CITRONELLA OIL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Citronella oil is made from citronella grass. Sri Lanka citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon nardus. Java citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon winterianus.

Citronella grass is native to tropical areas. The essential oil is made through a process called steam distillation. During this process, steam is passed through the grass to pull out the oil.

People most commonly use citronella oil as a mosquito repellent on the skin. It's also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse citronella oil with lemongrass or stone root. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Mosquito repellent. Applying citronella oil to the skin seems to help prevent mosquito bites for a short period of time. The concentration of the citronella oil seems to affect how well and how long the protection lasts. Higher concentrations seem to last longer.

There is interest in using citronella oil for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Citronella oil is commonly consumed in small amounts in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people.

When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if citronella oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Citronella oil is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. There are reports of poisoning in children who consumed insect repellent containing citronella oil. Citronella oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin in children over 6 months of age, as long as it doesn't get into the eyes or mouth.

Interactions

We currently have no information for CITRONELLA OIL overview.

Dosing

Citronella oil has most often been applied to the skin in adults in concentrations of 10%. Higher concentrations up to 100% have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Akizawa T, Tsuruta Y, Okada Y, et al. Effect of chitosan chewing gum on reducing serum phosphorus in hemodialysis patients: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Nephrol 2014;15:98. View abstract.

Bayala B, Coulibaly AY, Djigma FW, et al. Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of the essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus, a plant used in traditional medicine. Biomol Concepts. 2020 Apr 15;11(1):86-96. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Fradin MS, Day JF. Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites. N Engl J Med 2002;347:13-8. View abstract.

Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Recommendations for the Prevention and Treatment of Malaria Among International Travellers. Available at: https://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/04vol30/30s1/page2_e.html (Accessed 24 May 2005).

Public Health Agency of Canada. Safety Tips on Using Personal Insect Repellents Available at: https://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/repellents-insectifuge_e.html. (Accessed 24 May 2005)

Sajo ME, Song SB, Bajgai J, et al. Applicability of citronella oil (Cymbopogon winteratus) for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in the rural area of Tikapur, far-western Nepal. Rural Remote Health 2015;15(4):3532. Epub 2015 Nov 12. View abstract.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Insect Repellent-Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. Docket No. 2006N-0479; May 2007. Available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/02/22/E7-2890/insect-repellent-sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use-request-for-information-and. Accessed on December 19, 2022.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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CITRONELLA OIL - Uses, Side Effects, and More