular pains, rheumatism and sprains. Benefits the immune systems and useful in the treatment of colds, flu and infections. Useful with respiratory infections such as sore throats, laryngitis and fever. Prevents the spreading of infectious diseases. Helpful with colitis, indigestion and gastroenteritis.
Industrial Uses:
Extensively used as fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. Extensively used as flavoring agent in food products including in alcohol and soft drinks. Also used in pesticidal, insecticidal products.
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Safety Data:
Non-toxic. Avoid during pregnancy. Use with care.
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GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION: Caution should be taken when using Essential Oils. Do not use any oils without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. All Essential Oils should be kept out of the reach of children.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided purely for informational purposes only, and does not in any way purport to be medical or prescriptive suggestions. Any reference to medicinal or health benefits is not meant to treat or diagnose any problem and is not meant to replace professional medical advice and should not take the place of any prescribed medication that has been prescribed by a physician.
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LIST OF REFERENCES:
Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils - The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism, Element, Shaftesbury, 1995
Medicinal Plants of Nepal, His Majesty's Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Department of Plant Resources, 6th Edition, Kathmandu, 2001