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Citronella Oil: Repel Insects, Pain & Stress!

The AHA! Team — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:39:38 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – What is citronella? The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. As a concentrated form of antioxidants and phytochemicals taken from the plant’s stems and leaves, citronella oil has been used for centuries in China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its uses include helping decrease rashes, inflammation, infections, pain and more. What is Citronella? The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. It’s most commonly used as a natural fragrant oil, in insect repellents, as well as in beauty, household and perfume products. According to scientific research, pure citronella essential oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities. With these potent properties, is citronella oil harmful to humans? Not when it’s used properly. In fact, the most popular use for citronella is as an ingredient in homemade or commercially made bug sprays, since it naturally repels various insects — and insect repellent is just one of citronella’s many possible uses. What Is Citronella Oil? According to various studies investigating the effects of these compounds, citronella oil has been shown to have the following health-promoting effects: Naturally repels insects Fights free radical damage Fights bacteria and fungi Reduces inflammation Promotes relaxation Helps control pets’ behavior Today, there are more than 30 species of Cymbopogon (citronella plants) grown wildly throughout parts of the world and used in Southeast Asian cooking and teas. There are two primary types of citronella used to create pure citronella oil: the Java type and the Ceylon type. Both originally came from parts of Asia, especially grassy areas of Sri Lanka. Ceylon citronella is obtained from the Cymbopogon nardus plant and has the following active ingredients: citronellal (27.87 precent) geraniol (22.77 percent) geranial (14.54 percent) citronellol (11.85 percent) neral (11.21 percent) It has a scent similar to citrus fruits, wood and cinnamon. Geraniol is thought to be the major constituent contributing to various activities, including antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and wound-healing effects. The Java type is similar and derived from a related species called Cymbopogon winterianus. Cymbopogon winterianus’ main active ingredients include: geraniol (40.06 percent) citronellal (27.44 percent) citronellol (10.45 percent) Of the two types, Java is thought to be more powerful, and therefore it’s usually more expensive. It has a darker color and “fresher” scent similar to lemon and lemon essential oil. Of citronella’s active ingredients, the three that are most researched and valued include citronellol, citronellal and geraniol. Both types of citronella oil have widespread uses, including stress reduction, antibacterial or antiseptic action, and skin rejuvenation. Citronella essential oil is one of the most common aromatherapy oils and part of what gives many household sprays and candles their signature scent. Additionally, it can be used as a food additive for flavor and preservation, so you can sometimes find it in foods and beverages. Are lemongrass and citronella the same? Lemongrass essential oil can be confused for citronella essential oil and vice versa. A citronella plant, also called a mosquito plant, does resemble its relative, the lemongrass plant. (The lemongrass genus includes more than 50 species of grasses native to tropical Asia and southern India, including Cymbopogon citratus.) The oils derived from these plants also have similar smells and uses, such as warding off insects, but they are definitely two completely different plants and oils. Benefits What is citronella good for? Here are some of its many benefits and uses: 1. All-natural insect repellent The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers citronella to be a biopesticide. That means it’s a natural “nontoxic mode of action” against potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes. What insects does citronella oil repel? Is citronella oil effective against mosquitoes? Citronella has been registered as a gentle, plant-based bug spray ingredient in the U.S. since 1948. It has been shown to repel dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading dengue fever and the Zika virus. Because it can ward off mosquitoes, it may also protect against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, filariasis, chikungunya virus, yellow fever and dengue. A 2015 report published in Rural Remote Health states, “The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal.” Research published in the Israel Medical Association Journal also shows that citronella works to help prevent head lice, too. It may also prevent flies and ticks from biting you to some degree. According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 30–60 minutes for its bug-deterring effects to last. You can combine several drops with coconut oil and spread it on your body like lotion, or add some to a spray bottle with water and cover your skin, hair and clothes. Using concentrated oil seems to be more effective against bug bites compared to burning commercial citronella candles, which tend to only be made with limited amounts of actual essential oils. 2. Can help manage inflammation and pain Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress. A 2000 review published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry studied 34 different citrus essential oils and their components for radical-scavenging activities. Researchers found that many citrus volatile components, including the main type found in citronella called geraniol, had high antioxidant capabilities for fighting free radicals that can cause disease and cellular damage. Due to its antioxidant properties, citronella can be used as a natural pain-relieving treatment. It can help with management of inflammation and painful symptoms like joint aches. Combine several (two to three) drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and massage it into swollen joints, tissue and muscles. 3. Uplifting and stress-reducing Citronella has a citrusy scent that can be both uplifting and relaxing. In fact, research has shown that citronella essential oil seems to activate both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity, which is beneficial for management of anxiety. Citronella can contribute to natural stress relief when you diffuse it in your home or office to counteract a rough day. When inhaled, it can encourage relaxation, invigoration and pleasant memories, and it may even reduce trouble sleeping and depression. Some animal studies have even shown that inhalation of citronella can help reduce appetite and potentially body weight, perhaps by reducing stress-related cravings. 4. Can help destroy parasites Citronella oil is used to expel worms and parasites from the intestines. In vitro research shows that geraniol also has strong anthelmintic activity. This means it effectively expels parasitic worms and other internal parasites by either stunning or killing them without causing any damage to the host. This is precisely the reason that citronella is used to prevent both internal and external infections and why it can play a central role in a parasite cleanse. 5. Natural perfume or room spray Because it has a clean, fresh scent similar to lemon or lemongrass, citronella is a common ingredient in soaps, candles, incense, perfumes and cosmetics. You can naturally deodorize your home, dishwasher, refrigerator and laundry machine by diffusing citronella essential oil or running a cycle of your household appliances with a few drops of included. 6. Kitchen cleaner Proven to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, citronella oil can be used to help clean your kitchen, bathroom or household surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. 7. Natural antifungal and antibacterial effects Aside from keeping away bug bites, citronella can work as a natural skin care aid by killing off bacteria and fungus. Being both an antibacterial and antifungal essential oil, citronella can help with many common skin complaints, including athlete’s foot and acne. Citronella essential oil has also specifically been shown to kill off candida fungus. Candida can contribute to many skin concerns, such as nail infections. Additionally, studies have found that it it can be used in mouthwashes to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, and it has a lower cytotoxic effect and higher action compared to some other commercial solutions. It may also help with wound-healing due to these effects. To use citronella oil topically, always dilute it in a 1:1 ration with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. As an easy-to-make home remedy for acne, try dabbing one drop of pure citronella essential oil mixed with one drop of coconut oil on blemishes three times a day using a sterile cotton swab. 8. Pet controller Although it might sound strange, rather than using an electric shock, citronella oil can help get dogs to stop barking. This is why there are anti-barking collars that contain citronella. According to the ASPCA, research has shown that a citronella collar can be at least as effective for eliminating barking as an electronic collar, and it’s typically viewed more positively by dog owners. You can also use citronella to keep your dogs off of furniture. As a bonus, when you spray citronella on your furniture or linens, it keeps them free from bacteria, pests and odors. Add several drops to a spray bottle along with water, shake it up, and spray it throughout your home and on household items. Is citronella oil poisonous to cats? Cats are known to be more sensitive to citronella than dogs, so it’s not recommended to use it around cats. 9. Natural shampoo and conditioner One of the most popular uses for citronella oil is cleansing and conditioning the hair and scalp. It can help eliminate excess oil and greasiness of hair while adding shine. Many people find it adds volume to hair and helps detangle knots. To use citronella oil for hair, add several drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or try making your own homemade recipe using a cleansing oil like coconut oil, which also benefits hair. How to Use As explained above, citronella can be used to make a bug spray or room spray. It can also be diffused, burned as a candle or applied topically. Here are several methods for safely using citronella oil at home: Aromatically: You can diffuse the oil in your home or backyard just like a candle using a diffuser. To make a natural room freshener, put a few drops of oil along with water into a spritzer bottle. You can also inhale the oil directly by sniffing it. Topically: Before applying citronella oil to your skin, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, in a 1:1 ratio. Rub the mixture into your skin, or spray some on your clothes and hair. You can also add a few drops of citronella essential oil to your bath, shampoo, soap, lotion or body wash. Combine citronella oil with other uplifting essential oils, including: geranium oil orange oil lemon oil vanilla oil peppermint oil lemongrass oil eucalyptus oil Instead of using conventional recipes and showering your body in harmful chemicals, try this homemade bug spray recipe that includes citronella oil. In addition to keeping away bugs, it also helps kill bacteria and nourish your skin, and unlike conventional brands, it smells amazing! You can also try citronella essential oil in these other DIY recipes: Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipe Homemade Body Wash Recipe Wondering where to buy citronella oil? It’s not hard to find citronella essential oil in health stores or online. Always look for one that is 100 percent pure, organic and therapeutic-grade that was created with chemical-free CO2 extraction methods. Risks and Side Effects Is citronella oil toxic? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that it is generally safe and known to have little or no toxicity when used as a topical product on the skin. In fact, there have been virtually zero reports of adverse effects of concern since 1948. Can citronella oil be applied to skin? Yes, but it should always be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil for external use. As mentioned above, it is typically not recommended for internal use due to potential side effects and also concerns over quality control. (Poor-quality oil may...

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Eucalyptus Leaves Benefits, Uses & Side Effects (Plus How to Grow)

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 08:00:44 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You may already know that eucalyptus oil is recommended for treating a variety of respiratory symptoms due to its natural decongestant effects and antiseptic properties — but did you know that eucalyptus leaves themselves can also be utilized in similar ways? The aboriginal people of Australia, as well as early European explorers and collectors, have used eucalyptus for centuries. Nearly all parts of the plant have medicinal benefit, including the oily leaves, bark and roots. Concentrated, therapeutic essential oil can be derived from the plant (and taken internally or mixed with a carrier oil before being applies to the skin), while the leaves can be dried to make tinctures, steeped to make tea or steamed to create beneficial vapors. While you want to avoid munching on raw eucalyptus leaves since they can be very hard to digest, preparing the leaves in other ways helps release their protective compounds. Using eucalyptus herbal infusions and tonics, you can prepare DIY flu and cold remedies to help treat symptoms like congestion, coughs and more. You also apply some to your skin and mouth to promote healing. What Are Eucalyptus Leaves? Eucalyptus leaves come from eucalyptus plants (most often Eucalyptus globulus), which are actually hundreds of related species in the myrtle (Myrtaceae) plant family that are mostly native to Australia. These leaves are covered with oil glands and have a natural menthol scent, similar to mint leaves. They contain a number of beneficial compounds found mostly within the plant’s volatile essential oils. Eucalyptus species grow as trees, shrubs or house plants (indoor and outdoor) depending on the specific type and the climate. The leaves usually start out as light green ovals and become darker green as the plant matures. Most types are evergreens and hold on to their leaves year-round. Some popular eucalyptus leaves uses include: Soothing symptoms of colds and the flu Boosting skin health when added to massage oils and bath additives Soothing congestion when consumed as a tea Adding a fresh, menthol scent to your home when used in aromatherapy Benefits Due to the presence of compounds including cineole and flavonoid antioxidants found within eucalyptus leaves, they have been found to have antibacterial, antiseptic and expectorant properties. Below are some of the main benefits and uses of these leaves. 1. High in Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Compounds These leaves are packed with protective terpenes, flavonoids and other antioxidants, including: eucalyptol (also called cineole) catechins quercetin isorhamnetin luteolin limolene kaempferol phloretin These compounds can generally help fight oxidative stress and support the immune system due to their anti-inflammatory effects. They may also have pain-killing properties and can potentially help reduce joint pain when applied to topically. Cineole is an especially valuable compound present in these leaves that has been shown in studies to have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) — as well as viruses and fungi (including candida). 2. Help Loosen Phlegm and Coughs According to research studies, eucalyptus makes a great natural treatmentfor common respiratory issues, including: coughs sore throats phlegm, nasal congestion and mucus buildup respiratory infections bronchitis headaches due to sinus pressure asthma symptoms symptoms tied to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) An added benefit of inhaling this plant’s scent is that it can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and blood pressure. To get these benefits, the leaves can be steamed and inhaled or made into a topical treatment that can be applied to the chest. 3. May Help Manage Asthma Symptoms One particular terpene compound found in these leaves, called cineole/eucalyptol, has been shown in some studies to help improve asthma symptoms. In one study, 600 milligrams of eucalyptol per day was compared to a placebo among adults with asthma over the course of 12 weeks. The group taking eucalyptol experienced a decreased need for steroid medications used to control symptoms, significantly more so than the placebo group. Researchers involved in the study credit cineole’s anti-inflamamtory effects with the observed improvements in asthma symptoms. It’s been found that cineole can suppress arachidonic acid metabolism and cytokine production, two factors that may lead to severe asthma. 4. Support Skin Health and Reduce Dryness Eucalyptus leaf can be used to make an extract that has healing effects when applied to dry or sensitive skin. Some studies have demonstrated that it can increase ceramide production in the skin, which increase moisture and creates a protective barrier that decreases dryness, redness, itchiness and scaliness. Researchers believe it has this effect due to compounds including macrocarpal A. One study found that topical application of eucalyptus extract-containing lotion to participants’ dry and scaly scalps helped improve quality of life and symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or pityriasis capitis. 5. Promote Dental Health In addition to soothing damaged skin, eucalyptus leaf can aid in periodontal health by cleansing the inside of the mouth. It’s sometimes added to mouthwashes and gums to help prevent plaque buildup, clean the gums and reduce bleeding, and help control inflammation and bacteria growth that may contribute to gum disease. How to Use Eucalyptus leaf is found in a wide variety of products, including cough drops, beauty products, herbal teas, candles and potpourri. To make your own eucalyptus salves, cough drops and other remedies, you can first create a tincture or “herbal infusion” by steeping the leaves. Herbal Infusion— An herbal infusion is like “a cup of tea without the tea leaves.” It’s basically a liquid that contains the nutrients released from herbs once they are steeped/soaked. To make one using eucalyptus, add a handful of fresh leaves to hot water in a glass jar, and let it sit for about eight hours. Then remove the leaves, and drink the water. You can also use liquid on your skin to help soothe irritation and for its cleansing effects. Tincture — To make a tincture, put a half pound or so of fresh leaves into a large jar and cover with vodka. Seal the jar, and leave it for two weeks, then strain. Store the tincture in a sealed jar in a cool, dry area. It should stay good for several months. Herbal Tea — Another way to use fresh leaves is by brewing them to make herbal tea, which is great to sip on if you feel congested. Add several fresh leaves or half a teaspoon of crushed dried leaves to very hot water, and let it steep for several minutes. Then take out the leaves, and drink it once it’s cooled a bit. Here are some other DIY recipes you can make at home using these leaves: Herbal Chest Rub — Combine eucalyptus tincture with beeswax, and spread over your chest to help decrease congestion. Massage Oil and Skin Salve — Add eucalyptus tincture to a carrier oil with calendula, and massage over dry patches of skin. (Just avoid putting it on open wounds.) You can also make a massage oil to help decrease joint pain, swelling and arthritis. Fill a glass jar with a handful of fresh or dried leaves, then cover with olive, coconut, jojoba or sweet almond oil. Place the oil in direct sun for two weeks, and then strain and apply to the skin. Homemade Cough Drops — Freeze eucalyptus tea or herbal infusion using a cough drop tray or an ice tray. (You’ll want to chop the ice cubes into smaller pieces if you do this.) How do I dry the leaves? You can dry the leaves on the stem by hanging the branches upside down in a dry place in your home. An alternative is to remove the leaves from the stem and dry them on your counter on a paper towel. You’ll know the leaves are dried once they have a crispy or “leathery” appearance. Store them in a glass jar to keep them fresh. Can I boil eucalyptus leaves and drink it? Yes, you can turn the fresh leaves into tea or use them to make tinctures. See above for directions. How can you use eucalyptus leaves in the shower? Hang the leaves on their stem in your shower, or add them to your bath. The steam will help release the beneficial compounds. You can also add some to a bowl with warm water and inhale the steam/vapors coming off. If using the bowl method, consider placing a damp towel over the top of your head to help keep the steam near your face. Where do you find eucalyptus leaves? In terms of where to buy eucalyptus leaves, look in health food stores, some gardening stores or online. You can also easily grow this plant yourself at home (see below), whether indoors and outdoors. How long do eucalyptus leaves last? Fresh leaves should be used within about three to eight weeks. Dried, preserved leaves last for as long as one to two years if stored in a well-sealed container. How to Grow Eucalyptus can be grown at home as a potted shrub or indoor/outdoor plant, depending on the specific species. It grows best in temperate or cool climates outdoors and should be brought inside when the temperature gets very cold. These plants are considered “heavy feeders” and need lots of sun exposure. They grow well in a variety of soils as long as they are fed often and receive lots of sunlight. Risks and Side Effects Is eucalyptus leaf poisonous? It’s important not to consume eucalyptus essential oil internally or to eat the raw leaves. Eucalyptus leaf can potentially be toxic and result in side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even neurological changes. Avoid consuming even small amounts of the leaves, instead preparing them via steeping or steaming first. Conclusion Eucalyptus leaf is high in beneficial compounds, including terpenes, cineole/eucalyptol, as well as flavonoids and other antioxidants that have been found to support respiratory health. Benefits of consuming these leaves can include decreasing congestion and coughs, reduced sore throat pain, less sinus headaches, and decreased asthma symptoms. Other uses include soothing dry or irritated skin and preventing plaque buildup on teeth and signs of gum disease. Wondering what to do with dried eucalyptus leaves? You can use either fresh or dried leaves in DIY recipes, such as teas, herbal infusions, tinctures, cough drops and skin salves. Do not eat the leaves themselves or ingest eucalyptus essential oil, because this can potentially lead to dangerous side effects. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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