Citronella
Product information
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon nardus
Slip Size: 6 to 9 inches
Slip Colour: Green
Varieties available: Java-2, Mandakini, Manjusha, Manjiri, Jal Pallavi, Jorhat-2
Usage: For propagation
Age: Fresh
Origin: India
Slip Packing: In plastic net bags or as per buyer’s requirement
Slip availability: Throughout the year
General Details
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon nardus
English Name: Citronella, Java grass,
Hindi Name: Java ghas, Ganjri, Khaddi, Banchi
Family: Poaceae
Propagation: By rooted slips
Therapeutic Properties
Essential Oil: Anti-bacterial, Anti-depressant, Anti-septic, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Deodorant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Fungicidal, Insect repellent, Stomachic, Stimulant, Tonic and Vermifuge substance.
General characteristics
Citronella is originally from Sri Lanka and is called Mahapengeri in the local language. It is also widely grown in India, Guatemala, Honduras, Malaysia and several other countries. It is, basically, a tropical plant. Through a process of steam distillation, it provides the popular java citronella oil. Cymbopogon winterianus is the source of the high quality java citronella essential oil.
Whereas the other variety of citronella, cymbopogon nardus is the source of the Ceylon essential oil but it is considered inferior in quality to the java citronella oil. Java citronella has the higher alcohol content among the citronella oils. This aromatic grass is tall, stem less and perennial. It is characterized by the presence of shallow and fibrous roots and occurs in thick clumps together.
Given the right conditions, the plant grows to over two meters in height and possesses distinct long and linear leaves. The leaves are gray green and longish. The plant grows well in different types of soils but thrives in areas blessed with sandy loamy soils supplied with lots of organic matter. The java citronella oil is obtained from the leaves and stem of the plant. The oil contains the citronellal, geraniol and hydroxy citronellol which are highly useful in perfume making.
Benefits/ Uses
The essential oil of Citronella grass is widely used in soaps, incense sticks, mosquito repellent creams and deodorants for improving their odour, and perfumes. The oil is also extensively used for extracting aroma chemicals citronellol, citronellal and geraniol.
Citronella oil possesses activating and warming qualities both physically and mentally. Citronella oil is, in general, overlooked in aromatherapy because of its association with insect repellency. Citronella oil relieves painful muscles and joints. Mentally, the aroma of citronella oil may help with nervous fatigue. It can also ease pressure of migraines and headaches.
The citronella oil is one of the most widely used perfume oils and is often used as a starting point for perfume materials, as its constituents, citronellal and geraniol are important and widely used perfume building blocks.
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