Does Citronella Have Health Benefits? Unpacking the Science and Safety

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

The World Health Organization notes that millions of people worldwide suffer from mosquito-borne diseases, sparking interest in natural preventatives like citronella. This often leads people to question: does citronella have health benefits, or is it merely a fragrant insect deterrent?

Quick Summary

Citronella is best known as an insect repellent, but research indicates it also possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, with potential for mood-lifting aromatherapy. Always dilute and use with caution.

Key Points

Insect Repellent: Citronella effectively repels mosquitoes by masking human scents, but its efficacy is short-lived and requires frequent reapplication or combination with other substances.
Antifungal and Antibacterial: Studies have demonstrated that citronella oil possesses significant antimicrobial properties, being effective against certain fungi and bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory: When diluted and applied topically, citronella oil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce pain and swelling associated with some skin conditions and muscle aches.
Mood Enhancer: In aromatherapy, the citrusy scent of citronella can help uplift mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote mental clarity.
Safety First: Always dilute citronella oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Never ingest it, as concentrated amounts can be toxic.
Diffuser Use: When diffusing citronella oil, ensure the area is well-ventilated and consider sensitivity, especially around pets and children.
Distinction from Lemongrass: Though from the same plant family, citronella and lemongrass are different plants with distinct properties and uses.

What is Citronella?

Citronella is an essential oil extracted through the steam distillation of grasses belonging to the Cymbopogon genus. It is known for its distinct, potent, and citrus-like aroma, which has made it a staple in perfumes, soaps, and candles for centuries. The oil is primarily derived from two different varieties of the plant: Ceylon (Cymbopogon nardus) and Java (Cymbopogon winterianus), with the Java variety generally considered more potent.

Traditional Uses and Modern Claims

Historically, citronella has been used in various traditional medicine systems, including Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Folk medicine and ancient cultures used it to treat ailments like fevers, inflammation, and digestive issues. In modern times, claims about its health benefits have expanded, although not all are supported by robust scientific evidence.

Scientific Evidence for Health Benefits

While many uses are based on historical practice, some potential health benefits of citronella oil have been supported by scientific research, while others require more evidence.

Insect Repellent: This is the most well-known and scientifically supported use of citronella oil. Studies show it effectively repels mosquitoes and other insects by masking human scents like carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Its effectiveness is often short-lived (around 30–60 minutes) unless combined with fixatives like vanillin. Citronella candles, however, are found to be of little use as repellents due to rapid scent dissipation.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties: Research has shown citronella oil to have significant antimicrobial properties. A 2013 study found that citronella oil could destroy the cell walls of the fungus Aspergillus niger, which can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. It has also shown effectiveness against other fungi and some bacteria, though it may require reapplication.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: The oil contains compounds like geraniol that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When diluted and applied topically, it may help reduce swelling, redness, and provide relief for muscle and joint pain, and skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Wound Healing: Some animal studies suggest that citronella oil may accelerate wound healing, particularly in cases with fungal infections. This is attributed to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects working in tandem to improve the healing process.
Aromatherapy and Mood: Inhaling citronella oil's citrusy aroma can have uplifting and stimulating effects. It is often used in aromatherapy to help reduce stress, anxiety, fatigue, and promote mental clarity. The effect can vary by individual.

Safety and Precautions

Despite its natural origin, citronella oil is potent and requires careful use to be safe. It is vital to avoid high concentrations and improper application.

Never Ingest: Concentrated citronella oil is unsafe to take orally and can cause serious harm, with reports of poisoning in children. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Topical Application: Always dilute citronella essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to the skin to prevent irritation or allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin first.
Inhalation: Direct inhalation of highly concentrated citronella oil is unsafe and can cause lung damage. Use in a well-ventilated area, especially if diffusing.
Special Considerations: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using citronella oil unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Citronella vs. Other Common Essential Oils


Property	Citronella Oil	Peppermint Oil	Tea Tree Oil	Lavender Oil	Eucalyptus Oil
Source	Cymbopogon grass	Mentha Piperita plant	Melaleuca alternifolia	Lavandula plant	Eucalyptus tree
Aroma	Citrusy, fresh, grassy	Cool, minty	Medicinal, earthy	Floral, sweet, herbaceous	Strong, camphorous
Primary Uses	Insect repellent, antifungal, aromatherapy	Pain relief, digestion, respiratory support	Antiseptic, acne treatment, wound healing	Relaxation, sleep aid, skin healing	Respiratory relief, antiseptic, pain relief
Key Components	Citronellal, Geraniol	Menthol, Menthone	Terpinen-4-ol, Cineole	Linalool, Linalyl Acetate	Eucalyptol (Cineole)
Insect Repellent?	Excellent	Moderate	Mild	Mild	Moderate
Anti-inflammatory?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Safety Considerations	Dilute before use, avoid ingestion, use cautiously around pets	Avoid near eyes, dilute for sensitive skin, avoid use in infants	Dilute before use, avoid ingestion	Generally safe, dilute for sensitive skin	Dilute, avoid use in children under 10

Conclusion

While citronella is best known for its insect-repelling abilities, scientific studies support additional health benefits related to its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In aromatherapy, it offers uplifting and stress-reducing effects. However, the effectiveness of citronella as an insect repellent is limited in duration compared to synthetic alternatives and requires regular reapplication. It is crucial to remember that concentrated essential oils are potent substances and should be handled with care. Always dilute citronella oil properly for topical use, never ingest it, and exercise caution with inhalation, especially concerning children, pregnant individuals, and pets. When used correctly, citronella can be a useful, natural tool for certain applications, but it is not a cure-all and should not replace professional medical advice. For more scientific literature on essential oils, consider consulting trusted medical research databases like PubMed to understand the full scope of their therapeutic potential and safety precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never apply concentrated citronella oil directly to your skin. It must be properly diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, to prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions.

No, it is unsafe to ingest concentrated citronella oil. It can be toxic and has been linked to poisoning in children. Keep the oil out of reach of children and pets.

Citronella candles are generally not very effective at repelling mosquitoes over a large area because the volatile compounds dissipate quickly in the open air. Other methods, like topical application of diluted oil or diffusers, tend to be more effective.

The repellent effect of citronella oil is typically short-lived, lasting only about 30 to 60 minutes when applied topically. For continuous protection, reapplication is necessary.

Yes, while they are related within the Cymbopogon plant family and have similar scents, they are different plants. They are used for different purposes, and their essential oils have different chemical compositions.

Yes, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, diluted citronella oil can be massaged onto sore muscles and joints to help reduce pain and swelling.

While the EPA considers citronella generally safe for use around humans and animals, some pets, especially cats, can be sensitive to it. Consult a vet before using citronella products around your pets.

When properly diluted and applied, citronella oil's antibacterial and antifungal properties may help with skin issues like acne and certain skin infections. It also has a toning effect on the skin.