Description:
Citronella is an aromatic, perennial grass originating in tropical Asia. Main producers are China and Indonesia, producing 40 % of the world’s supply. The oil is produced in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, India, Argentina, Ecuador, Jamaica, Madagascar, Mexico, South Africa, and in tropical regions across the world.

Citronella oil is classified in trade into two chemo types: Ceylon type and Java type:
Ceylon type Obtained from Cymbopogon nardus, its constituents are Citronellal (5–15%), Geraniol (18–55%) and Geranyl acetate (2%), Citronellol (6–8%), Limonene (9–11%), and Methyl isoeugenol (0.7–9%).
Whereas, Java type contains ingredients such as Citronellal (32–45%), Geraniol (21–24%), and Geranyl acetate (3–8%), Citronellol (11–15%), Limonene (1–4%).

Java type citronella oil is mainly used in perfumery because of the presence of higher proportions of Citronellal and Geraniol in it. Citronella essential oil is widely known for its mosquito repellant property

Odor profile:
Citrusy, slightly fruity, and sweet

Major Constituents:
Citronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Methyl Isoeugenol, Camphene, Citronellyl acetate

Application:
~ Citronella oil is popularly known as a natural insect repellent. Citronella oil is an ingredient in mosquito repellent products.
~ Apart from this, a number of products can be manufactured out of this oil such as Deodorant, Anti-bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-depressant, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory, Skin moisturizing creams and lotions and products for the relief of eczema and dermatitis.

Aromatherapy:
Citronella oil used in aromatherapy offer health benefits when inhaled or massaged into the skin: relaxes the body and mind, reduce muscle spasms, ease headaches, and boost energy, deodorize and refresh foul body odors.