Citronella is widely recognized for its distinct lemony aroma, often associated with outdoor candles and insect repellents. This article explores the nature of citronella, its safety for consumption, its various applications, and how to differentiate it from other fragrant plants.
Understanding Citronella
Citronella refers primarily to two grass species: Cymbopogon nardus (Ceylon citronella) and Cymbopogon winterianus (Java citronella). These perennial aromatic plants, originating from tropical regions of Asia, grow as tall, clumping grasses with long, slender, bright green leaves. Their characteristic lemony scent is released when the leaves are bruised or crushed.
The term “citronella” can refer to both the plant and its essential oil, extracted through steam distillation. The concentrated essential oil contains volatile compounds like citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, contributing to its strong fragrance. While the plant and its oil share a name and scent, their applications and safety profiles, particularly concerning ingestion, differ significantly.
Is Citronella Edible
The citronella plant (Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus) is not recommended for culinary use. Direct consumption of the plant material is not advisable, partly due to its unpalatable nature. In contrast, concentrated citronella essential oil is toxic if ingested.
Ingesting concentrated citronella oil can lead to adverse effects in humans, such as coughing, throat irritation, and gastrointestinal upset. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes citronella oil as “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” for flavoring in very small, diluted amounts. However, this does not apply to direct consumption of the plant or concentrated oil, and poisoning, including fatalities, has been reported in children ingesting insect repellents containing citronella oil.
Citronella is also toxic to pets if ingested. Dogs may experience vomiting, excessive drooling, increased respiratory rates, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. Inhalation of the oil’s fumes can irritate airways, and skin contact can cause irritation or rash. Products formulated for pets with citronella should only be used according to veterinary guidance and label instructions.
Common Uses for Citronella
Citronella is widely known for its ability to deter insects, making it a popular choice in repellent products. The essential oil works by masking scents that attract pests, such as carbon dioxide and human sweat, making it difficult for them to locate targets. It is effective against mosquitoes, flies, and ants, disrupting their sensory systems.
Beyond insect repellency, citronella oil is valued for its aromatic properties. It is frequently used as a fragrance component in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. In aromatherapy, the oil is employed for its calming and mood-enhancing qualities. While the plant can be grown for its aesthetic appeal and scent, its primary utility lies in the extracted essential oil for non-consumptive applications.
Distinguishing Citronella From Similar Plants
Citronella grass is often confused with other lemon-scented plants, some of which are edible. Correct identification is important to avoid accidental ingestion. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a close botanical relative, is commonly used in Asian cuisine and has a milder, sweeter citrus scent than citronella’s sharper aroma. Citronella grass typically has reddish base stems and wider leaves, while lemongrass leaves are entirely green at the base and narrower.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, also possesses a lemon-like fragrance and is frequently used in teas and as a flavoring. Unlike clumping citronella grass, lemon balm is an herbaceous perennial with distinct leaf shapes and a tendency to spread by seed. Though some lemon balm varieties may have a “citronella” scent, they are botanically distinct from Cymbopogon species.
Another plant often misidentified as “citronella plant” or “mosquito plant” is a scented geranium (Pelargonium citronellum). This plant, from the Geraniaceae family, has lacy, ruffled green leaves and pink or lavender flowers. While it releases a citrusy scent when its leaves are crushed, its effectiveness as an insect repellent is limited compared to true citronella grass, and it is toxic to pets.