Lemongrass. One of the most used remedies to keep mosquitoes away. Let's find out all the properties of this plant and how to best use it
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousCitronella, one of the most used remedies for keep mosquitoes away. Let's find out all the properties of this plant and how to best use it to avoid the bites of these insects.
Citronella (in English Lemongrass) is a perennial and evergreen herbaceous plant native to the tropical regions of South Asia. It is characterized in particular by its smell that is somewhat reminiscent of that of lemon and for this reason it is also used in the kitchen, especially in typical oriental recipes.
In our latitudes it is particularly appreciated for its anti-mosquito properties but the potential of lemongrass does not stop there.
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Properties of lemongrass
La citronella is a plant with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal power but which also helps digestion and eliminates the feeling of abdominal bloating if present. It also improves diuresis and therefore somehow promotes the elimination of liquids excess and weight loss.
Also active on the nervous system, lemongrass is capable of promote relaxation and optimism, so spreading the essential oil can be useful if you want to act not only to keep mosquitoes away but also to improve the mood and the degree of concentration.
This plant is equipped with antispasmodic dots and can therefore relax organs and tissues while also calming pain. Given its antiseptic power, it is also a plant with a deodorant action.
We all obviously know it for its power repellent against mosquitoes, undoubtedly the main use of this natural remedy.
Summarizing the properties, lemongrass is:
- Antiviral
- antibacterial
- Antifungina
- Antiseptic
- Helps digestion
- Eliminate abdominal swelling
- Improve diuresis
- Promotes relaxation and optimism
- Improve concentration
- Deodorant action
- Mosquito repellent
Benefits of lemongrass
I benefits of lemongrass they can be highlighted in many aspects of our health: it can be used against abdominal cramps and menstrual pain, muscle or joint, as a support against viruses and bacteria, to purify oily hair or skin in case of acne but also as a real deodorant to defeat bad odors due to bacterial proliferation.
As for the mood, however, lemongrass can help to regain feelings of greater well-being even in the case of depression, insomnia or poor concentration.
In summary, the benefits of lemongrass can be tested on:
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscular pains
- Articolar pains
- Menstrual cramps
- Flu and cold
- Digestive problems
- Intestinal gas
- Water retention
- Intense sweating
- Fat hair
- Acne
In all these cases it is recommended an external use of lemongrass essential oil diluted in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. Even in case of digestive problems or intestinal gas it is good to avoid internal use but simply limit yourself to massage a drop or two of diluted lemongrass essential oil on the abdomen to promote the work of the stomach and intestines or on the inflamed painful areas.
Find out more about lemongrass by reading also:
- CITRONELLA: HOW TO GROW THE ANTI-MOSQUITO PLANT
- CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL (LEMONGRASS): 10 FANTASTIC USES FOR HOME AND HEALTH
Lemongrass, how to use it against mosquitoes
Lemongrass can be used in several ways against mosquitoes. It exists in various formulations and each lends itself to a different use.
Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil can spread in the house to keep mosquitoes away or spread for example on window sills placing a few drops on cotton balls.
Lemongrass spray
There are many available on the market citronella-based mosquito repellent sprays and other plants with an unpleasant odor to these insects. There are formulations designed for children as well. Here instead you find the recipe for a DIY spray based on lemongrass and other essential oils.
Band-aids and bracelets
Designed especially for children, they exist lemongrass patches and bracelets which help keep mosquitoes away by simply applying them to clothing, shoes, skin or wearing them.
Lemongrass incense
There is also lemongrass incense to be turned on at home whenever you want to activate the mosquito protection.
Lemongrass candles
Lemongrass candles are for use especially in open spaces: terraces, balconies and gardens. They can also be placed on windowsills (where there are no curtains of course) to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
Lemongrass plant
You can then grow the lemongrass plant to have a shield against mosquitoes in the garden or on the balcony. It is a plant that during the summer it does not require great care, however, read the tips to take care of it better in this article.
To find other effective remedies for mosquitoes read also:
- HOW TO PROTECT FROM MOSQUITOES: ALL REALLY EFFECTIVE REMEDIES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
- MOSQUITOES: HOW TO MAKE A TRAP FROM A PLASTIC BOTTLE
- MOSQUITOES: HOW TO REMOVE THEM WITH 3 NATURAL INGREDIENTS AND… A JAR
Lemongrass in the kitchen
It is in particular oriental cuisine that uses lemongrass as an ingredient in the preparation of various recipes. The flavor, reminiscent of that of lemon, goes well with garlic, ginger and chilli. It is often added to flavor vegetables and salads but also in curry-based preparations and where coconut milk is used. If you want to experiment with the use of lemongrass in cooking you will have to go to look for it in ethnic markets, in fact, it is almost impossible to find it in supermarkets or traditional fruit and vegetable shops.
Lemongrass, contraindications
Like all natural remedies, even lemongrass can have contraindications, particularly in those who have it hypersensitivity to this plant. They can therefore arise redness, skin rashes and dermatitis following the use of essential oil, sprays or other citronella-based products.
It is not recommended the use of lemongrass essential oil in pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children under 3 years of age.
