Updated 17 January 2024
Botanical characteristics
- Kingdom: plantae
- Subphylum: tracheobionta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Subclass: Commelinidae
- Order: Cyperales
- Family: Poaceae
- Genus: Cymbopogon
- Part used: Leaves, aerial parts
- Country of origin: Indonesia, Nepal
Precautions for use
Caution! Java Citronella essential oil can be used by adults, teenagers and children over 3 years of age.
It is not recommended for pregnant women or babies.
The most appropriate methods of use are atmospheric diffusion and diluted dermal application.
Other precautions
Warning:
- People with asthma should seek medical advice before use.
Cutaneous use:
- Make sure to dilute this essential oil 20% in vegetable oil before applying to the skin (20% essential oil diluted in 80% vegetable oil).
Ingestion:
- This essential oil can be used in cooking if diluted in a fat (oil, cream, yoghurt, milk) or sweetened (syrup, honey).
- It should not be taken pure.
Diffusion:
- Air diffusion is a possible route of use for pregnant women and babies.
- In very sensitive people, this essential oil may irritate the mucous membranes and cause tearing or coughing.
Allergenic components:
Java Citronella essential oil is high in biochemical allergenic components:
- Geraniol (16-30%)
- Citronellol (7-18%)
- Limonene (1-5%)
- Citral (geranial + neral) (≤ 4%)
- Eugenol (≤ 2%)
- Linalool (≤ 1.5%)
- Farnesol (≤ 1%)
Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).
Authorised users
How to use
Risks of use
Properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Insect repellent
- Anti-infective, antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Skin clearing
Indications
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Rheumatism in general (in synergy with other EOs)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes)
- Acne
- Boils
- Abscesses
- Skin and gut fungal infections
- Intestinal parasitosis
- Digestive stimulant
Directions for use/usual dosage
- Inflammatory joint conditions: local applications diluted 10% in vegetable oil, in synergy with other EOs.
- Mosquitoes and insects: diffuse in the air to repel them or apply to the skin.
Cosmetic
- Deodorising and purifying properties
Interior use
- Atmospheric diffusion to repel insects and deodorise or purify the air in general.
Find out more
Java citronella is a rarer essential oil than its cousin Ceylon citronella, and its quality is generally superior.