Citronella - what is it?
What are the beneficial properties of the oil of this plant?
Where is it used and is it contraindicated?
In this article you will find answers to all the above questions.
- Description and composition
- Beneficial features
- Application of essential oil
- Impact on emotions
- In medicine
- In cosmetology
- At home
- Contraindications and harm
Description and composition
Citronella oil is an ethereal liquid resulting from the steam distillation of the leaves of a plant that grows predominantly on the island of Ceylon. The incredible aroma of this remedy resembles the smell of citrus fruits with a slight shade of sea freshness and delicate woody olive olive. According to the general characteristics, citronella oil is very similar to lemon eucalyptus and is its alternative and more budgetary replacement.
- Group of terpenes: dipentene, camphene, limonene. These are the main elements of cosmetic balms, ointments, creams, perfumes and other cosmetics.
- Group of terpene alcohols: citronellol, nerol, borneol, geraniol. Often they are the main components in the production of household chemicals (soaps, gels, shampoos, dishwashing detergents, etc.), are part of perfumed and toilet water.
- Group of aldehydes: citral, citronellal. Thanks to these substances, the aromatization of the oil is carried out. The areas of use of citral and citronellal include perfumes and some segments of food production. A high concentration of vitamin A allows the manufacture of medicines for the treatment of diseases of the eye and high blood pressure.
Beneficial features
Doctors recommend citronella essential oil, the properties of which are widely used in medicine, for ailments of the cardiovascular system, frequent dizziness, drowsiness,general lethargy and dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus.
Due to the active components of the drug helps to strengthen the immune system, helps to fight the flu and ARVI, and also leads the body to a general tone. During the rehabilitation period after surgery or severe injury, this tool helps to reduce inflammation and promotes rapid healing of the skin.
Otolaryngologists prescribe drugs on the basis of this plant to patients to improve hearing acuity and get rid of extraneous noise inside the ear canal.
Application of essential oil
There are many ways to use the ether plants that will help you in everyday life, as well as in the care of yourself and your body.
Proper use of the tool will help get rid of unpleasant odors, small insects; improve skin and hair condition; will tone up sexual activity; will eliminate corns and warts, as well as recover from colds.
Impact on emotions
Citronella-based ester fluid is an active antidepressant that reduces anxiety and aggression. Ether contributes to raising the mood and a surge of vital energy, eliminates apathy, indifference and other negative emotions.
According to the Feng Shui doctrine, citronella makes a person reconsider his views on life and change his attitude to the external environment. The desire for active rest, a burst of vital energy, a charge of positive and good mood - all this is the result of the impact on the person of the miraculous citronella plant.
Essential oil, the use of which is especially important for people with a shaky psycho-emotional background, helps calm the nervous system and temporarily relaxes the muscles. Researchers of the properties of the herb extract found out that the essential oil is capable of activating a person to productive personal development, increasing the level of concentration, strengthening the memory and effective absorption of new information.
The ability of the plant to increase sexual desire was also revealed.
In medicine
The plant is actively used in medicine for the production of a whole range of drugs intended for the treatment of a number of diseases, as well as obstacles to inflammatory processes.
Medicines on this herb do an excellent job with such diseases:
- chronic weakness;
- dysfunction of the vascular system;
- frequent dizziness and migraine;
- problems associated with the violation of the vestibular apparatus.
People with intestinal and gastrointestinal diseases are advised to use a small amount of oil before eating, because the components of the substance contribute to the improvement of digestive processes.
In cosmetology
For owners of fatty skin type, aroma oil is a real salvation. Penetrating deep into the cell structure, the components of the cosmetic regulate the sebaceous glands, cleanse the pores, narrowing them in size, and also ensure the smoothness of the complexion. High-quality cosmetic preparation based on citronella is an indispensable tool in the fight against acne, as well as the prevention of this disease.
Citronella ether is a frequent element of balms, shampoos, lotions and creams, which are especially recommended for older people with aging and wrinkled skin.
At home
The presence of a special complex of chemical elements allows the use of citronella concentrate as an effective way in the fight against harmful insects. The persistent smell of ethereal liquid drives away black flies, mosquitoes, aphids and other small pests. A small amount of concentrate can relieve clothes from unpleasant odors, and furniture for storing clothes - from moths.
A drop of plant extract added to dishwashing liquid eliminates difficult to clean contamination, and also eliminates the harsh odors of onions, garlic or fish.
Contraindications and harm
With all the positive properties of citronella concentrate, this substance has some contraindications that must be taken into account when using the product.
- When applying a small amount of ether to the skin, it should not be left on the surface for more than five minutes. Otherwise, you risk getting unpleasant sensations of burning and a mild burn.
- In the process of inhalation for treating colds, citronella can cause excessive sneezing. Although it is not an allergic reaction to the substance, in such a case, inhalation should be abandoned.
- If your skin is characterized by excessive sensitivity, you should also stop using citronella ether.
- This tool is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy, hypertension, acute forms of gastritis and ulcers.