Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella essential oil may be best known by its fresh and distinct scent. However, it also has the ability to repel disease-carrying insects, as well as the ability to get rid of certain harmful microbes.

It also carries the distinction of being an antibacterial essential oil, while also being antifungal and, in a way, antiviral.

The Science of Citronella Essential Oil

One of citronella essential oil's best-known features is its ability to repel mosquitoes that carry potentially deadly viruses. Some mosquitoes may carry the dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zikafever viruses, making citronella’s insect repellent

properties important in certain areas of the world.

Not only can citronella repel insects, it can also help fight bacteria and fungi that can cause a variety of illnesses. The oil can be effective in controlling the proliferation of salmonella bacteria, which causes food poisoning. Food poisoning can last up to a week, and using citronella essential oil can help prevent and shorten the illness.

It can also help get rid of Candida albicans, a type of fungi that causes yeast infection in the genitals, mouth, digestive tract, and skin. Some strains of fungi, like some strains of bacteria, may have already developed resistance to medication. Thus, citronella essential oil can be an effective alternative.