Aarya Aroma-Citronella Oil Oil

Traditional Uses:

Citronella came into vogue in the last century, and the first shipment of oil to Europe was from Sri Lanka, where it was originally grown, was known as oleum siree. Traditionally Citronella oil has been used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, fungicidal, insect repellent, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge. Olden practices has included treatment of fever, intestinal parasites, digestive and menstrual problems. In Chinese medicine, it is used for rheumatic pain.

For quite some time it has been added to candles as an insect repellent - probably its most well-known attribute. Citronella essential oil is now used primarily as a natural insect repellent though it has many other uses in aromatherapy. Citronella has a clearing, uplifting and stimulating effect on the mind, which may help to deal with depression and emotional fatigue.

Used extensively in the soap and cosmetics industries, it is used to adulterate more expensive oils in order to make them go further. As well as soaps, skin and hair products for oily conditions, citronella is an additive in polishes, detergents and deodorizing products.

Citronella oil is obtained by steam distillation of partially wilted leaves of Cymbopogon nardus.

1. Organoleptic Properties:

Appearance: Fluid liquid

Color: colorless or pale yellow

Aroma: Fresh and sweet, citronellal and woody

2. Physico - Chemical Properties:

Specific Gravity: 0.900 to 0.920 at 23° C

Optical Rotation: 0 to (-) 15 at 23° C

Refractive Index: 1.4750 to 1.4885 at 23° C

Acid No: 0.5 to 3.5

Ester No: 20 to 40

Ester No: after Acetylation: 250 to 280

Solubility: 80% alcohol (1 in 3 to 10) without turbidity

3.Constituents:

It contains geraniol and citronellal, the latter predominating in the Java oil, which

frequently has a lower specific gravity (not below 0.885), and contains 80 to 90

per cent. of total acetylisable constituents, whilst the Ceylon oil contains from

55 to 65 per cent. Camphene, dipentene, limonene, traces of linalool, borneol,

methyl-heptenone, methyl-eugenol, and sesquiterpenes are also present.

4. Packing:

Aluminum containers and epoxy-lined metallic barrels

500g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg, capacities

5. Uses:

Citronella oil is chiefly used in soap perfumery and is also employed as a perfume

for brilliantines and skin lotions.

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References:

Adams R. (2001), Identification of essential oil components by gas chromatophy/ quadrupole mass spectroscopy, Allured Publishing Co, Carol Stream, USA.

Lewis W. (1977), Medical Botany. Plants AffectingMan’s Health. John Wiley & Sons, New York

Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils . Element Books, Inc. Rockport, MA 1995;132.

Guenther, E. 1948: The essential oils, Vol. 1-5. Van Norstrand. (ISB 0-88275-073-9)

Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils - The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism, Element, Shaftesbury, 1995

Newall, C.A., L.A. Anderson and J.D. Phillipson. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.

Medicinal Plants of Nepal, His Majesty's Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Department of Plant Resources, 6th Edition, Kathmandu, 2001