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Citronella oil- Cymbopogon nardus
INTRODUCTION:
- Citronella oil is extracted from Cymbopogon nardus (also known as Andropogon nardus)
- Citronella is of the Graminae (Poaceae) family.
- It is also known as Sri Lanka or Lenabatu citronella.
- Although this essential oil has been typecast as an insect repellent (especially for malaria carrying mosquitoes),
- It also has great benefit in clearing the mind, refreshing rooms and for softening skin, while combating oily skin and sweaty feet.
- It is extracted from a hardy grass, native to Sri Lanka and Java.
- This aromatic perennial grows about 1meter (3 feet) high and is a popular ingredient in wax candles, as an insect repellent, and is also widely used in perfumes, soaps, skin lotions and deodorants.
- Citronella oil has a slightly sweet, lemony smell.
- Obtained from cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt consists of citronellal (32-45%), geranioal (11-13%), geranyl acetate (3-8%), lionene (1-4%).
- The higher proportions of geraniol and citronellal in the Java type make it a better source for perfumery derivatives.
- Citronella oil from cymbopobon species should not be confused with other similar lemony oils from corymbia citriodora and pelargonium citrosum.
USE:
- Citronella oil's most useful quality is that of it being an insect repellent. It is best used in a spray, a diffuser or on a cotton ball amongst linen.
- It is also useful in ridding cats and dogs of fleas.
- Furthermore, citronella oil helps to clear the mind and has a general toning and tonic effect on the body. It is helpful with colds, flu and minor infections and also has deodorizing qualities.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:
The main chemical components of citronella oil are citronellic acid, borneol, citronellol, geraniol, nerol, citral, citronellal, camphene, dipentene and limonene.
Specification:
Citronellal : 47.09%
Citronellol : 9.191
Geraniol : 20.1%
Geranuleacatate : 3-8%
Limonene : 1-4%
solubility : ½ in ethanol 80 oc
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