9 Amazing Uses of Citronella Oil (From Barking Dogs to Arthritis)

Insect Repellent

[Exume\_images](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-347180456/stock-photo-bamboo-citronella-torches-to-repell-mosquitoes-and-other-insects.html)Citronella oil most known for its insect repellent properties. There are several ways citronella oil can be used to ward off insects, particularly mosquitoes. For example, few drops of [citronella oil](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/citronellagen.html) can be added to a burning candle, it can be combined with other essential oils, such as lemongrass oil for an even more potent repellent. If you are looking for a way to add a touch of design to your patio or deck, while keeping away insects, simply place a citronella plant in your outdoor living space.

Removes Toxins

[joloei](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-142459780/stock-photo-citronella-grass-and-oil-on-citronella-grass-leave-background.html)Citronella oil is rich in diaphoretic and diurectic properties, which promote weight loss, toxin removal and the disposal of toxic waste substances. The diaphoretic properties help to stimulate sweating, which then expels excess water, salts, fats and toxins from your body and the diuretic properties help to increase the quantity and the frequency of urination to boost the clearing out of toxins and waste substances from your body. It is also beneficial for draining infections from your urinary system.

Digestive Problems

[michaeljung](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-128950211/stock-photo-mid-age-woman-having-stomach-pain-at-home.html)Citronella oil is a natural killer of intestinal worms. Children are the most prone to worms, and although citronella oil is safe for use in children, it should be given in mild doses. Citronella is effective on both tape worms and round worms. The presence of worms can have a significant impact on the digestive system as well as growth, because they affect the absorption of the body’s nutrients.

Dog Barking

[Elana\_efimova](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-131114129/stock-photo-beagle-sitting-in-green-grass.html)If your dogs barking is keeping you awake at night, a spritz of citronella oil will calm the dog and reduce or stop the barking, and it is much more humane than an anti-barking collar (electric shock collar). Even if your dogs barking doesn’t bother you, citronella oil provides other benefits for your dog, such as getting rid of fleas. Simply add a couple of drops to an absorbent collar or bandanna and place it around the dogs neck to get rid of or prevent fleas.

Skin Care

[Subbotina\_Anna](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-243260476/stock-photo-beauty-skin-care-young-beautiful-teenage-girl-touching-her-face-before-the-mirror-enjoying-her.html) The antibacterial properties found in citronella oil make it an excellent skin care product. It is effective for reducing warts, acne and boils as well as preventing infections in wounds and injuries. Applying citronella oil on your skin can improve skin tone, make your skin smoother and tighten pores. For a highly effective skin care product, combine a drop or two of citronella oil with equal amounts of witch hazel and water. The mixture is an excellent acne treatment and it reduces oily skin to prevent future breakouts.

Arthritis Pain

[Masycheva](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-128950370/stock-photo-two-hands-of-an-elderly-woman-sitting-on-a-chair.html) Citronella essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, which can relieve headaches, colds, fevers and the pain associated with arthritis. The oil can also be used as a massage oil to relieve the muscle and joint pain associated with [arthritis](http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/citronella-oil.aspx). It is important to mix citronella oil with a carrier oil prior to massaging it into the skin.

Deodorant

[alliance](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-155473337/stock-photo-closeup-on-woman-applying-roller-deodorant-on-underarm.html)Citronella oil has a wonderful lemony citrus aroma that works great as a deodorant. It works great for any type of body odor, including smelly feet. To get the optimum benefits as an odor controller, simply add a few drops to your bath water. Simply mix a few drops of citronella oil with coconut oil for an inexpensive, great smelling deodorant. If making a deodorant, keep in mind that citronella oil only prevents odors, it does not work as an antiperspirant.

Antibacterial

[Boris\_Bulychev](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-158005148/stock-photo-female-hands-applying-antibacterial-liquid-soap-close-up.html)There are several components in citronella oil, such as methylisoeugenol, that provide a natural antibacterial quality to citronella. These components are effective at killing bacteria as well as inhibiting the growth of additional bacteria in your body. Not only is it beneficial for preventing infections in wounds, but in the urethra, bladder, colon, intestines, stomach, kidneys and prostate as well.

Fluid Retention & Spasms

[bilderpool](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-326685671/stock-photo-man-has-abdominal-pain.html)Citronella oil works in a couple of different ways to help cure problems relating to fluid retention. It maintains the water balance in your body and it relieves muscle spasms that often occur due to fluid retention in the respiratory system and nervous system. It is also helpful at relieving menstrual spasms and symptoms such as coughs and cramps.