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The Citronella Shield

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A crisp, lemony floral note hits your nose, and you melt. The exact same aroma hits a mosquito, compelling it to turn around and buzz off. This, my friends, is a win-win situation for the owner of the essential oil; and it’s precisely the case with sweet, rosy dōTERRA® Citronella! This oil should be the definitive first ingredient in any blend, pre-made or homemade, that is prepared especially for the purpose of outdoor protection. 

Citronella comes to us from the thin, bright green blades of a tall grass native to Asia. Sourced from Indonesia, dōTERRA Citronella is well known for its refreshing aroma and the pest protection it brings. If you’re wondering just how to harness its power, prepare to be amazed at both how easy and pleasant it is; no chemical-laden bug spray smell here! You can choose to diffuse Citronella, apply it topically to the skin with Fractionated Coconut Oil, or even spritz it directly onto the skin using a few drops of Citronella mixed with water. When applying topically, be sure to include the ankles, wrists, and neck in your coverage. Here’s one idea for diffusing: mist the following blend outside, enjoying the mingled beauty of three oils together as you benefit from the shielding effect of the Citronella.

Back Porch

  • 2 drops Citronella
  • 2 drops Grapefruit
  • 2 drops Peppermint

Because Citronella helps keep unwelcome guests off skin and clothing, it’s an essential companion for any camping trip or hike in the woods. Interestingly, the protective effect works by masking the human fragrances that insects find so appealing. We have to agree with those critters: Citronella’s aroma is indeed pleasing, and is well able to cover up other distracting scents! Use it to clean surfaces in and around your home, making sure to breathe deeply while you’re at it because of the oil’s cheerily uplifting aroma.

Ever tried candle making? These days, it’s as easy as ever with a ready made kit from a craft store. Not having to personally procure and handle animal fat or beeswax for this project is just another perk of living in modern times. So next time you’re inspired to create a useful gift or household item, invite Citronella to help you create a homemade candle! By mixing a few drops into the melted wax, you’ll create an aromatic candle equipped to help you comfortably hang out near the barbecue, deck, or campsite where you made decidedly bug-free plans.

While it wouldn’t usually be appropriate to label a dōTERRA aroma as repelling, Citronella can indeed be described as such — in the best way possible — while also attracting us in all the right ways. When presented with the opportunity to snag or create an outdoor protection blend wielding the mighty shield of Citronella, do it! As one of the most practical, protective oils out there, Citronella serves to get you out into nature where you can enjoy the majestic gifts it offers.