Use Lemongrass Oil to Repel Bugs
A Natural Repellent
Lemongrass oil is a natural repellent that can be safely used to keep away mosquitoes. The many commercial repellents sold on the market today, contain chemicals that are dangerous - and when combined with other compounds, including whatever medicines you are taking, can cause neurotoxin reactions.
When used as an insect repellent, lemongrass oil has the added benefit of having a pleasant aroma.
Below is a Question and Answer list about lemongrass (sometimes spelled lemon grass):
Does the oil have other names?
Lemongrass oil is also known as Indian oil of verbena. The lemongrass plant itself (cymbopogon) is also known as silky heads, citronella grass, fever grass and more.
Wait, isn't lemongrass used for cooking?
Yes it is. As a tall perennial grass, lemongrass, native to the Philippines, has been widely used in Asian cuisines. Lemongrass has a citrus flavor, and in addition to being used fresh, it is also available dried and in powdered form. It is most often used as a tea, in soup and in curries.
How is it used as a repellent?
There are several ways to use lemongrass oil as a repellent.
- dilute in distilled water or rubbing alcohol. Before spraying directly on your skin, do a small patch test to check for skin irritation before spraying all over
- burn it in small lamps or candles to protect a larger outdoor area
- add a few drops to other cosmetics such as body lotions and liquid hand soap
- it can be mixed with other oils - like rosemary oil - to repel a wider range of insects.
You can accomplish two things if you decide to grow your own lemongrass
- you can use it in food preparation
- the plant will act as a natural repellent in the yard and you can chop the lower stalks of the plant and rub the juice onto your skin.
Where can I find the oil?
Order it online or find it in health-food stores
For information about other beneficial oils see the links below. Also see warning about using camphor to repel moths.
Imitation camphor warning
- Warning About Camphor Use
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