Citronella and Lemongrass are cousins. They almost look the same, they grow the same way, and as essential oils, they are processed the same manner. Citronella has pseudostems that are colored reddish. Lemongrass, on the other hand, is green.

Extraction of oil through steam distillation Java citronella is cultivated in the fields for experimental extraction of essential oil through steam distillation at BIT Mesra. The leaves are cut and dried for 2–3 days till brittle. Approximately 1,000 kg of leaves (biomass) are steam distilled to yield citronella oil.

How to Harvest Citronella Oil. To make your own natural mosquito repellant, combine 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of citronella grass stems and leaves in a slow cooker and cook them for four to eight hours. Then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean, dark jar or glass.

Lemongrass Share on Pinterest Lemongrass essential oil is a good option for a natural mosquito repellent. Other research found that topical application of lemongrass essential oil provided 74–95% protection for 2.5 hours against two types of mosquito during a field study.

Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos. However, Lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is superior.

Using Lemon Grass The plant gives off a slight lemony fragrance, but that alone will not be enough to keep pesky mosquitoes from entering your home uninvited. The best and most effective way to repel mosquitoes using the plant is to crush the leaves, thus releasing the oil, and rub them directly onto your skin.

Though citronella grass may sometimes be called lemongrass, they are two different plants. However, citronella grass has reddish colored pseudostems, while lemongrass is all green. The oils can be used similarly, though they are not exactly the same.

Lemongrass This wonderful and bushy grass not only looks great on a patio or in the ground in your yard, but it also makes an excellent natural deterrent of mosquitoes. Citronella, the oil and main ingredient found in natural candles that repel mosquitoes, is found inside lemongrass.

List of pest-repelling plants

Toxicity. “Citronella,” a misnomer, is the name given for a class of lemony-scented grasses. No evidence has been found for human toxicity. The base chemical of the plant, citral, is categorically rated low, slightly toxic, not acutely toxic or not rated.

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It’s LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

It’s UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. Citronella oil seems to be safe for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. However, it might cause skin allergies in some people.

What are the benefits of citronella oil?

• as an insect repellent.
• as an antifungal agent.
• to treat parasitic infections.
• to promote wound healing.
• to lift mood or fight fatigue.
• in perfumes or as a flavor additive in food.

Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.

“Citronella oil is repellent to mosquitoes to a degree, but the amount being put out by a candle isn’t going to be very effective,” Eric Hoffer, president of Hoffer Pest, told TODAY Home. “In most cases, a citronella candle is only going to contain a 5% concentration of citronella or less.”

½ cup of each alongside twenty drops of citronella essential oil in a spray bottle is a great summertime solution. You can even add in other essential oils for a more effective spray, including tea tree oil, lemongrass, eucalyptus oil, or peppermint oil. Rub the spray into the skin for more effective coverage.

The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus (Narrow Leaf), Geranium, Ginger, Helichrysum, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Litsea Cubeba, Mimosa, Myrtle, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Spruce, Tangerine.