Citronella
Profile
| Latin Name | Cymbopogon nardus |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Graminae |
| Note | Top |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Lemon-like, Camphorous |
| Color | Pale-Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Dried Leaves |
| Regions | Central America, China, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka |
| Taste | Spicy, Bitter Nature: Cold |
| Affinity | LU/LR |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Aldehydes (citronellal) |
| Skin Type | Oily, can cause some skin irritation Dosage: 3% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Clear heat in the wei level and repel pestilent qi Resolve hot biobstruction
Indications
Topical Applications
- Add 10-15 drops to bath water during seasonal changes.
- Spray on socks as a deodorant and on athlete's foot.
Other Applications
- Diffuse to prevent the spreading of epidemics (good for soaps).
Specific Protocols
- Apply 2% dilution of qtronella (40%), Eucalyptus (30%), and Cypress (30%) on CV-12, ST-36, LR-3, and LI-4 during each seasonal transition.
Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Insecticide
- Antifungal
- Intestinal parasites
Contraindications & Cautions
- Cold & empty yang
Additional Comments
- Citronella is often used to adulterate Lemon Verbena and Melissa.
- Citronella is good as a disinfectant and room freshener