How to Make Citronella Oil from Plant

Citronella oil is an essential oil which is extracted from the leaves and stems of the citronella plant. It is used in many industries such as perfumery, pharmaceuticals, and culinary. The oil is known for its insect repellent properties as well. In this article, we will discuss how to make citronella oil from plant.

Materials Needed:

- Fresh citronella plant

- Knife or scissor

- Carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil)

- Mason jar

- Cheesecloth

- Dark glass bottle

- Funnel

Step 1: Harvesting

The first step is to harvest fresh citronella plant. To do so, use a sharp knife or scissor and cut the leaves and stems of the plant. It is better to choose the older plants as they have more oil content compared to younger plants.

Step 2: Chopping

Once the plant is harvested, chop the leaves and stems into small pieces. This will help in releasing the oil while extracting.

Step 3: Carrier Oil

Choose a carrier oil of your choice, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil. Carrier oil will help in diluting the essential oil and will also help in preserving the oil for a longer period of time.

Step 4: Infusion

Place the chopped citronella plant in a mason jar and pour the carrier oil over it. Make sure the plant material is fully submerged in the oil. Close the jar tightly and shake it well.

Step 5: Steeping

Place the jar in a warm and dark place. You can also place it in sunlight for a few hours every day, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight. Leave the jar undisturbed for about two weeks. This will allow the plant material to get infused with the carrier oil, resulting in the extraction of essential oils.

Step 6: Straining

After two weeks, strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract all the oil.

Step 7: Bottling

Store the oil in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will protect the oil from sunlight and keep it fresh for a longer period of time.

Your homemade citronella oil is ready to use! You can use it as a natural insect repellent by applying it to your skin, or you can use it in aromatherapy as a mood enhancer by diffusing it around your home.

Conclusion:

Making citronella oil from plant is a simple and easy process. With patience and the right materials, anyone can create their own essential oil at home. Using natural oils like citronella oil can help reduce the number of chemicals you use in your daily life and help protect both yourself and the environment. Try this recipe today and experience the benefits of homemade citronella oil.