(Cymbopogon winterianus) Java Traditionally used to support healthy breathing and intestinal function, minor muscle and nerve pain, soothe minor troublesome skin issues and deter insects.
Research A study done in Japan found that a combination of intramuscular citral and oral citronellal used to treat 121 cases of advanced cancer completely cured six (5%) people, having been followed up for 10-15 years. Osato S (1965) Chemotherapy of human carcinoma with citronellal and citral and their action on carcinoma tissue in its histological aspects up to healing. Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 86:102-147 Geraniol had in vitro and in vivo antitumoral effects on leukemia and cancers of the breast, colon and skin (melanoma). In vitro effects in pancreatic cancer have been reported, as have in vivo effects in liver cancer. Its antitumoral action in skin cancer may be related to the fact that it is a TRPM8 agonist - similar to menthol, but less potent. TRPM8 agonists feel cold to the skin. Monoterpene (−)-citronellal affects hepatocarcinoma cell signaling via an olfactory receptor by ScienceDirect Citronella oil (Cymbopogon winteratus) for the Prevention of Mosquito-borne Diseases "The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal." Effectiveness of Adding Vanillin to Citronella in Preventing Mosquito Bites "Citronella products are less effective than DEET products in terms of duration of protection. Adding vanillin to citronella oil products could prolong the protection time."
Internal: Citronella is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much.Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for more information about internal usage. Contradicted orally with Antidepressants (CYP2B6 substrates) Click here for information about internal usage.
Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat—like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Flushing with water will only send the essential oil back to the eye's membranes. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. We’ve not known this to cause permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.
