Cymbopogon nardus—steam distilled from a resilient grass. Has a rounded lemony-green, slightly sweet and grassy scent, though it is much softer than actual Lemon. Has subtle wood tones. One of the world's dominant insect repellents before the introduction of DDT. Many commercial repellents contain Citronella Ceylon, and it is often used in combination with Cedarwood to produce a pleasant smelling natural insect repellent. Citronella Java is Cymbopogon winterianus and has significant levels of citronellel. It may offer a broader range of effects and is generally a better insect repellant. The Ceylon variety is more commonly used in perfumery.
CAUTIONS: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization. Always dilute. More suitable for diffusing and inhalation. Do NOT add undiluted to bath water.
CHARACTER: "The Lucky Charm" Cleansing, bright, fresh, nourishing, laughter, having fun, alert vitality, “Wind with Purpose.”
ETHERIC COLORS: GEM: Carnelian, Citrine, Crazy Lace Agate, Yellow/Tan Jaspers, Apatite, Chrysoprase, Clear Quartz, Selenite, Fluorite
CHAKRA: Throat, Solar with subtle Root
MUSICAL NOTE: Treble D, E or A; Flute, Piccolo, Light Brass
PERFUME NOTE: Top
Blending Factor: 1
ELEMENT: Air with light Fire
ASTRO: Venus, Gemini, Mercury
ENERGY TYPE: 1
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Monoterpenols
USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: joy, light-hearted, well-being, just happy to be alive, alert thinking, vitality
USED TO HEAL THESE NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES: Fatigue, Depression, Gloomy, repellent to psychic attacks of unpleasant people, anxiety
USED TO HEAL THESE PHYSICAL STATES: Excessive perspiration, oily skin & hair, arthritis pain, colds, flu, headache, healing of wounds, urinary tract infection, muscle cramps, bronchitis, circulation issues
PROPERTIES: antiseptic, deodorant, insecticide, parasitic, kills dust mites, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,stimulant, anti-tumoral
PERSONALITY:
+Warm, friendly, always ready to comfort and solace under their wing.
+They help one to feel "lucky", although it is more with having more access to basic common sense.
+They are a paragon of common sense, but with a witty charm. Is practical rather than sentimental. Doesn’t tolerate nonsense.
+They seem to attract helpful spirits and banish negative ones.
+Seem to vibrate on a higher plane and can bring you there.
- +Alert and perceptive, acts quickly
- + Keeps environments orderly.
-If negative, can seem to take life too seriously
ARCHETYPES: CAREGIVER, MAGICIAN, STORYTELLER, DREAMER, WATCHMAN, FIELD GUARDIAN
Blends well with most oils, but specifically well with Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lemon, Orange, Lavender and Pine.
Contains: mostly geraniol, geraniol acetate, citronellal, esters, aldehydes, trans caryophyllene
(Updated Feb. 23, 2026)
