A Brief History Of Citronella and How it Became Summer’s Iconic Scent

Citronella is THE iconic summer scent—but, why? Outside of the fact that almost all of us have huddled around a citronella candle to avoid mosquitoes at some point in our lives, there just has to be another reason it has become the end-all, be-all summer candle fragrance for so many of us. Actually, when we did a little more research, there wasn’t just one other reason; there were tons! Enjoy this brief history of citronella and how its uses have expanded through the years from purely medicinal to include cosmetic and aromatic uses, all of which have directly impacted our collective love for this iconic summer fragrance. 

Citronella's Roots 

In 1858, the word “citronella” was first used in reference to a type of Asiatic grass and particularly to the fragrant oil it produced. As the modern lexicon has evolved, we have altered the meaning of the word slightly, broadening it to include substances found in lemon, but the citronella oil has remained important to us through the centuries and has grown as we’ve discovered new uses for the aromatic oil. Citronella has been used as a natural medicinal remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries but has only been registered for recognized use in the United States since 1948 as a plant-based insect repellent. Somewhere in between its initial use and its beloved place in our summer memories, citronella began the rise to stardom, and it has done so in three main categories: medicinal, topical/cosmetic, and aromatherapy. 

Medicinal 

Citronella's antiseptic and antifungal properties assist it in actually healing wounds more quickly by eliminating and preventing fungus growth. It can also relax muscles and thereby relieve abdominal pain, coughing, and menstrual cramps. In its medical application, citronella even has diaphoretic and diuretic properties, which promote the lymphatic system and the body’s detoxification processes. 

Cosmetic/Topical 

The same antifungal properties that can help heal wounds more quickly also deodorize foul body odors. This makes citronella the ideal essential oil to add to deodorants, bath blends of all kinds, and natural perfumes or body sprays. Citronella oil can refresh any complexion; it’s even been shown in studies to reduce skin conditions like acne, eczema, and dermatitis. Oily skin and hair can both benefit from the sebum-producing qualities of citronella and its natural ability to cleanse the scalp and hair of build up. 

Aromatherapeutic 

Ahhhh - the claim to citronella’s fame—its unique aroma. Yes, as we’re sure you were expecting, citronella essential oil has been shown to repel flying insects. But, did you also know that it neutralizes the growth and spread of harmful airborne bacteria? In its aromatherapy uses, citronella oil can also ease a heavy heart, alleviating the emotional symptoms of sadness and stress by relaxing the mind and body. If fatigue is an issue of yours, a citronella candle can help wake you up! Do you suffer from migraines, nausea, or even an irregular heartbeat? There’s evidence to show that the sunshiney fragrance of citronella oil can alleviate or normalize all these symptoms! Whew, that’s a lot of benefits. 

Essentially - it’s clear that citronella sure is one essential essential oil! (We’re sure you see what we did there.) And, as we’ve come to find out, there are lots of good reasons that citronella has become the undisputed champion of summer candle scents. Whether you’re looking to promote a sense of lightheartedness through citronella‘s aromatherapy applications or are just looking to keep the mosquitoes at bay, you can’t go wrong with this classic summer scent.