Citronella

It’s a perfect day for a camping trip! The breeze kisses your face, the bass are biting, the--

OUCH.

Until you find yourself crawling with mosquitoes. It’s downhill from there, unless you packed insect repellent. If so, you unzip your backpack and guiltily spray the toxic chemicals all over your skin.

This trip would have been much better if you’d packed Citronella essential oil instead. It’s distilled from the leaves of a grass plant native to tropical Asia, and it helps ward off uninvited summer guests who want to sip on your blood. With its fresh, grassy aroma, Citronella makes a great summer companion when you don’t want to be bothered by tiny pests. The best part? It’s completely natural.

PROFILE

Latin Binomial:  Cymbopogon nardus

Location Origin: Himalayan Plains, India

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Plant Part Used: Grass

Scent Profile: Medicinal, Herbaceous, Strong, Lemony

Viscosity: Thin