Citronella grass is usually distilled by steam to create an oil that is then used in food and other products, reported WebMD. Despite both plants having spear-like leaves that can grow to 5 6 feet, the stems are different in color. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is a tall grass native to Sri Lanka and at home in sub-tropical climates.It's a very close relative of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), although the two plants are used in different ways and can't be substituted for one another.Sometimes referred to as the "mosquito plant", citronella has a long history of being used . Mature citronella grass can stretch up to six feet tall and four feet wide. Citronella grass needs ample space as it can grow up to 5 6 feet tall and 3 4 feet wide and should be planted in loamy soil in the area where it can receive bright, filtered sunlight. However what if we told you that we have the perfect solution to watching your seeds grow in conditions, Read More Germinating Seeds In Paper Towel Method (10 Tips)Continue, Sunflowers are the perfect summer flowers to have in your home and garden to brighten up your days! This essential oil of citronella grass is used for a variety of purposes. A scientifically formulated and tested blend of highly effective, all natural essential oils that have been used for hundreds of years by indigenous communities to repel mosquitos. You can apply it straight to your skin, and the tangy smell will mask all the other fragrances which are attractive for mosquitoes or any other insects. As a result, it eliminates constipation. These plants grow in clumps that can reach anywhere in height between five and six feet. A pinch of ground cinnamon or a half cinnamon stick. You might be wondering how mosquitoes could be affected by essential oils. Does citronella grass repel mosquitoes? It keeps the skin healthy and as it raises the body temperature to sweat, it prevents fever. How can you protect your little ones from getting bit? Other benefits include soothing an itchy scalp, prevent dandruff, and prevent head lice with its repellent properties. Neem nanoemulsion combined with 5% of cintronella oil and . Is citronella oil effective against mosquitoes? Plus, its natural and way cleaner than insecticides. Add the leaves, sugar, and water to a small pot. (Poor-quality oil may be contaminated with harmful ingredients.). It is a popular essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon nardus, a type of grass closely related to lemongrass. Citronella plants essential oil, extracted from the aerial parts, is called citronella oil. Citronella grasses have more extensive root systems than lemongrass plants, making citronella grass better able to absorb water and nutrients. Youll see new leaf growth begin as the plant wakes up from dormancy in the spring. Clip the leaves back until they measure just six inches long, then move the divided citronella grass into new containers full of moist potting soil. Its a good idea to start out using it in small amounts and performing a skin patch test to make sure you dont experience any citronella oil side effects like allergies, redness, swelling or hives. The oil of citronella grass is effective in deterring mosquitoes, whiteflies, and other insects. Apart from its usage in tea, lemongrass is a component of Indian, Indonesia, and Sri Lankan cuisine. Commonly, it is known by many names. Let's find out how! Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Citronella oil is extracted from various species of lemongrass (genus Cymbopogon - say that name 3 times fast!). They are not available as seeds, so if you want to grow one of these, you will need a cutting to grow from. Aegle, ageratum, citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, orange, palmarosa, patchouli and peppermint, were tested for antibacterial activity against 22 bacteria, and twelve . Soak the root ends in water and wait two to four weeks for roots to develop. Although it might sound strange, rather than using an electric shock, citronella oil can help get dogs to stop barking. Research published in theIsrael Medical Association Journalalso shows that citronella works to help prevent head lice, too. Citronella grass, however, does not repel the mosquitoes on its own. 10 However these properties studied further to get better understanding. Citronella is used as a fever reducer, insect repellent, anti-parasitic and as a soothing agent for pain, inflammation and skin healing. Nowadays, it is used widely as flavouring and aroma in dishes as well for fragrances in perfumes. Manage Settings Height: clump-forming grass to 1-2m tall and 1m wide. Growing Citronella Grass - Learn About The Citronella Grass Plant | Gardening Know-How, What is the Difference Between Lemon Grass and Citronella | Pediaa, Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment | Mosquitoes | CDC, What Are Essential Oils? Out of all of these, mosquito one is the most popular. You can also use citronella to keep your dogs off of furniture. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Its uses include helping todecrease rashes, inflammation,infections, pain and more. Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress. How does this work? However, these other plants do not have the mosquito-repelling properties of true citronella plants. Lavender4. Naturally, it grows in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, and India. . Natural ingredients-pure and natural citronella oil, no additives, unfiltered and undiluted with no fillers. Our non-toxic ingredients make. Also known as the "Citronella Mosquito Plant," citrosum is a perennial shrub that smells very similar to citronella grass. Citronella essential oil is one of the most common aromatherapy oils and is part of what gives many household sprays and candles their signature scent. You can use it to make a beneficial, sweet-tasting herbal tea. Citronella grass also has leaves tinged with red or magenta at the stems base, while this area is green like the rest of the foliage on lemongrass. Citronella Grass Live Plants in 2.5 inch pots. Citronella grass is mostly used to produce a beneficial essential oil. This grass is a widely-used herb in Asian cuisine. Citronella grass is one of the most aromatic plants. Citronella essential oil can help mask your CO2 emission, so mosquitoes are more prone to pass right by you. A 2015 report published in Rural Remote Health states, The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal.. (It also sometimes may be referred to as citrosa geranium or citrosa plant.) Leaves may also be used to make lemon grass tea. You may see some other random plants for sale at nurseries and garden centers under the name citronella plant. This is often done because the plants have a pleasing scent similar to that of the citronella. It has a sweet citrus fragrance, which will keep mosquitoes away. This citronella oil is used for manufacturing soaps, insect repellents such repellents for houseflies, mosquitoes etc. They are perfect for kids to grow and seeing them in full bloom is a great reward as they grow very tall and strong. Alright, let's talk about reality. Its available both in its fresh form and in a dried form. According to various studies investigating the effects of these compounds, citronella oil has been shown to have the following health-promoting effects: Today, there are more than 30 species of Cymbopogon (citronella plants) grown wildly throughout parts of the world and used in Southeast Asian cooking and teas. Aromatically:You can diffuse the oil in your home or backyard just like a candle using a diffuser. Both have a fresh citrusy, lemony scent, though citronella grasss smell is more potent. Let's learn about how you can repel mosquitoes naturally, starting with citronella, a form of insect repellant. Bury the stem on its side, covering least one leaf node (the spot where the leaf grows from the stem.) Citronella grass loves warm weather, and now thrives in many parts of the world in tropical areas, including America. Topically use with a carrier oil to soothe skin. Before the first frost of autumn, cut the leaves back to 3 inches above ground level. The researchers concluded that citronella oil plus vanillin demonstrated a repellency equivalent to the standard repellents, DEET and DEET plus vanillin, with at least six hours complete protection against the yellow fever mosquito. Pelargonium citrosum sounds a little bit similar to the botanical name of lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus. A great fever reducer. It's a perennial grass (similar to lemongrass) that can grow up to six feet tall and four feet wide. However, as mentioned, it is the oils inside the grass, not the plant itself that is useful for this purpose. This repellent can repel mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. It is a tall, perennial, tropical grass native to Southeast Asia and is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. These species are used for the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, as an insect repellent (especially mosquitoes and houseflies) in insect sprays and candles, and in aromatherapy. Start by testing a small area, then waiting for a while to see if there is any adverse effect. As a parent or guardian, you want the best and safest option for your children. Its not hard to find citronella essential oil in health stores or online. If necessary, add in peat moss, sand or topsoil to improve drainage. Taken from our Essential Oils Guide, here are several methods for safely using citronella oil at home: Combine citronella oil with other uplifting essential oils, including: Instead of using conventional recipes and showering your body in harmful chemicals, try this homemade bug spray recipethat includes citronella oil. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. Oftentimes, you need to use a carrier oil before applying essential oils (such as rosemary essential oil) directly to your skin. CelticFrostHerbFarm. It is nearly impossible to keep an eye on their growth progress in the soil, as well as maintain good growing conditions in a substance that easily loses moisture. Continue with Recommended Cookies. We chose to do this because its citronella grass that is so often confused for lemongrass, as the two plants are cousins and have visual similarities. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You can learn more about the differences between citronella geranium and citronella grass in our article Citronella Plant Versus Citronella Grass [https://www.gardeningchannel.com/citronella-plant-vs-citronella-grass/]. Citronella is a popular plant, which is known for its mosquito-repellent properties. Citronella can contribute to natural stress relief when you diffuse it in your home or office to counteract a rough day. Citronella grass adds flavoring for culinary purposes. Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. Citronella grass is cultivated mainly as a source of oil and a mosquito repellent. Our Grid-Relief Technology lifts the skin away from the muscles to help drain the lymphatic system created by mosquito saliva injected at the site of the bite. Its most commonly used as a natural fragrant oil, in insect repellents, as well as in beauty, household and perfume products. Simply planting any of the citronella plants in your house will surely scent it with an amazing smell, but it wont ward off mosquitoes or any other insects for that matter. How to Make Repellent Its mainly used topically so speak with your doctor before using it internally. One of the most commonly known uses and why many people look to plant citronella grass is its effectiveness in warding off mosquitos. Since they're in sticker form, all you have to do is attach them to your child's clothing for hours-long protection. Add 3 inches of compost to the top 6 inches of soil. The citronella used in repellents is actually derived from citronella grass, an entirely different . Overall, some obvious markers help you differentiate between citronella grass and lemongrass. In times when mosquitoes begin to swarm, you may want to have your kids play inside a screened-in area. Besides discouraging pesky insects that can spoil your backyard BBQ, citronella grass acts as a wonderful decorative grass. BuzzPatch mosquito repellent stickers use all-natural ingredients, so you never have to wonder if what you're putting near your child's body is safe. Oftentimes, you need to use a carrier oil before applying essential oils (such as rosemary essential oil) directly to your skin. Similarly, Citronella geranium, also known as the mosquito plant, may smell similar, but in truth, it does not have any traces of citronella oil in it. Citronella geranium doesnt normally get mixed up with lemongrass due to its appearance. Citronella Is a Perennial Grass What is citronella, exactly? Simmer 5 minutes. Traditional bug spray uses DEET and other chemicals in a smelly solution to ward off bugs. In short, do not be deterred from growing citronella grass and using the oil as a natural insect repellent! Both the essential oil and the crushed leaves are effective, though the pure oil is a little stronger. Citronella, more commonly known as mosquito plant, has two types, germanium, and grass. Did you know it is also used as a flavoring in food, beverages, and some cosmetics? Citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon winterianus) is steam distilled from citronella grass. It's easy to grow in containers, and its clean lines actually make it an aesthetic ornamental grass for Zen gardens. How can you protect your little ones from getting bit? Lemongrass is narrow, light green with green base stems, and smells like lemons, hence the name. In fact, research has shown that citronella essential oil seems to activate both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity, which is beneficial for management of anxiety. As mentioned above, it is typically not recommended for internal use due to potential side effects and also concerns over quality control. Lets get started. As a parent or guardian, you want the best and safest option for your children. Citronella oil and neem oil nanomeulsion, separate and in combination were studied by Osman Mohamed Ali et al. They actually have a thin consistency similar to water. They're also handy for helping soothe the inflammation of bites from midges, sandflies, and ticks. Then be sure to drink a cup of tea just before bedtime, it helps restore restful sleep. Essential oils are used for aromatherapy and have a variety of other health benefits. Citronella oil is used to expel worms and parasites from the intestines. Our non-toxic ingredients make BuzzPatch products the clear winner when it comes to protecting your kiddos the safe way. Moreover, the plant is well-loved for its citrusy scent too. Manufacturers of perfumes, deodorants, lotions, soaps, candles, and other skin products regularly use it for scenting their products with its clean, fresh, and soothing aroma. Start by gently digging up the citronella grass, taking care not to damage its roots. 2. This oil is rich in methyl isoeugenol, which is a powerful compound that boasts antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Apply one to your child's bite for support in itch relief. Thats your cue to plant lemongrass in rich, loamy soil with a neutral pH level (between 6.8 and 7.2). It is commonly found growing in the tropical regions of Asia. Contents1. Be careful, as many times plants sold as citronella are citronella scented geraniums, which do not work effectively as mosquito repellents. Now youre an expert in citronella grass and lemongrass, able to distinguish between the two and care for them well. Aside from keeping away bug bites, citronella can work as a natural skin care aid by killing off bacteria and fungus. Citronella grass is known for being repellent to mosquitoes, but it is the oil of the plant that does the repelling, so simply growing the grass in your garden will not discourage mosquitoes from the area. Required fields are marked *. It can help with management of inflammation and painful symptoms like joint aches. Studies are actually contradictory as to whether the oil of citronella grass is effective against mosquitoes. In fact, their care requirements are so similar that you can grow lemongrass and citronella grass together. When inhaled, it can encourage relaxation, invigoration and pleasant memories, and it may even reduce trouble sleeping and depression. Do you have a screen door? You may be wondering if all plant species produce essential oils. Before frost kills Citronella Grass in zones outside its hardiness range, you can keep it over winter if you follow these three simple steps: 1. All Rights Reserved. If you havent used citronella before, try it now. Citronella is used as a spice in Indonesia. When they're wearing our BuzzPatch stickers, the citronella and lavender essential oils can help them. Pop a stalk in a glass of water and wait for roots to develop. The main differences. It is also increasingly used as a fragrance in massage oils as well as insect repellents. Acts as a muscle relaxer. That means its a natural nontoxic mode of action against potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes. As weve learned, the botanical name for lemongrass is Cymbopogon citratus. Many people find it adds volume to hair and helps detangle knots. So, if you grow some citronella grass, they will surely work as a fleas repellent. Its deeply serrated, broad, and fuzzy leaves are its distinctive feature. According to scientific research, pure citronella essential oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities. Citronella essential oil may promote well-being and support emotional regularity in addition to its primary use: reducing the number of mosquitoes swarming around you outside. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Scientifically known as CymbopogonNardus, this plant is a prominent member of the Poaceae Grass Family from the plant kingdom. Cymbopogon winterianusmain active ingredients include: Of the two types, Java is thought to be more powerful, and therefore its usually more expensive. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. The question is, does it work? $ 16.95 - $ 32.95. Your child can select their favorite and stick it on their clothing hem for long-lasting protection. But when applied directly to the skin, it will need to be reapplied every hour to boost its effectiveness. Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, known as citronella grass, is a clump-forming perennial aromatic grass native to Asian countries like Sri Lanka, India, Burma, and Indonesia. Cleaning Remedies Citronella grass is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and grows well in containers. Use it during mediation, and you will notice an instant relief and de-stressing effect. Or are they really as effective as claimed? Combine several (two to three) drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it into swollen joints, tissue and muscles. Isn't mosquito spray the popular solution to keeping mosquitoes away? Thats why it is called the true citronella plant. Citronella grass can also repel fleas and other garden bugs. So, there is no truth to the claim. Lemongrass is consumed both in its fresh and dry form. (You might sometimes see it referred to as Cymbopogon winterianum.) It can help with management of inflammation and painful symptoms like joint aches. Once identified, both these extremely beneficial plants can be used accordingly. If you are tired of the reeking chemical aroma of traditional cleaning products, try cleaning with citronella grass. Candida can contribute to many skin concerns, such as nail infections. This plant is a good source of citronella oil, which is an effective mosquito repellent. Drooling. Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. Next time your kids are rollerblading outdoors, their day of fun doesn't have to be ruined by itchy bumps. First, you can apply an ice pack on bites. However, there might be a bit of confusion because the botanical names of these two plants sound a bit similar. It is used as a perfume for religious ceremonies. What if you don't have access to a fan or a screened-in area? Essential oils are used for aromatherapy and have a variety of other health benefits. Proven to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, citronella oil can be used to help clean your kitchen, bathroom or household surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. Still, scratching these bites can increase their pain, so encourage them to abstain, if possible. Dont Let Weeds Go to Seed5. Many people tend to confuse citronella grass and lemongrass, owing to their similar appearance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. It's best to use on clean skin so use after a bath or a shower. 3. According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 3060 minutes for its bug-deterring effects to last. For centuries, citronella has been used for a variety of purposes, including: as an insect repellent as an antifungal agent to treat parasitic infections to promote wound healing to lift mood. Gardening Channel. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon Nardus) is used in the production of citronella oil, which is used as an insect repellent especially mosquitoes. While lemongrass has a strong culinary presence, citronella just doesnt belong in the kitchen. It's a perennial grass (similar to lemongrass) that can grow up to six feet tall and four feet wide. This grass does not spread via runners. Those species that can make essential oils produce them in roots, stems, flowers, leaves, or fruits. Whats more, it can also slow down skin aging. Sea, Read More 20 Short Perennials That Bloom All SummerContinue, Germinating seeds is a tricky business. Thats why citronella plants tend to live such a long time. The oils derived from these plants also have similar smells and uses, such as warding off insects, but they are definitely two completely different plants and oils. The two citronella grass varieties, Cymbopogon winterianum and Cymbopogon nardus, live five to eight years for C. winterianum and six to 10 years for C. nardus (with some reaching an astonishing 20 years). Kids are different; they will likely be unable to stop scratching itchy bites. The preferred common name of citronella is citronella grass. Citronella grass is a beautiful and fragrant plant. Cultivation of Citronella grass Citronella is very easy to grow and requires low maintenance. When planting citronella grass in colder climates, make sure to move the containers indoors before the first frost. According to a study, iy reduces dermatitis and eczema while effectively treating different fungal infections like athletes foot. Our BuzzPatch stickers work by utilizing citronella and lavender essential oils on non-woven fabric that sticks to the skin. A citronella plant, also called a mosquito plant, does resemble its relative, the lemongrass plant. The oil is also rich in potent antioxidant compounds that assist in eliminating free radicals, which are largely responsible for persistent inflammation. Inflammation is a sign of recovery and healing. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Uses The stalks (leaf bases) of the plant are commonly used to flavor dishes in Southeast Asian cooking. Insomnia Suffering from insomnia? Other names for C. nardus variety are citronella oil (India); serai wangi . When they're wearing our BuzzPatch stickers, the citronella and lavender essential oils can help them stay clear of mosquitoes for hours at a time. Citronella essential oil is not recommended for use by pregnant women due to safety concerns. It keeps fleas and ticks away. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. You can also use it on pets in diluted form. Geraniol, citronellal, and citronellol are the main components of citronella. There are several markers when differentiating citronella grass from lemongrass. Our article covers the differences between citronella grass versus lemongrass, and we wont be talking about citronella geranium except for in this brief section. The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. In summer, they have almost identical grassy flower stalks. Though both plants thrive in full sunshine (thats at least six hours of direct sunlight every day), citronella grass will also tolerate partial shade. 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