Citronella, Cymbopogon nardus, Essential Oil

 Citronella, (Cymbopogon Nardus), has a citrus aroma. In Europe, as well as the USA, citronella is combined in dilutions with cedar wood to repel mosquitoes. It also repels fleas and ticks as a spray. Fresh plants can also yield insect repellant properties. Citronella yields a lemony aromatic oil from steam distillation of fresh leaves and flowers. Citronella can be toxic to pets if ingested. Do not expose pets to plants in a garden or diffused in their environment. Citronella is not recommended in direct contact with children, pregnant or nursing mothers.