Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) has a long history of traditional use for repelling insects and, secondarily, for soothing insect bites and stings. Historically, citronella oil has been applied topically in various cultures, particularly in Southeast Asia, as a folk remedy to alleviate irritation and inflammation from insect bites. The rationale behind its use is twofold: first, its strong scent repels insects, and second, its application is believed to provide a mild soothing effect on the skin.

However, scientific validation for citronella as a treatment for bites and stings is limited. Most research focuses on its efficacy as an insect repellent rather than as a remedy for already existing bites or stings. There are some minor studies and anecdotal reports suggesting that citronella oil may have mild anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but these effects have not been robustly demonstrated or widely studied in clinical settings. The rating of 2 reflects that, while there is traditional use and some plausibility based on the oil’s properties, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for treating bites and stings is weak. As such, citronella’s use for this purpose is grounded more in tradition than in validated medical research.

More about Citronella
More about Bites and Stings

Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings

aloe vera
basil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic acids
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fomes fomentarius
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Fir
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Mustard
Spikenard
Vervain

Other health conditions supported by Citronella

Bites and Stings
Fungal Infections
Insect Repellant
Itching
Scabies
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)

Products containing Citronella

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.