What is citronella oil (Citronella)?
Citronella oil is extracted from a hardy grass species native to Sri Lanka and Java. This aromatic perennial grows around 1 to 1.5 metres in height. A tall, aromatic perennial grass derived from the wild managrass found in Sri Lanka.
In English, the oil is called citronella. It was first exhibited in London in 1851 and was introduced as "nard" oil, which is why it has been confused with spikenard oil for a long time afterwards.
Citronella oil has a firm place in detergents and insekt agents and is a popular ingredient in wax candles as an insekt agent. It is also commonly used in perfumes, soaps, lotions and deodorants.
Cymbopogon nardus is used for everything from aromatherapy, for DIY cosmetics and cleaning products and much more. The oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent.
Key properties for Citronella oil
- Insekt repellent
- Natural deodorant
- Headaches, acne and fear
Hazard labelling
Hazard symbols
CLP pictograms
A hazard pictogram is an image on a label that includes a warning symbol and specific colours intended to provide information about the harm a particular substance or mixture may cause to our health or the environment. The CLP Regulation has introduced a new classification and labelling system for hazardous chemicals in the European Union. The pictograms have also been changed and are in line with the UN Globally Harmonised System.
Below you will find the new pictograms and their meanings.
What does it mean?
Contains pressurised gas, may explode if heated.
Contains refrigerated gas, may cause cold damage.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Gas canisters
Examples of safety phrases
Protect from sunlight.
Wear cold-insulating gloves/face shield/eye protection.
Seek medical attention immediately.
What does it mean?
Unstable explosive.
Explosive, mass explosion hazard.
Explosive, serious risk of ejection of fragments.
Explosive, risk of fire, explosion or ejection of fragments.
Risk of mass explosion in case of fire.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Fireworks, ammunition
Examples of safety phrases
Obtain special instructions before use.
Do not use the product until all warnings have been read and understood.
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Do not smoke.
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
Use the required personal protective equipment.
Risk of explosion in case of fire.
What does it mean?
May cause or intensify fire, flammable.
May cause fire or explosion, highly flammable.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Bleaching agents, oxygen for medical purposes
Examples of safety phrases
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Do not smoke.
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
Immediately rinse soiled clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothing.
What does it mean?
Highly flammable gas.
Flammable gas.
Highly flammable aerosol.
Flammable aerosol.
Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
Flammable liquid and vapour.
Flammable solid.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Lamp oil, petrol, nail polish remover
Examples of safety phrases
Do not spray towards open flames or other sources of ignition.
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Do not smoke.
Keep the container tightly closed.
Store in a cool place.
Protect from sunlight.
What does it mean?
Can etch metals.
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Drain cleaner, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia
Examples of safety phrases
Do not breathe powder/fume/gas/mist/vapour/spray.
Wash ... thoroughly after use.
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
Store under lock and key.
Store only in the original container.
What does it mean?
May cause respiratory tract irritation.
May cause lethargy or dizziness.
May cause allergic skin reaction.
Causes severe eye irritation.
Causes skin irritation.
Dangerous if swallowed.
Dangerous in contact with skin.
Harmful by inhalation.
Damages public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Detergents, toilet cleaner, coolant
Examples of safety phrases
Avoid inhalation of powder/fume/gas/mist/vapour/spray.
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
For inhalation: Move the person to a place with fresh air and make sure they are resting in a position that facilitates breathing.
In case of ingestion: In case of discomfort call a POISON CENTRE or doctor.
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
In case of skin contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
In case of contact with eyes: Rinse gently with water for several minutes. Remove any contact lenses if this can be done easily. Continue rinsing.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product.
What does it mean?
Fatal if swallowed.
Fatal in contact with skin.
Fatal by inhalation.
Toxic if swallowed.
Toxic in contact with skin.
Toxic by inhalation.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Pesticides, biocides, methanol
Examples of safety phrases
Wash ... thoroughly after use.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product.
In case of ingestion: Call a POISON CENTRE or doctor immediately.
Rinse your mouth.
Store in a closed container.
Do not get in contact with eyes, skin or clothing.
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
In case of skin contact: Wash gently with plenty of soap and water.
Take off/remove soiled clothing immediately.
Soiled clothes must be washed before they can be used again.
Do not breathe powder/fume/gas/mist/vapour/spray.
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
Wear a respirator.
For inhalation: Move the person to a place with fresh air and make sure they are resting in a position that facilitates breathing.
Store under lock and key.
What does it mean?
Can be fatal if ingested and enters the respiratory tract.
Causes damage to organs.
May cause damage to organs.
May damage fertility or the unborn child.
Suspected of causing reproductive harm or harm to the unborn child.
Can cause cancer.
Suspected of causing cancer.
Can cause genetic defects.
Suspected of causing genetic defects.
May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Turpentine, petrol, lamp oil
Examples of safety phrases
In case of ingestion: Call a POISON CENTRE or doctor immediately.
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Store under lock and key.
Do not breathe powder/fume/gas/mist/vapour/spray.
Wash ... thoroughly after use.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product.
Seek medical attention in case of discomfort.
In case of exposure: Call a POISON CENTRE or doctor.
Obtain special instructions before use.
Do not use the product until all warnings have been read and understood.
Use the required personal protective equipment.
In case of exposure or suspected exposure: Seek medical attention.
Avoid inhalation of powder/fume/gas/mist/vapour/spray.
In case of insufficient ventilation, use a respirator.
Inhalation: If breathing is difficult: Move the person to a place with fresh air and make sure they are resting in a position that facilitates breathing.
What does it mean?
Highly toxic with long-lasting effects on aquatic life.
Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Examples of where we might encounter it
Pesticides, biocides, petrol, turpentine
Examples of safety phrases
Avoid discharge to the environment.
Collect spills.
How do you use citronella oil?
Citronella essential oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent and can be diffused indoors or outdoors to freshen the air and possibly eliminate odours.
It is one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy.
Diffuser: Use three to four drops in a diffuser of your choice.
External use: First dilute with an optional vegetable oil to minimise skin sensitivity. Apply a few drops to the desired area and massage the oil onto the skin.
Add 4-5 drops to a cleansing spray to remove ticks, fleas and other pests.
Add citronella oil to your own homemade skincare products to give it a refreshing and pleasant scent.
Simply add a few drops to warm water and use it to wash your underarms. It helps remove body odours.
How to use
CIRCULATORY ORGANS: Arthritis.
IMMUN: Colds and colds, influenza.
NERVOUS: Fatigue, neuralgia.
HUD: insektmeans, loop, Oily skin.
IN THE HOME: Cleaning spray, mosquito repellent
What is citronella oil good for?
Most people probably think of citronella oil as an insek remedy. In fact, citronella oil's most useful quality is as a mosquito repellent. It is best used in a spray, as a diffuser or on a piece of cotton wool.
Female mosquitoes bite humans and animals because they need the protein found in the blood to help develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are attracted to human odours and carbon dioxide from breath. Many repellents contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), which repels mosquitoes, making that person unattractive for feeding - for the mosquito.
So it's true that Citronella is a highly effective repellent against mosquitoes and other annoying insekterbut it also has a myriad of other uses.
Citronella is commonly used in soaps, detergents and cleaning products. Not only that, but Citronella is also incredibly soothing and can be used to combat excessive sweating and common colds.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Citronella has been used to relieve joint pain and swelling. The oil has a lomon-like yet slightly woody aroma, is very potent and is highly valued in the perfume industry.
Therapeutic properties
Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-spastic, anti-tumour, antioxidant, bactericidal, deodorant, diaphoretic, febrifuge, insekt pesticide, insectifuge, sedative (nervous), vermifuge
The story behind the oil
Citronella is a tall, blue-green, lemon-scented perennial grass that grows up to 1 or 1.5 metres in height.
A full-bodied aromatic perennial herb with fibrous roots; it is erect, smooth and shiny, is green and smooth at the nodes; its leaves are linear, gradually narrowing to a long membranous acuminate tip, up to 1.5 cm wide and yellow-green.
The earliest reference to citronella oil is found in ancient Sanskrit literature in India written more than 2000 years ago, where it is mentioned that the leaves of Cymbopogon species and their oil were used in perfumes and incense as well as in religious rituals.
The earliest reference of this oil in the Western world is found in the works of Garcia da Orta written in 1563.
Facts about citronella oil
OriginsMore info: Sri Lanka
Additional info: Wikipedia
Botanical name: Cymbopogon nardus
Extraction: Water vapour distillation
From: Leaves
Scent Note: Top
Flavour Strength: Medium
Contains:
citronellal
citronellol
farnesol
geraniol
limonene
CAS Number: 8000-29-1
EINCS Number: 294-954-1
BBE Date: AUG2023
Batch Number: 4404303
Of the 26 substances, citronella oil contains the following:
Geraniol up to 25%, citronellol up to 13%, citral up to 4%, limonene up to 2.6%, eugenol up to 2.4%, linalool 1,1%
Safety and security: If pregnant, nursing or under medical supervision, consult a doctor. Discontinue use if skin sensitisation occurs. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use undiluted on the skin. A patch test must be performed before use for those with sensitive skin. Do not use on or near the eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Do not use on broken skin or on wounds. Do not use internally unless directed by an authorised aromatherapist or doctor. Our Bergamot is FCF (furanocoumarin-free) and therefore not phototoxic
OK for kids: 2+
Kids Max Dilution: 1%
Adult max dilution: 18,2%
Durability: 2-3 years
General safety considerations when using essential oils
- Do not ingest essential oils internally
- Do not use on or near the eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes
- Do not use undiluted on the skin
- Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a suitably qualified doctor or aromatherapist
- Always keep essential oils well sealed and stored away from children and animals.
NOTE:
Lay NOT pure essential oil directly on the skin (it SHALL mix with anything).
As a general rule, do not use essential oils when you are pregnant.
Essential oils are for external use only - if ingested, seek medical advice.
The poison hotline is open to everyone around the clock.
Call to The poison hotline on tel. 82 12 12 12 12 and get help if you suspect poisoning.
General safety information when using essential oils
How to use
Do not use any essential oils internally and never apply essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences to the skin undiluted without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
Pregnant and more
If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have other medical problems, you should only use oils under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
Children's
Be very careful when using oils with children and only give children the gentlest oils in very small doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children.
Allergy
It is always recommended that you perform a skin patch test before using an oil you have never used before. Instructions on how to complete this allergy test and further information on safety can be found by visiting this page:
https://www.chleopatra.dk/allergitest/
Avoid allergic reactions
Natural fragrances are just as allergenic as chemical ones.
Therefore, always remember to carry out a skin patch testbefore using the product.
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