Citronella Candles are beginning to be one of the more commonly requested candles. at Chantic we are not only inspired by demand, but we even speak to out customers and listen to what scents they like too. If you want to request a scent you can here. Citronella itself is a plant and boasts many properties that can be beneficial for not only humans but animals as well. The oil itself has many benefits.
1. Deters mites
One of the not well-known properties of citronella is that it is acaricide. In other words, the essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves of herbs, has the effect of exterminating mites.
Mites are small animals that belong to the same family as ticks and spiders. They often parasitize other animals or hide in upholstery. Therefore, they can be vectors of several diseases and even trigger respiratory allergies in some people.
A study published in Parasitology Research in 2014 indicated that a solution made with citronella oil and water was more effective in killing these animals than industrialized acaricides. With the added benefit of being a homemade solution, cheap and without health risks.
2. Assists in the treatment of seizures
In traditional medicine in some regions of Brazil, citronella oil or tea is widely used in the treatment of epilepsy, a disease that causes seizures.
A study published in 2008 confirmed that the use of essential oil helps reduce seizures and common symptoms in those who suffer from the problem.
3. Insect repellent
One of the best known and most used benefits is the insect repellent action present in citronella. The plant is a viable and safe option for repelling insects that are vectors of diseases, such as several species of mosquitoes.
Because of this, citronella essential oil is present in most insecticides sold on the market, but it can also be used to prepare homemade repellents.
Citronella is best suited for this purpose because it helps to control not only the infestation of insects, but other pests that can compromise crop production and it poses no risk to other animals and humans.
4. Treat inflammation naturally
Citronella has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to reduce inflammation in necrosis and ulcers. This is because the essential oil present in the plant helps to reduce the action of substances that cause inflammation and also free radicals.
5. Fighting pains
Citronella is an antinociceptive. This means it helps to increase pain tolerance and can also be used as a natural pain reliever.
Thus, citronella tea or essential oil can be used as a substitute for medications used to relieve pain , as it does not have negative side effects.
6. Eliminates fungi
Citronella is also used in several sectors because of its antifungal action. In other words, the extract from the leaves of the plant helps to inhibit the proliferation of various types of fungi that affect crops or foods that are stored for a long time.
7. Helps burn body fat
Finally, citronella can be of great help for those who want to lose weight . A study published in 2015 in the scientific journal Nutrients, indicated that inhaling the steam of the plant’s essential oil stimulates the body to burn fat, in addition to reducing appetite.
These benefits were proven after studies carried out with rats in the laboratory. The group that received the citronella vapor treatment also had a small reduction in bad cholesterol. However, any treatment performed with the aid of herbs or medications should only be an ally of healthy eating and exercise.
How to make citronella oil
Citronella oil is the part that concentrates all the benefits of the herb, being it very rich in phytochemicals such as citronellal, linalool and eugenol, among several others that are found in smaller amounts.
Oil is not so simple to extract at home, as the best method is by steam. The process gives rise to a pure oil rich in substances beneficial to health. It cannot be prepared at home, as it needs specific equipment to collect the oil that comes out of the cooking steam.
How to make homemade citronella candle?
The citronella candle is widely used to ward off insects, as the heat facilitates the release of the essential oil. However, it may not always be possible to find it easily. Therefore, a good option is to produce them at home and spending little. Check below the list of ingredients and how to prepare.
Ingredients
- Solid paraffin
- citronella essential oil
- Wick
- Candle shapes or moulds
- Pot and water for bain-marie
- Clothespin
Preparation mode
First, it is necessary to melt the paraffin in a bain-marie, until it forms a smooth and transparent liquid. As the pieces of material melt, it is important to stir constantly to prevent the paraffin from burning.
When everything is melted, add the essential oil and mix some more. The ideal measure is that the oil corresponds to one tenth of the amount of paraffin used to manufacture the candles.
Soon after, place the liquid in the moulds chosen for the candles, place the wick and secure it well with a clothespin. Candles must be left to dry for at least a full day before being removed from the tins.
If you want to make coloured candles you can add dye or crayon while melting the paraffin.
Care and contraindications
In small amounts citronella oil has no side effects, unless there is sensitivity or allergy to any of the phytochemical components present in it. Therefore, it is important to always pay attention to any possible reaction with the use or consumption, not only of citronella, but of all essential oils.
In large amounts citronella has toxic effects on the kidneys. Therefore, consumption must be done with care and always respecting the 30-day break time after each month of use.
If you have issue with candles tunnelling candles have a look at our blog article here.