Do you panic when you see a spider? Maybe you do and maybe you don’t, but you probably are not a fan of the creepy crawlers. Not all spiders are scary, though. Some actually benefit your home by controlling indoor insects like fruit flies. When you see a black widow, you want it gone and you want it gone as soon as possible. 

When you want pests out of your home, you most likely reach for chemical insecticide sprays. Most household bug sprays contain plant-derived chemicals, known as pyrethrins. Interestingly enough, these chemicals were originally isolated from chrysanthemum flowers and are not harmful, generally. They can, however, cause life-threatening breathing problems if you inhale them. 

When it comes to stronger insecticides (think commercial farm-grade), they contain far more dangerous substances. Some of these chemicals include organophosphates, carbamates, and paradichlorobenzenes (mothballs). 

Spiders Dislike Peppermint Oil

Spiders do not like peppermint oil at all. Because they taste with their legs, peppermint oil is an effective way to keep them out of your home. Another theory is that essential oils contain monoterpenoids, which are fumigants. That may play a role in the insecticide properties. A 2010 thesis found that peppermint oil effectively repelled Argentine ants for up to one week after application. The study concluded that essential oils were viable alternatives to chemical repellents. There aren’t a lot of studies to back up this claim, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports the fact that peppermint oil can get rid of spiders. 

Dish Soap

Does dish soap make the surface slippery and spiders lose their balance on it when they crawl over it? No, this is 100% fiction and we hope you did not think that was the reason. Dish soap, when mixed with the distilled water and peppermint essential oil, disturbs the egg cycle of spiders. Additionally, spiders dislike strong scents, as is the case with peppermint essential oil. So a lemon- orange-scented dish soap will enhance the intensity of the aroma. This should keep spiders away!

Before you start spraying the DIY anti-spider spray all over your house, make sure to remove food sources. Spiders will not live in a place that has an inadequate amount of food. Wash your fruits and vegetables and clean up any crumbs or food bits on your counters. Wash out your trash bins, clean your stovetop, and run garbage disposals. Make sure you sweep under your tables or counters, where crumbs may hide. Do your due diligence to clean up and that will help keep spiders and other insects away. 

3-Ingredients Spider Spray

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

Instructions:

• Pour the water, peppermint essential oil, and dish soap into a spray bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Spray around window sills, crevices, and corners where spiders like to hide. You can spray these areas weekly to help repel spiders from your home. 
• If you don’t like the scent of peppermint essential oil, feel free to use eucalyptus, tea tree, or citronella essential oils instead. You can experiment with different mixtures to see which ones are the most effective.
• Because children and pets are sensitive to essential oils, be mindful of this and do your research about which ones to avoid and which ones to use.

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We don’t ever get tired of saying this, but a smoothie is an excellent way to start your day. It is even better when that smoothie tastes like ice cream or a milkshake! You get to enjoy it guilt-free, knowing that there are nutrient-dense ingredients making it taste that way. Such is the case for this raw vegan mint cacao smoothie. It is full of healthy ingredients, yet it tastes like a classic dessert you know and love. How cool is that? Let’s get to know the featured players that make this smoothie so special!

• Banana: Bananas help make thicken smoothies and give them a velvety and creamy consistency. They are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and more!
• Mint: You can’t have a mint cacao smoothie without some fresh mint. Mint it rich in powerful antioxidant compounds that may help improve digestion, brain function, immunity, and oral health.
• Raw Cacao: Rich in myriad antioxidants and nutrients, raw cacao powder is a powerful superfood that should be a mainstay in your diet. It works to maintain healthy circulation, improve elasticity of blood vessels, lower blood sugar, and reduce the risk of fat-induced obesity.
• Spinach: This smoothie would not be green if not for spinach, which you don’t even taste in the smoothie! It contains iron, protein, magnesium, vitamins A & C, vitamin B6, and calcium.
• Avocado: Similar to bananas, avocados help make smoothies creamy and they also offer magnesium and potassium. Additionally, avocados work to boost satiety, promote better digestive health, improve eye health, and protect the heart.

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Are you ready to embark on a flavorful adventure to the Mediterranean? This salad will make your taste buds stand up and scream, “Opa!” A Mediterranean salad, or shirazi salad, is vibrantly colored and packed with bright, citrusy, and satisfying flavors. The acidic, juicy burst from the tomato pairs with the crisp cucumber. Hold onto your fork, though, because the flavors don’t stop there.

Although red onion has an assertive flavor, it doesn’t overpower the rest of the ingredient in the salad. In fact, the brightness from the three different herbs, in addition to the fresh lemon juice, tame that signature allium flavor. What you are left with is a combination of crunchy and juice textures that makes each bite more enjoyable than the last. It’s as if the flavors dance on your palate!

To achieve the perfect Mediterranean salad, we encourage you to cut the cucumber, onion, and tomatoes in uniform size. Doing so helps every bite burst with flavor. Plus, it makes for an easy and enjoyable eating experience. Speaking of chopping, do not over chop your herbs. Give the parsley, mint, and dill a quick chop and then add them to the salad bowl. A light toss in the olive oil and lemon juice will be perfect. Allow the flavors to marinate for about 15 minutes in the fridge and then enjoy. We hope you love it!

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Here’s the scenario: you go to the store to get groceries for a recipe you want to make in a few days. You buy the necessary protein, grains, vegetables, or herbs to create your perfect dish. You bring these groceries home and store them. In a few days time, you pull out the ingredients to create your culinary masterpiece. There is just one problem: the herbs you purchased are slimy, brown, and no longer usable. 

Know What You’re Working With

There are two types of herbs: soft herbs and hardy herbs. In order to make these herbs last, you have to store them differently. Before you learn how to store herbs, you have to know how to differentiate hardy from soft herbs. Fortunately, this is very easy.

• Soft herbs have tender stems and delicate green leaves. The stems are edible and may taste slightly bitter. Some common soft herbs include cilantro, dill, mint, parsley, and basil.
• Hardy herbs have woody stems, which you should not chop up or eat. They do not have a pleasant taste and the flavor you want is from the leaves. Examples of hardy herbs are oregano, thyme, and rosemary. 

With the exception of basil (more on this later), most fresh herbs should be stored in the fridge. In order to make your hard or soft herbs last long in the fridge, though, you have to store them properly. That requires a small amount of preparation.

Why Do Herbs Go Bad?

If your herbs start to smell funny or the leaves turn dark, slimy, or moldy, you have to throw them out. There are a few reasons why they go bad, though, and we’ll detail them below:

• It’s possible that you chose herbs that were already going bad in the grocery store. Make sure to select herb bunches that do not have any wilted or discolored leaves. They should be very vibrant in color without any limp, discolored stems. Always do the sniff test to see if they have a pungent, fresh aroma. 
• Herbs can take a turn for the worse when exposed to too much oxygen or light. An environment with too much oxygen causes herbs to brown quickly, while too much light can lead to yellowing leaves. 
• If you do not pat the herbs dry before you store them, they will quickly become slimy and start to rot. If the leaves are too dry, they can turn brown and die. 
• Temperature is probably the main reason herbs go bad. If you store herbs in areas of the fridge that are too cold, such as the back of the top shelf, they can freeze and start to become mushy and brown. 

How To Store Soft Herbs In The Fridge

As a quick note, always wash your herbs before you store them. Some people have their own opinions about this because washing them adds moisture, which can cause them to decay. Bacteria can remain on the herbs if you don’t wash them. Just wash and dry your herbs before you put them in the fridge. 

• Remove any rubber bands or fastenings that secure your herbs in their bundles when you buy them. These things can damage your herbs. 
• Wash soft herbs in cool water to remove dirt and grime. You can do this in a large bowl until the water runs clear. 
• Dry the leaves well in a salad spinner or by putting them on paper towels/linens and then patting them dry.
• Trim about one inch from the bottoms of the stems. 
• Add the herbs stem side down in water, just like you would a bouquet of flowers. Fill a large glass about one-third of the way with water and place the herbs in the jar. Make sure the leaves do not touch the water.
• Cover herbs and the jars of water they are in with recycled bags, tucking the bags under the glass to create a tent. 
• Place them just like this in the fridge, changing the water every few days to extend longevity.

What About Basil?

Unlike cilantro, parsley, or mint, basil is very delicate and not meant for the fridge. Trim the basil stems at a 45-degree angle about one inch from the bottom. Fill a jar about half-way with water and put the basil bunch in the water, ensuring the leaves don’t touch the water. Cover with a plastic bag so that it loosely fits over the bundle in the jar. Store at room temperature and trim the stems/change the water every few days. 

How To Store Hardy Herbs

Just like soft herbs, you can store hardy herbs in the fridge. Begin by washing the herbs to remove any grime or bacteria before you do anything else, and then follow these next steps:

• Once you wash and pat the hardy herbs dry, trim about an inch off the stems. Wrap or roll the herbs in damp paper towels so that you cover them completely. 
• Place the wrapped herbs in plastic sandwich bags and store them in the fridge. 
• Without special care, hardy herbs tend to last longer in the fridge than soft herbs do. You can store them in a plastic container in the fridge if you don’t want to use plastic bags. 
• If you keep these herbs in the little plastic containers they are often sold in, they’ll last about one week in the fridge.

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Can you imagine a world without orange juice and lemonade? Sure, the appeal goes beyond these citrus beverages, but that is usually where your love for citrus fruits begins. After these drinks ignite your passion for citrus, you begin to experiment with other flavors and citrus fruits in various recipes. Because citrus straddles the sweet and tart line, you can use citrus fruits in both sweet and savory applications. 

As a food category, citrus is very diverse and includes varieties of oranges, limes, lemons, tangerines, grapefruit, pomelo, and yuzu, among others. Citrus fruits account for 14% of fresh fruit consumption by Americans, according to the Farm Bureau. Oranges rank just below apples, bananas, and melons as the most commonly consumed fruits in the United States. In fact, most people would find it difficult to live without citrus!

Historically, British sailors who attempted voyages without citrus usually developed scurvy, due to lack of vitamin C. Although not the only vitamin C-rich foods, citrus fruits are some of the most popular to enjoy, with one orange containing more than 50 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. This nutrient functions as an antioxidant and aids immune function, which is vital during cold and flu season. Keep your vitamin C intake up with the following citrus=themed recipes!

DIY Citrus Electrolyte Drink

Perfect for your pre-workout energizing! This DIY citrus electrolyte drink is full of flavor and helps to keep you hydrated and refreshed.

Click here to make the recipe.

Immune-Boosting Citrus Carrot Smoothie

Don’t neglect your immune system! Keep up your body’s defense against infection by regularly drinking this smoothie.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Pineapple Lime And Mint Smoothie

Get ready for a tropical twist and a zesty zing when you enjoy this refreshing pineapple smoothie with lime, mint, hemp hearts, and more.

Click here to make the recipe.

Citrus Pomegranate Salad

Get ready for some refreshing and antioxidant-rich seasonal ingredients. This citrus pomegranate salad is everything you want and more!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Cilantro Citrus Salad Dressing

Made with six simple ingredients, this cilantro citrus dressing bursts with sweet and tangy flavors that’ll take your salad to the next level.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Winter Blood Orange Salad

This blood orange salad is a beautiful blend of citrus, spinach, arugula, and avocados. The vinaigrette pulls all the flavors together.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Zucchini Noodles In A Lemon Tahini Sauce

Take your zoodle game to the next level when you toss zucchini noodles in this lemony tahini sauce that is bright, nutty, and acidic.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Zesty Raw Orange Cheesecake Bars

Get ready to enjoy the zesty, refreshing flavors of this raw vegan cheesecake. Cut them into bars for perfectly healthy bite-size desserts.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Lemon Ginger Immune-Boosting Sorbet

Obey the sorbet! Boost your immune system with a bowl of this sweet and tangy dessert. Ginger lemon sorbet is exactly what you need in life.

Click here to make the recipe.

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It’s very easy to jump off the healthy wagon during the holidays. You somehow continue to indulge, even with the small voice in the back of your head that says, “Don’t eat all of that sugar.” It’s almost too difficult to resist all of the scrumptious foods that come with the holiday season. So what do you do? You promise yourself that you will detox after the holidays, and the goal is to honor that agreement. This article aims to give you five helpful tips that promote that detoxification process. 

The reason that you want to detox immediately after the holidays is so that you don’t continue indulging until January 1st. You are less likely to start the year on a healthier path if you go completely off the rails right up to the year’s end. Detoxing in the days leading up to the new year can propel you into better health; plus, it keeps you more accountable. 

We know that the word “detox” comes with a lot of baggage, and it is intimidating to most people. You don’t have to worry about a crash diet or water fast because the body is resilient and knows how to detox itself. Think of the following tips like little helpers that encourage the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Drink Warm Water With Lemon

Any time you go overboard with food, you should drink more water than usual, especially to start your day. Go one step further and add some fresh lemon juice to a glass of warm water and continue sipping it throughout the day. Lemons have their own health benefits, but combining them with warm water can help promote healthy digestion and hydration. Hydration is paramount after your big holiday meals because water helps your liver and kidneys filter out toxins. 

Tea Time

Sipping on a little tea before and after meals can help keep your metabolism and digestive system firing on all cylinders. There are certain teas, however, that may come to your aid after a day of heavy eating. Fennel tea, for example, works to relieve digestive troubles, including bloating, flatulence, indigestion, constipation, and heartburn. Fennel also works to stimulate digestion and even has carminative effects that prevent the formation of gas by soothing the digestive tract. Peppermint tea can also help soothe your stomach and help get rid of bloating. If you are a nursing mother, steer clear of peppermint tea because it is an anti-galactagogue and will decrease milk supply. 

Yoga

If you want to help bring more balance and energy to your entire body, yoga is the quickest way to do so. According to yogis, including a quick yoga sequence into your day can help ignite your digestive fire and get rid of bloating. In fact, you can click here to learn about the best yoga poses to help get rid of bloating. You’ll be feeling like you never overindulged in no time!

Skip The Coffee

We know…you need that coffee to face the world, but you really don’t. A jolt of java may help you get out of bed, but it also builds up a sugar and carbohydrate craving for the rest of the day. So what should you sip in place of coffee to help digestion and give you a little energy? Studies show that drinking a cup of green tea can help settle your stomach after a large meal. Green tea contains a potent plant compound known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which prevents cholesterol build-up in the arteries. One study found that EGCG can speed up weight loss by 77%, in addition to helping balance blood sugar levels to keep cravings at bay. 

Eat Raw Vegetables With Every Meal

In addition to eating cooked vegetables, try to include more raw vegetables with your post-holiday meals. Raw vegetables contain lots of fiber and they help to remove toxins from your body. By encouraging the elimination of waste, you reduce your risk of bloat or the build-up of gas. Fruits are also naturally rich in fiber, so consider starting your day with a fruit and vegetable smoothie. Spinach, bananas, apples, berries, and a little dairy-free milk make an excellent, nutrient-dense smoothie that can help regulate your system and fill you up.

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Depending on where you live, snowfall is well underway. Perhaps you are living your best life in the sunshine with beautiful holiday decorations that replicate a wintery vibe. No matter where you live or how much you decorate, you can take your holidays to the next level with some diffuser blends. Diffusing essential oils that are specific to the holiday season can enhance the spirit of holiday gatherings and activities. Have the room smell like a fresh Christmas tree lot while wrapping presents, for example!

Essential oils that remind you of the holidays typically have woody, citrusy, spicy, and refreshing aromas. Using oils that give off these scents can blend synergistically to your environment, enriching your holiday experience. Additionally, you may find that they brighten your space, elevate your mood, and comfort your soul. Continue reading to learn about some amazing essential oil blends for the holidays. 

Safety First

Using essential oils for parties and entertaining is great, but there are a few safety rules to take note of prior to using them. Keep the following in mind, particularly when it comes to diffusing essential oils in public gatherings:

• Inhaling essential oils can be harmful for certain groups and animals. Some of these groups include babies (especially six months or younger), children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, pets, and people with allergies or hypertension. 
• If your guest list includes anyone from the previously mentioned groups, it’s better not to diffuse essential oils at your event. 
• If you are diffusing essential oils, make sure that they are 100% pure varieties. You don’t want to skimp on essential oils because they may contain artificial fragrances, which can harm your health. 
• If you use an electric diffuser, only run the diffuser for little increments of time. Consider diffusing an hour before people arrive and then plug it in again after a couple hours. That will keep the aroma subtle and not overpowering. 
• Don’t diffuse in the kitchen or around food, snacks, and drinks. 

Choosing The Right Essential Oils For The Holidays

Pairing essential oils to put in a diffuser is not specific to the holiday season. This is a year-round practice that you can do, but certain essential oils evoke a festive, merry atmosphere. Pine, cedarwood, spruce, fir, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg essential oils have different aromas reminiscent of different parts of the holiday season. Spruce and fir essential oils give off woody aromas, while clove and nutmeg essential oils give off aromas that smell like snickerdoodle or gingerbread cookies.

Citrus essential oils are also very popular to use during the holidays because citrus fruits are in season. Sweet orange and lemon essential oils offer a festive, bright balance to diffuser blends. You can also incorporate the cool, frosty scents of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. Last, but most certainly not least, you have the two holiday classics: frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Learn how to use all of these in the following diffuser blends. 

Candy Cane Celebration

A scrumptious blend of winter wonderland is exactly what this blend is! Think of powdery snow and the smell of the classic holiday candy. 

Ingredients:

• 2 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

Winter Spice Blend

Do the scents of these essential oils embody the holiday season? That’s up to you to decide! This blend enriches your space whether you put up decorations or not. It truly is the perfect blend for sipping cocoa with loved ones, decorating the tree with kids, or doing any holiday activity at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 drop ginger essential oil
• 1 drop silver fir essential oil
• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 1 drop cassia essential oil

Cleansing Holiday Blend

Highlighted by the sweetness of patchouli essential oil, this blend exhibits floral and woody notes. It has a light, pleasant, and cleansing aroma that refreshes your space during the holidays. 

Ingredients:

• 4 drops patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil

Wiseman’s Blend

Get into the classic Christmas spirit with this warming blending of frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Consider adding two drops of sweet orange essential oil to this blend in order to add a bright citrusy note. 

Ingredients:

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops myrrh essential oil

Spiced Cider Blend

A warm, apple-infused drink with the perfect amount of sugar and spice is perfect for the holiday season. If you love the aroma of spiced cider but don’t enjoy the flavor, this is the blend for you. It has the quintessential cider notes because it calls for ginger, sweet orange, and cinnamon essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil

Gingerbread House Blend

Would the holidays be complete without a trademark gingerbread house? Instead of making a mess with gingerbread, icing, and candy, diffuse this blend of earthy aromas to indulge your senses.

Ingredients:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 drop cardamom essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

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We want to introduce you to the Tropical Tango Smoothie, or the pineapple lime and mint smoothie. Doesn’t matter what you call it because it always goes down smoothly. Drink it in, people, because this smoothie is a revelation! It is a delightful concoction that combines the zesty zing of pineapple, the tang of lime, and the refreshing kick of mint. Did someone say fruity fiesta in a glass?

When you take your first sip of this vibrant elixir, your taste buds will embark on a flavorful adventure. The tanginess of pineapple is at the forefront, unleashing a wave of tropical sweetness that makes you feel as if you are lounging on a beach. As you begin to settle into this tropical paradise, the lime’s zesty essence dances on your palate, awakening your senses with a citrusy explosion. The tanginess pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple.

The true star of this smoothie, though, is the mint. It sweeps across the tongue like a cool breeze that rejuvenates your senses. It’s almost as if you can taste the crisp, luscious coolness of mint in every sip. The mint adds a delightful twist that elevates your smoothie from a D to an A+++. As a bonus, this smoothie is rich in digestive enzymes, powerful vitamin C, B-vitamins, and loads of antioxidants that work to fight off free radicals.

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Do you find yourself breathing out of one open nostril when you lay your head to rest at night? If you could only get that one nostril clear, right? You wouldn’t hear that nostril whistle when you inhale or exhale! Although seasonal allergies affect a lot of people, there are many natural ways to assist with better, easier breathing. One of the easiest ways to do that is by inhaling the essential oil aromas from this DIY sinus relief candle. 

Candles make great holiday gifts, just in case anyone is trying to keep their budget down for holiday gift giving. Not everyone enjoys an aromatherapy diffuser, but they may enjoy candles year round. It comes down to personal preference, of course. What doesn’t come down to personal preference are the essential oils in this DIY candle. They work to relieve congestion and help promote easier breathing. Read on to learn more about the three powerful essential oils in this sinus relief candle. 

Tea Tree Oil

The smell of tea tree oil is intoxicating and it exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. According to experts, tea tree oil fights two potential causes of sinus congestion: bacteria and viruses. A 2015 review found that tea tree oil contains alpha-sabine, a compound that provides antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Tea tree oil may also work to reduce sinus swelling by lowering inflammation. Relieving sinus swelling often helps to get rid of stuffy or runny nose. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

A lot of people find that inhaling peppermint essential oil’s aroma feels great when they have clogged sinuses. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is a compound that affects mucus receptors in the nostrils. Menthol offers a cooling effect, which may potentially open the airways and relieve congestion. Animal studies found that peppermint oil may reduce inflammation and lab studies indicated that peppermint oil may fight bacteria. It’s important to note that these results were not confirmed in human studies, as human studies are still necessary. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Many over-the-counter decongestant products, including chest rubs, contain eucalyptus essential oil. A lot of people believe that this essential oil can relieve cold and cough symptoms, including sinus congestion or general stuffiness. Eucalyptus essential oil contains cineole, a compound that may be effective in treatment for sinus issues, but more studies are necessary. Cineole may relieve headaches, runny nose, and nasal obstruction, all of which are symptoms of sinusitis. 

DIY Sinus Relief Candle

Ingredients:

• Candle wick
• Candle wick glue dots
• 1.5 cups natural soy wax flakes
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Apply a glue dot to the metal tab on the end of the candle wick. Place that tab at the bottom center of a glass jar (an eight-ounce jar is great for candle making). Set this jar aside.
• Place the wax flakes and coconut oil in a glass, microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and microwave in 30-second increments until the wax and oil are fully melted. Add the essential oils to the melted wax and coconut oil and stir to combine. 
• Before you pour the melted mixture into the jar, consider tying the whisk to a stick and laying the stick across the lid. Center the wick to make it nice and beautiful.
• Carefully pour the mixture into the jar and allow it to harden at room temperature. Once the wax is set, trim the wick so that at least a half-inch sticks out above the top of the candle. All you have to do next is light the wick and enjoy decongestion.

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If you are familiar with mosquitos, then you probably know about citronella. The plant exhibits an aroma that mosquitos do not like, but the plant is so much more than a natural insect repellent. More importantly, the oil that is extracted from the plant has been used for centuries in China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. It was primarily used to help reduce the severity of rashes, inflammation, infections, general pain, and more. 

What Is Citronella Oil?

According to research studies, pure citronella essential oil exhibits amazing antibacterial and antifungal properties. The various compounds in this oil may also exhibit the following health benefits: 

• Fights bacteria and fungi
• Helps fight free radical damage
• Naturally repels insects
• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces inflammation

Currently, there are more than 30 species of citronella plants grown widely throughout certain parts of the world. Although there are that many varieties of the plant, there are only two types of citronella used to achieve pure citronella oil. There is the Java type and the Ceylon type, both of which come from parts of Asia, especially in Sri Lanka. Of the two plant types, Java seems to be more powerful, which is why it is usually more expensive. 

Citronella exhibits a similar scent to citrus fruits, wood, and cinnamon. Researchers believe that geraniol, a major constituent of citronella oil, is the active ingredient behind the oil’s health benefits. It may exhibit anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and wound-healing effects. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of citronella oil. 

May Help Manage Inflammation And Pain

One review published in the year 2000 examined 34 different citrus essential oils and their compounds for free radical activity. The researchers noted many citrus volatile components, including the main type, geraniol, found in citronella oil. Geraniol exhibited high antioxidant capabilities, which work to fight free radicals that can cause cell damage. The antioxidant and natural pain-relieving properties may help manage inflammation or painful symptoms like achy joints. 

Acts As A Natural Perfume

The fresh, clean aroma of citronella oil is very similar to lemon or lemongrass, making citronella oil great for soaps, candles, perfumes, and more. A lot of people like to naturally deodorize the home with citronella oil for that reason. You can use a little bit in your dishwasher, refrigerator, laundry machine, and more, placing a few drops in each appliance when you run it. 

Exhibits Natural Antifungal And Antibacterial Properties

Citronella oil may be an effective skin care aid, due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties. Because it acts as both an antifungal and antibacterial agent, citronella oil may benefit common skin complaints, such as acne or athlete’s foot. Other studies found that citronella oil may help get rid of nail fungus and candida. To make a topical citronella spray, always dilute a one to one ratio with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. 

May Help Destroy Parasites

In vitro research found that geraniol exhibits strong anthelmintic activity, meaning it helps expel worms and parasites. It does this by either stunning or killing them without damaging the host. That is why citronella essential oil is common in parasite cleanses. It may even help prevent external and internal infections from these worms or parasites. 

An All-Natural Insect Repellent

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), citronella is a biopesticide. That means that it is a natural, non-toxic ingredient against potentially harmful insects, such as mosquitos. Since 1948, citronella has been registered as a gentle bug spray repellent in the U.S. Studies found that citronella could repel Aedes aegypti mosquitos, which are capable of spreading Zika and dengue fever. Additional research notes that citronella may be effective against head lice, flies, and ticks. Using citronella oil seems to be more effective at repelling insects than lighting citronella candles or incense sticks. 

May Help Control Pets

This seems like a strange ability, but research shows that citronella oil may get dogs to stop barking. Dog owners may know that certain anti-bark collars contain citronella for that reason. Collars that contain citronella seem to be as effective as electronic collars, and may be viewed in a more positive light. You can also add several drops of citronella oil to a spray bottle full of water and spray it throughout your home. This will deter dogs from climbing or peeing on furniture. It also helps to control pests, bacteria, and odors.

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