Herb
Citronella
An aromatic grass oil used to help repel mosquitoes and other biting insects.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 63/100Tap to see the breakdown
👶 Safe for children?
This remedy carries age-related cautions. Please read them before giving it to a child, and check with your pediatrician or pharmacist first.
- Keep away from eyes and use cautiously around young children and pets.
🌱 What it is
Citronella is derived from lemongrass-family plants and is a common natural ingredient in insect repellents.
✨ Why it's good for you
- Pleasant-smelling natural insect deterrent
- Widely available and inexpensive
- Useful outdoors and in candles or diffusers
🥄 How to use it
Dilute citronella essential oilA very concentrated plant oil — always diluted before it touches skin. How to make an essential oil → in a carrier oil (a few drops per tablespoon) and apply to skin, or add a few drops to clothing or candles. Never apply undiluted oil to skin.
How much: Dilute 2-3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil for skin use; follow product label.
Why it works: The oil's scent compounds mask attractant odors and help repel mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
⚠️ Cautions
- Pure (undiluted) oil can irritate skin — always dilute before applying.
- Never ingest citronella oil.
- Keep away from eyes and use cautiously around young children and pets.
- Reapply often; less reliable than DEET-based repellents in high-risk areas.
📚 What others say
- Natural Remedies Encyclopedia (7th ed.)
🕊️ A word of encouragement
A cheerful, trusting heart is good medicine. Set down your worry and breathe easy.
💬 Ask Remy about Citronella
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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