Citronella (plant): benefits, properties and natural remedies

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is a plant up to a meter and a half tall. For its use it can be used as a dry plant for infusions or in essential oil. It is used in many different situations, especially in herbal medicine, but also in perfumery.

It is a plant with a very pleasant smell. It also has a good flavor, so in addition to alleviating certain conditions, it can be enjoyed with a little honey. Learn about all the benefits and properties of citronella.

Citronella plant benefits and properties

To enjoy the benefits of citronella, it can be prepared as an infusion. It is the proper way to ingest it. It can be combined with other plants to alleviate certain ailments. But the plant itself also has some benefits. We tell you which ones.

This plant has an intense aroma, and in aromatherapy it is used to combat some moods. Without a doubt, citronella is one of the plants with the most benefits and properties that you can enjoy.

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1. Natural insecticide

Citronella is a natural insecticide that keeps mosquitoes away. This is one of the best known uses for the citronella plant. Helps drive away mosquitoes and other insects, preventing bites.

A citronella plant is enough to ward off mosquitoes. But essential oil is also used for this purpose. A small amount is applied to the skin and works as a natural repellent.

2. Disinfect bites

Citronella essential oil is used to disinfect stings. Although it is mainly used to prevent mosquito bites, it can also be used if these insects have already attacked and left marks.

You have to apply a small amount on the bites so that in this way an infection can be avoided. It will also accelerate the process of reducing inflammation of the bite, so in addition to preventing them, citronella serves to relieve the itching and inflammation of these.

3. Relieves spasms

Citronella has antispasmodic properties. For this reason, an infusion of citronella sweetened with honey is ideal to take during frequent pains due to menstruation or premenstrual syndrome.

Also essential oil can be applied directly to the belly to help relieve these pains. For mild to moderate spasms, this natural citronella remedy will help relieve pain.

4. Relieves pain in bumps

Applying citronella to a hit helps soothe the pain. Another of the properties of citronella is its analgesic effect, so citronella essential oil can be applied on bumps and bruises to relieve the pain they cause.

This analgesic power is very effective especially in muscle blows, although it can also help in pain caused by cervical tension. If you do not have essential oil, you can prepare an infusion and wet a cloth in it and then press on the blow.

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5. Headache and migraine

Another property of citronella is to relieve headaches. From the mildest to the most intense such as migraine, citronella is an excellent aid to calm this discomfort. Either in infusion, in essential oil or even in some cases just breathing in its scent.

Citronella can be kept in a pot, so when there is a mild headache it is enough to have it nearby to relieve it. Of course, taking an infusion of citronella or applying the essential oil directly on the temples will also help to disappear the headache.

6. Against acne

Citronella is widely used to combat juvenile acne. The appearance of pimples and pimples caused by acne is due to an overproduction of seborrheic that erupts on the surface of the skin.

These bumps are a type of infection, so citronella and its antibacterial properties are a great aid in fighting acne. For this citronella essential oil should be applied directly to each pimple and pimple.

7. Excessive sweating

Some people use citronella to reduce excessive armpit sweating. Whether men or women, some people are unable to control excess sweat in the armpits, in addition to the smell, this is very annoying.

An excellent way to combat this excessive sweating is to apply citronella essential oil directly to the armpits. It is recommended to do it after applying the deodorant or replace it with an alum stone to use in conjunction with the essential oil of citronella.

8. Against fatigue

A citronella plant in the house provides encouragement and energy in the environment. Whether in a small pot or on a tree in the garden, the smell it gives off and the properties of the oil of this plant provide energy to those who smell it.

A more efficient way to enjoy this benefit is add a few drops of citronella essential oil to a diffuser, so that its aroma and its oil can spread in the environment. It is a scent that, as already mentioned, provides energy to combat fatigue.

9. Constipation or stomach pain

Citronella essential oil can help fight constipation. One of the natural remedies that are most used with citronella is to relieve stomach pain caused by indigestion or constipation.

A few drops of this oil are added on the belly. A light massage is given in a circular motion following the hands of the clock. Then a little pressure is applied with the hands from top to bottom. This natural citronella remedy is sure to help ease discomfort.

10. Against Helicobacter pylori

Citronella helps stop bacterial stomach infection. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and gastric ulcers. Citronella essential oil has been used successfully to combat this infection.

Through a treatment and protocol that includes several applications of citronella throughout the day, gastritis caused by bacteria will significantly decrease. For faster results, remove fats and irritants from food.

Bibliographic references

• From Toledo, L. G., Ramos, M. A., Spósito, L., Castilho, E. M., Pavan, F. R., Lopes, É.,… De Almeida, M. T. (2016). Essential Oil of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle: A Strategy to Combat Fungal Infections Caused by Candida Species. International journal of molecular sciences, 17 (8), 1252. doi: 10.3390 / ijms17081252.
• Wei, L. S., & Wee, W. (2013). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon nardus citronella essential oil against systemic bacteria of aquatic animals. Iranian journal of microbiology, 5 (2), 147–152.