Many of you know about Citronella that you use in the garden to deter insects. But did you know that there are health benefits of Citronella Essential Oil too? Citronella is a grass that grows mainly in Asian countries and some islands of Asia Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus got the name Citronella.  Here are 7 uses for this aromatic grass.

1. Antidepressant: This oil fights depression and gives relief from anxiety, sadness, negative feelings etc. It induces a fresh, happy feeling and hope.
2. Antiseptic: The antiseptic properties of this essential oil fights infections in the wounds, urinary tracts, urethra, prostrate and kidneys etc. and protects them from being septic.
3. Antispasmodic: It relieves spasms of the muscles, respiratory system and the nervous system. It also helps cure menstrual spasm and gives relief from symptoms such as cramps, coughs etc.
4. Anti-inflammatory: It sedates inflammations particularly those pertaining to the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system. The inflammations caused by the side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, hard & spicy food, any disease or any toxic element getting into the body, can be sedated using this oil.
5. Diaphoretic: The diaphoretic properties of this essential oil increases sweating and promotes removal of toxins and other unwanted stuff like excess water, fat and salts from the body. This makes the body feel lighter, keeps the skin healthy and also reduces fever. This also protects you from certain infections.
6. Fungicidal: This oil kills fungus and inhibits fungal growth. This is very useful in countering fungal infections in the ear, nose and throat region.
7. Insect Repellent: This is one of the most used properties of this essential oil, as it kills and keeps away insects. This is also effective on lice and fleas.

Used in a spray bottle, citronella oil can disinfect surfaces around the home.

It's also a fungicidal, so it can be an excellent alternative to commercial cleaners meant for bathroom showers and other places that tend to grow fungi and moulds.

On top of this, citronella oil will both kill the bacteria that cause bad odors and will cover over rank smells with its own refreshing scent.

Because of these properties, citronella essential oil can be a great natural deodorant and is, in fact, often used as an ingredient in commercial underarm deodorants.

As citronella is much cheaper than many essential oils, using it around the house is economically possible.

Citronella oil is also an excellent complexion aid.

If you're struggling with acne or just excessive oil on the skin, use citronella oil with water or in a solution of several other essential oils such as chamomile, tea-tree oil or lavender essential oil, or use it directly on the skin.

You can also buy skin care products, especially aromatherapy products or organic ones, which contain the essential oil, without mixing it yourself.

After testing your skin for sensitivity to citronella oil, put a few drops on a cotton ball and apply them directly to problem areas after washing the face each day.

Citronella oil will help tone the skin, and it will tighten the pores.

Citronella oil is also commonly used in sun creams and insect repellents made from natural and non-chemical products, including for babies. It is often mixed with lemongrass oil, cedarwood oil, rosemary oil, and basil oil in such creams and lotions.

Citronella essential oil has emmenagogue properties, which means that it can induce menstruation and regulate monthly menstrual cycles.

It can be used to help women who have irregular cycles to come back to a normal monthly cycle.

Because of this, it should not be used in high concentrations on pregnant women, though they may benefit from the calming, focusing effects of small quantities citronella oil used simply for aromatherapy.

The fresh, citrus scent of citronella oil can lift the mood and help relieve the symptoms of colds and the flu.

Use in in an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporiser to relieve chest congestion and the headaches that come with respiratory diseases. It can also be used in a diffuser with peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, both of which are also good for chesty problems.

The smell of citronella essential oil will also help to relief the congestion of thoughts that comes with illness, creating instead a sense of calm and balance.

Citronella essential oil can help increase circulation, which means that it has a warming effect on the body.

This means that citronella oil can make excellent light aromatherapy massage oil for the relief of joint soreness and muscle tension. Simply combine a few drops of citronella essential oil with a base oil, and rub it into the skin using plenty of friction.

Citronella oil will work just as well as many other essential oils at relieving muscle soreness and tension, and it may smell less heavy and flowery than these other oils.