Citronnelle - Huile essentielle

Lemongrass - Essential Oil

Fresh and lemony, Java citronella essential oil is known for its repellent, purifying, and refreshing properties. It can be used in diffusers, diluted in cosmetic treatments, and in homemade preparations to sanitize, tone, and repel insects.

Avertissement

Les propriétés, indications et modes d’utilisation présentés sont tirés d’ouvrages et de sites de référence en aromathérapie, hydrolathérapie et phytothérapie. Ces données sont fournies à titre informatif et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Elles ne remplacent en aucun cas un diagnostic, une consultation ou un suivi médical et n’engagent pas notre responsabilité. Avant toute utilisation, consultez le guide des huiles essentielles pour connaître les précautions d’emploi. En cas de doute, demandez l’avis d’un médecin.

Properties

Rafraîchissante
Rafraîchissante
Répulsif naturel
Répulsif naturel
Bouclier naturel
Bouclier naturel

Uses

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icone-site-diffusion-utilise-born-to-bio

  • Properties, uses & synergies

  • Precautions for use

  • History of the plant and characteristics

Properties

The essential oil ofJava lemongrassis particularly appreciated for its many traditional properties.
According to specialized aromatherapy literature, it is recognized for:

•Natural repellent propertiesagainst mosquitoes and flying insects
•Air purifying action
•Sanitizing and deodorizing effect
• Gentle skin tonic
• Refreshing and invigorating power
• Helps to soothe nervous tension

These qualities make this essential oil aally of choiceboth in natural care and in home maintenance, while requiring careful use.

Traditional uses

Aromatherapy

Traditionally diffused, citronella essential oil is used forpurify the air,It refreshes the atmosphere and helps to keep insects away. Its intense and invigorating lemon scent is ideal during the summer.

Natural cosmetics and care

It is part of the formulation ofnatural deodorantsand careskin purifiersUsed diluted insummer massage oilsit brings an effectRefreshing and invigorating.

Home maintenance

Thanks to itsstrong, lemony fragranceit is often added tomulti-purpose spraysfabric softeners and homemade cleaning products to give them a fresh and deodorizing touch.

Well-being and relaxation

Its fresh and penetrating fragrance is appreciated for itsrelaxing effect and balancing, while creating a stimulating and clean environment.

Other possible applications

Inperfumes and candlesIts intense lemony aroma is used to bring a fresh note to compositions, and pairs particularly well with floral and woody notes.

Uses

Broadcast

A few drops in a diffuser are enough topurify the air and keep insects away.
•Recommended duration: 15 to 20 minutes per session, in a well-ventilated room.

Skin application

Always dilute in a vegetable oil (e.g. jojoba, sweet almond).
•Recommended dilution: maximum 20%(i.e., 2 drops of essential oil for 10 drops of vegetable oil).
⚠️ Avoid contact witheyes, mucous membranes and sensitive areas.

Inhalation

Uncommon, but possible in synergy for a purifying and revitalizing effect, at low doses.

Aromatic bath

Mix a few drops into adispersing base(e.g., powdered milk, neutral gel, or natural dispersant) before adding them to the bath water.

Synergies

Java citronella essential oil blends harmoniously with other oils to enhance its benefits:

•Super lavender: soft and calming atmosphere (diffusion)
•Lemon eucalyptus: refreshing synergy (diffusion)
•Tea tree: ideal purifying atmosphere in winter (diffusion)
•Rose geranium: invigorating body care (cosmetics)
•Peppermint: freshness and vitality (cosmetics)
•Lemon, Scots pine, exotic basil: to sanitize and perfume household preparations (household cleaning)

⚠️Precaution: always respect the appropriate dosages and ensure sufficient dilution before cutaneous application.

Essential oils are powerful active ingredients that should be used with caution.

The use of essential oil ofJava lemongrassis not recommended for:

•Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Children under 6 years old
• Peopleasthmatics or epilepticswithout medical advice

Specific precautions

•Never use undiluted on the skin: risk of irritation.
•Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and sensitive areas.
• Do not ingest without consulting a healthcare professional.
• Store away from light, air and heat, in a tinted glass bottle.

A properly stored oil can retain its properties for up to 3 years after opening.

The plant

ThereJava lemongrass(Cymbopogon winterianus) is atropical herbaceous plantof the Poaceae family, native to Southeast Asia. It grows indense clumps, which can reach up to1.5 meters high, with long, thin, sharp leaves, and a fresh, lemony fragrance.

Grown mainly inIndonesia and Sri LankaIt appreciates warm and humid climates which promote the concentration of aromatic compounds in its leaves.

The essential oil is obtained bysteam distillationfresh leaves, a traditional method which preserves all the aromatic molecules.

Equipped withintense and penetrating lemon scentIt has become an essential oil, both for its traditional uses and for its modern applications in aromatherapy and household cleaning.

Anecdotes & History

Used since theAntiquity in Southeast Asialemongrass was used during theritual ceremoniesand to naturally repel insects. In local traditions, its leaves were also used forto perfume clothes and protect food.

The term "lemongrass" comes from its lemony scent, although it does not belong to the citrus family. Even today, it remains apillar of modern aromatherapy, essential for purifying living spaces and enjoying its invigorating fragrance.

Physical and olfactory characteristics

Citronella essential oil is distinguished by:

•Appearance: clear liquid
•Colorpale yellow to golden
•Smell: lemony, fresh, with a herbaceous and slightly woody nuance
•Outfitlong-lasting fragrance when diffused

This lively aromatic profile makes it a benchmark oil for cleansing and freshness.

Biochemical composition

The richness of citronella essential oil lies in its high content of terpene aldehydes.
Main active constituents:

•Citronellal35 to 45%
•Geraniol15 to 25%
•Citronellol10 to 20%
• Traces oflimonene, geranyl acetate and β-caryophyllene

This composition explains its propertiesrepellent, purifying and refreshing.

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