Description

Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from different species of Cymbopogon. The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, perfumery,cosmetic and flavouring industries throughout the world.

Oil of Citronella has been used for over *0 years as an insect repellent and as an animal repellent. It is found in many familiar insect repellent products: candles, lotions, gels, sprays and towelette wipes for use on clothing and people. These products repel various insects, some of which are public health pests, such as mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas. When used according to the label, citronella products are not expected to cause harm to humans, pets or the environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT

Oil of Citronella is a volatile, liquid oil derived from dried cultivated grasses. It works by repelling animals and insects without harming or killing them. It has a distinctive odor, which repels certain animals.

II. USE SITES, TARGET PESTS, AND APPLICATION METHODS

Use Sites: Oil of Citronella is used on humans and their clothing to repel insects. In tablet or pellet form it is also used in recreational areas, outdoor household areas, and around trees and shrubs. Animal collars and tags containing citronella are used on pets and other domestic animals to repel fleas and ticks.

Target pests: Repels various specific insects including mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks.

Application Methods: Products containing Oil of Citronella are applied in various ways:

1. Liquid products are sprayed or applied by hand (cloth wipe-on) on skin or clothing.

2. Citronella is also used in solid products such as candles, cartridges, and rub-on products.

3. It is used in flea collars for cats and dogs.

FEATURES***- a hardy grass, grown mainly in srilanka and java though also found in burma, Madagascar Guatemala and south America. It was formerly known as andropogon nardus. The plant reaches to about three feed and has long slender leaves which flower when left in their natural state. Preference is given to distillation of the dried grass rather than the fresh material which would require too much fuel and is said to yield an oil of less agreeable odour.

HISTORY&MYTH***-originally grown in sri lanka andcame into  vogue in the last century. The first shipment of oil to Europe was known as ‘oleum siree’. Sri lanka was the main exporter until ***0, when java started producing the oil, apparently of superior quality. It contained greater quatities of geraniol [alcohol] and has a stronger odour. The sri lankan oil had evidently been adulterated with kerosene to reduce its price.

For some time, citronella was a popular ingredient in wax candles which helped to deter mosquitoes. The oil is used extensively as an ingredient of perfumes, soaps, skin lotions, polishes, detergents and deodorizing cosmetics. Adds an interesting aroma to some Chinese food flavours.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS***- Citronellic [acid],borneol, citronellol, geraniol, nerol [alcohols], citral, citronellal [aldehydes], camphene, dipentene, limonene [terpenes].

PROPERTIES****-antidepressant, antiseptic, deodorant, insecticide, parasiticide, tonic, stimulant.

PRECAUTIONS****-skin irritant.

MIND****-Has a clearing and uplifting effect on the mind which could help ease feelings of depression.

BODY****- its most useful quality is as an insect repellent. best employed in sprays and diffusers on hot summer days to keep those little pests away. Probably useful in ridding fleas from cast and dogs as well . a drop on cotton wool placed in linen drawers keeps clothes fresh and deters moths and insects.

It has some reputation for helping to clear the mind and therefore may be effective against headaches, migraine and neuralgia.

It may well act as a general tonic to the body. balancing the heart and nervous system. could have similar effect on the digestive and reproductive system. So may be useful at the end of illness to restore tone ,spirit and equilibrium. Its antiseptic properties may well be  of use in a sick room by keeping germs at bay, again used in a diffuser.

Its deodorant and stimulating qualities could refresh sweaty and tired feet, thereby activating the whole system.

Reputedly helpful for rheumatic aches and pains.

EFFECT ON SKIN***- said to have skin softening qualities when combined with neroli and bergamot.

BLENDS***- bergamot, cajuput, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, neroli peppermint , petitgrain, sage, ylang ylang .