Looking for a truly effective natural repellent? Ceylon citronella essential oil, available from Soin-et-Nature, is the perfect ally for keeping mosquitoes at bay while soothing skin inflammation. Its fresh, lemony fragrance makes it a must-have for both summer and everyday skin care. Selected for its pharmaceutical quality, it safely accompanies you in a natural, protective routine.

What are the therapeutic benefits of Ceylon Citronella essential oil?

Ceylon Citronella essential oil(Cymbopogon nardus) is an essential oil for aromatherapy, natural cosmetics, repellent care and well-being. Extracted from the whole flowering plant, it has an intense lemony fragrance, powerful antimicrobial activity and recognized efficacy against mosquitoes.

Native to tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, this large perennial herb of the Poaceae family (grasses) grows in dense clumps up to a meter high. Aromatic, medicinal and protective, it has been used since ancient times for its olfactory, disinfectant and insect-repellent properties.

What is the origin and history of Ceylon Citronella?

The Greeks and Romans were already familiar with species of the Cymbopogon genus. Pliny the Elder mentions their repellent and disinfectant uses. It is thought that he was referring to related varieties, such as Indian verbena(Cymbopogon citratus), also known as Madagascar lemongrass.

Ceylon citronella essential oil gained notoriety as early as the 17th century, when the military surgeon Nicolas Grimm used it for its antiseptic virtues. After the Second World War, it became popular in Europe as a natural insect repellent, particularly for mosquitoes. In Ceylon (Sri Lanka), it is also used in infusions, perfumes and soaps.

Today, its cultivation has spread to East Africa, India, the West Indies, Brazil, Malaysia and Madagascar, where several lemongrass species coexist. Inexpensive to produce, lemongrass represents an additional source of income for rural populations in tropical countries.

What are the main pharmacological properties of Ceylon citronella essential oil?

Ceylon citronella essential oil has a broad spectrum of action, thanks to its high citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, neral and geranial content. Its properties include

Remarkable antimicrobial activity

Ceylon citronella essential oil is particularly effective against many bacteria, fungi and viruses. Geraniol, neral and geranial act synergistically to inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic germs, including:

Herpes simplex virus
Candida yeasts (responsible for urogenital and digestive candidiasis)
Scalp fungi such as Trichosporon ovoides
Hospital-acquired resistant agents

Citronellol and citronellals reinforce this antibacterial activity, by disrupting the cell membranes of pathogens. This essential oil is used as an anti-infectious active ingredient in antiseptic lotions, skin care products and intimate hygiene products.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect

Citronellal acts by inhibiting the synthesis of PGE2 prostaglandins, key mediators of inflammation. It reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus limiting edema and pain. What's more, terpene aldehydes such as geranial and neral have strong antioxidant power, with no gastrointestinal side effects, unlike some conventional anti-inflammatories.

This anti-inflammatory action is particularly useful in :

Rheumatic conditions
Chronic muscular pain
Prolonged inflammatory pathologies
Moderate febrile states

A natural analgesic of interest

Ceylon citronella essential oil has a central analgesic effect. Citronellal, in particular, acts on opioid receptors, reducing pain perception. Studies have shown that the analgesic effect is inhibited by naloxone, confirming an action comparable to opiates, without their addictive side effects.

It is effective in relieving :

Muscle and joint pain
Headaches and migraines
Mild neuropathic pain
Muscle cramps and tension

Natural insect repellent

Ceylon citronella essential oil is widely recognized for its insect repellent properties. Geraniol and citronellol provide a long-lasting repellent effect (up to 4 hours) against :

Mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti (vector of dengue fever)
Wasps
Mites and lice

Citronellal also has a larvicidal action, making it an ideal ingredient in anti-mosquito sprays, lotions and candles.

Antispasmodic properties

Thanks to the presence of citronellol and geraniol, Ceylon citronella essential oil relaxes smooth muscles, particularly those of the digestive and urinary systems. It helps relieve

Intestinal spasms
Muscle contractures
Colic
Menstrual pain

Used for local massage with vegetable oil (sweet almond, coconut), it is well tolerated on the skin when properly diluted.

Other therapeutic effects

Respiratory decongestant: improves expectoration and thins secretions
General tonic: stimulates vital energy, combats asthenia
Lymphotonic: useful in cases of stagnation or engorgement
Anticonvulsant: via GABAergic modulation
Positivizing: its positive ionization improves morale and mental clarity.

What precautions should I take when using Ceylon citronella essential oil?

Ceylon citronella essential oil is highly active. It therefore requires certain precautions:

Always dilute before applying to the skin (risk of dermocausticity).
Contraindicated for pregnant women under 3 months and children under 8 years of age.
Potentially allergenic (increases histamine release)
Enzyme inhibiting effect (geraniol): caution with drug treatments
Nephrotoxic per os in cases of renal insufficiency
Cortisone-like effect: do not use for long periods without monitoring
Not recommended in cases of osteoporosis (risk of decalcification)
Avoid use in the evening, as it stimulates the adrenal axis.

Why buy Ceylon citronella essential oil online?

Ceylon citronella essential oil is an exceptional natural product, combining therapeutic efficacy, preventive action against insects and versatility of use. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and repellent effects make it a first-rate resource for natural self-medication, cosmetics and daily hygiene.

Accessible, economical and extensively documented, it deserves its place in every natural care kit. By purchasing from an online parapharmacy platform, you are choosing quality, safety and practicality.

What benefits can I expect from the essential oils in the Soin-et-Nature index?

The Soin-et-Nature essential oil index gives you access to an expert selection of single essential oils, classified by plant and botanical name. Each card highlights the therapeutic properties, indications for use and precautions specific to each essential oil. This index is designed to help professionals and private individuals alike adopt a safe, well-documented approach to aromatherapy.

To purify the skin, disinfect small wounds or purify the air, Tea Tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a major reference for its powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
To improve venous return and relieve spasmodic coughs,Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) has a decongestant action appreciated in circulatory and respiratory disorders.
To repel mosquitoes and soothe skin inflammation, Ceylon citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil can be diffused or applied locally for its repellent and soothing action.
To soothe the mind and support the immune system, Frankincense Olibanum (Boswellia carterii) essential oil is sought for its balancing effects on the nervous system and its respiratory virtues.
To release nervous tension and relieve spasms, Marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil is recommended for stress, sleep disorders or difficult digestion.
To soothe joint pain, tendonitis or cramps, Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil is used for its warming action, similar to that of aspirin.
To relieve headaches, stimulate digestion or combat nausea, Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) is a must for occasional use.
To disinfect mucous membranes and promote healing, Bitter Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora molmol) is recommended for oral or respiratory care.
For deep relaxation and restful sleep,Himalayan Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi) is indicated in cases of nervous exhaustion or persistent insomnia.
To calm emotional tension and enhance skin care, Neroli (Citrus aurantium) essential oil is particularly effective on sensitive or mature skin.
Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora CT cineole) is used in winter for natural protection against viral infections and to boost the immune system.
To improve muscle tone and promote recovery,Rosemary Camphor essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis CT camphor) is an invaluable aid for athletes and people suffering from cramps or muscle pain.
Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) essential oil is used in anti-aging cosmetics and emotional aromatherapy to regenerate skin tissue and soothe emotional disturbances.
To strengthen the body against resistant infections, Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) essential oil offers a powerful immunostimulant and antibacterial action.
To cleanse the skin, balance secretions and promote healing, Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil is ideal for natural dermatological care.
To relieve dental pain or disinfect the mouth, Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) essential oil is a benchmark for its rapid local anesthetic effect.
For gentle, well-tolerated antiviral support, Thyme à Thujanol essential oil (Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol) is indicated in cases of chronic fatigue or winter infections.
To soothe the nervous system, promote healing and combat sleep disorders, True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is ideal for the whole family.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil is used in muscular and circulatory care to soothe inflammation and improve joint suppleness.
To decongest tissues and improve microcirculation,Pistachio Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)essential oil is useful in cases of heavy legs, hemorrhoids or water retention.

Soin-et-Nature's index of essential oils is a reliable, structured resource for finding your way around the world of aromatherapy. Each oil is described according to precise criteria (chemotype, route of use, contraindications), enabling controlled use in line with scientific recommendations.