In the world of aromatherapy, citronella oil is often recognized for its insect-repellent properties. But beyond chasing away mosquitoes, citronella oil holds a hidden treasure of calming and therapeutic benefits. Its crisp, lemony scent can do more than freshen a room — it can uplift your mood, ease anxiety, and even support overall wellness.
Extracted from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon species (commonly known as lemongrass), citronella oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in Asia. When used in aromatherapy, it becomes a powerful tool for emotional balance, mental clarity, and physical relaxation.
This article explores the calming effects and diverse uses of citronella oil in aromatherapy, helping you harness its full potential for mind-body wellness.
What is Citronella Oil?
Citronella oil is an essential oil derived from steam distillation of the leaves and stems of two grass varieties: Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. It belongs to the same plant family as lemongrass and palmarosa and shares some similar properties.
Its main active compounds include:
- Citronellal – known for calming and anti-inflammatory effects
- Citronellol – antibacterial, mood-supportive
- Geraniol – promotes relaxation and is mildly sedative
- Limonene – mood-lifting and energizing
These components work synergistically to provide calming, cleansing, and refreshing effects, both physically and emotionally.
The Calming Effects of Citronella in Aromatherapy
Though often overlooked for more popular calming oils like lavender or chamomile, citronella oil offers unique emotional benefits that make it valuable in aromatherapy.
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Citronella’s bright citrus aroma can ease nervous tension and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Its uplifting scent promotes a sense of cleanliness, clarity, and calm — often helping to reset the mind when you're feeling overwhelmed.
How it works:
Inhalation of citronella oil stimulates the olfactory system, sending signals to the brain's limbic system — the area responsible for emotions and memory. This can help lower cortisol levels and create a sense of emotional balance.
How to use:
Add 5–7 drops to a diffuser during moments of stress, or use a personal inhaler at your desk or in the car for calming support throughout the day.
2. Enhances Mental Clarity and Focus
Mental fatigue is a common result of stress, overwork, or lack of sleep. Citronella oil has refreshing, clarifying properties that support better mental focus without overstimulation.
How it helps:
- Improves concentration
- Reduces mental fog
- Increases productivity and alertness
How to use:
Diffuse during work or study sessions. Combine with rosemary or peppermint for added cognitive support.
3. Eases Mood Swings and Irritability
Citronella oil has natural mood-stabilizing effects. It is particularly helpful for those experiencing emotional fluctuations due to hormonal shifts, stress, or fatigue.
How it helps:
- Uplifts mood
- Calms frustration and agitation
- Brings emotional grounding
How to use:
Use citronella in a calming massage oil blend or add to bathwater to ease emotional turbulence.
Other Aromatherapy Benefits of Citronella Oil
While its calming effects are central, citronella oil also contributes to overall wellness in multiple ways:
4. Natural Insect Repellent
This is citronella oil’s most well-known use. Its strong aroma masks scents that attract insects, making it a natural and chemical-free way to keep pests at bay.
Use in aromatherapy:
Diffuse citronella oil in outdoor settings or create a room spray to keep bugs away while enjoying a relaxing environment.
5. Air Purification and Odor Elimination
Citronella oil has antibacterial and deodorizing properties, making it an ideal choice for cleansing the air in your home or workspace. It can neutralize musty smells, smoke, pet odors, and more.
How to use:
Diffuse regularly to freshen the atmosphere. Combine with lemon or eucalyptus oil for an energizing and purifying blend.
6. Supports Respiratory Health
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, citronella oil can help relieve symptoms of congestion and support respiratory function when diffused or inhaled.
How it helps:
- Opens airways
- Reduces throat irritation
- Combats airborne pathogens
How to use:
Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water and inhale deeply, or diffuse in your room while resting.
7. Soothes Headaches and Muscle Tension
Tension headaches and muscle discomfort are common side effects of stress. Citronella oil’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions may offer relief.
How it helps:
- Relaxes tight muscles
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Soothes stress-induced headaches
How to use:
Blend with a carrier oil and massage into temples, neck, or sore muscles. You can also add it to a warm bath with Epsom salts for full-body relaxation.
Simple Ways to Use Citronella Oil in Aromatherapy
Here are some practical ways to enjoy citronella’s calming and therapeutic effects:
🌀 Diffusion
Add 5–7 drops of citronella oil to your diffuser to fill the room with its uplifting, lemony aroma. Use during:
- Meditation or yoga sessions
- Morning routines to promote alertness
- Evening wind-down to clear the mind
🌿 Aromatherapy Roll-On
DIY recipe:
- 10 ml roller bottle
- 2–3 drops citronella oil
- 2 drops lavender oil
- Fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil
Apply to wrists, temples, or behind ears for emotional support throughout the day.
🛁 Relaxing Bath Soak
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salts
- 5 drops citronella oil
- 5 drops geranium or clary sage oil
- 1 tbsp carrier oil (e.g., almond or jojoba)
Soak for 20–30 minutes to calm the body and mind.
🌬️ Inhalation
Add 1–2 drops of citronella oil to a tissue and inhale deeply. This method is perfect for quick mood resets or relief from mental fatigue.
🌸 Aromatic Room Spray
DIY spray:
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp witch hazel
- 10 drops citronella
- 5 drops bergamot or lemon
Shake well and spray around your room or workspace for a refreshing, calming effect.
Safety and Precautions
Although citronella oil is natural, it’s still potent and should be used with care:
- Dilute before topical use (2–3% dilution is typical).
- Do a patch test before full application to avoid skin irritation.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or sensitive areas.
- Not recommended for infants or pets in high concentrations.
- Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not ingest unless guided by a qualified professional.
Final Thoughts
Citronella essential oil is far more than just a bug repellent. In the world of aromatherapy, it shines as a mood-uplifting, tension-relieving, and mentally clarifying oil. Whether you're diffusing it to create a peaceful space, using it to combat emotional stress, or blending it into a relaxing bath, citronella oil brings a refreshing calm to both body and mind.
With its bright, lemony scent and wide range of benefits, citronella is a powerful yet gentle companion on your journey to wellness — one drop at a time.
