How do you process citronella oil?

How to Harvest Citronella Oil. To make your own natural mosquito repellant, combine 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of citronella grass stems and leaves in a slow cooker and cook them for four to eight hours. Then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean, dark jar or glass.

What are the components of citronella oil?

Abstract – Citronella essential oil has more than eighty components, of which the most important ones are citronellal, geranial and limonene. They are present at high concentrations in the oil and are responsible for the repellent properties of the oil.

What is a good carrier oil for citronella?

Dilute citronella oil in a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil. The NAHA recommends adding 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil for a 2.5 percent dilution. For sensitive skin, you may want to use a one percent solution (6 drops per ounce of carrier oil).

Do citronella plants come back every year?

Citronella Grass It is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. In other areas, it is grown as an annual because it dies back during winter. Citronella grass grows best in full sun and is propagated by clump division.

How do you propagate citronella grass?

Simply dig up the clump and cut it into portions, each with an equal share of stems, leaves and roots. Trim back the leaves to 6 inches, then transplant the divisions into pots filled with moist potting soil. New, succulent leaf growth will emerge in spring as the plant enters its active growing phase.

How flammable is citronella oil?

4 H227 Combustible liquid. Skin Irrit. 2 H315 Causes skin irritation.

Is citronella the same as lemongrass?

Though citronella grass may sometimes be called lemongrass, they are two different plants. Lemongrass and citronella grass are closely related and can look and smell very similar. However, citronella grass has reddish colored pseudostems, while lemongrass is all green.

How is lemongrass oil extracted?

Lemongrass Oil is derived from Lemongrass, which is a fast growing, tall, aromatic perennial grass native to India. We can cut the Lemongrass once in three months and once planted it can go on for five years and oil is extracted from the fresh or partly dried leaves by steam distillation.

Can you mix citronella and lavender?

The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils.

Will citronella survive winter?

These plants are sensitive to cold and will die if they are exposed to frost. In warm climates where frost does not occur, citronella plants can remain outdoor year-round. In colder regions, plants may be moved inside for the winter until warmer temperatures return.

How is Citronella oil used in perfumery?

Citronella oil is an essential oil containing citronellal, geraniol and hydroxy citronella and other high value perfumery bases obtained on steam distillation of citronella grass. Oil of citronella is a biopesticide (biochemical) with a non-toxic mode of action. It is registered as an insect repellent/feeding depressant and as an animal repellent.

What kind of oil does citronella grass produce?

This aromatic perennial grows about 1meter (3 feet) high. Citronella oil is an essential oil containing citronellal, geraniol and hydroxy citronella and other high value perfumery bases obtained on steam distillation of citronella grass. Oil of citronella is a biopesticide (biochemical) with a non-toxic mode of action.

Where can I get citronella oil in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, citronella production is still in the infant stage. There are only about 20 hectares planted to it in Leyte. Commercial production is feasible in 1,000 has in the towns of Babatngon, Biliran, Javier and Villaba also in Leyte. The major buyers of citronella oil are the manufacturer if perfumes,

How is Citronella grass crushed for oil extraction?

The citronella grass was cut approximately 15 cm from the plant base or ground level. Before extraction, 4 kg of citronella grass was crushed by a EUMA™ Three-Phase Asynchronous Motor Y90L-2 crusher. The crushed citronella grass was immediately put into the distiller unit.