Citronella From Mosquitoes: How To Use The Herb Essential Oil? Citronella Mosquito Properties

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

Camping in the summer is great. One thing is upsetting - blood-sucking insects annoy. All means are good in the fight against them. The easiest and most affordable way to fight is to use industrial repellents. An alternative to chemicals can be the use of natural substances - for example, citronella essential oil. What citronella is, how to use it in the fight against mosquitoes, and will be discussed in this article.

Influence

Citronella is a herb of the family of cereals, with a strong citrus scent, from which, in fact, it got its name. In fact, it does not apply to citrus plants at all. Its aroma is fresh and extremely persistent . It is so rich and thick that it literally obscures the smell of a person.

Blood-sucking flying insects can hover over potential prey without noticing it. These properties just explain the popularity of this herb in the fight against insects. The advantage of citronella is that it is natural, which means it is completely harmless.

This plant grows:

• in Africa;
• In South America;
• on the islands of Ceylon and Java.

Plants from Java are most appreciated. They give a richer oil.

Are there any contraindications?

Citronella oil is completely safe for humans. Because of this, it is included in numerous creams, ointments, sprays and aerosols used to combat mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. These repellents are allowed to be used even by children under one year of age, since they consist exclusively of natural ingredients.

As is the case with many other essential oils, the use of this remedy has a number of contraindications:

• the product may be contraindicated for people with severe individual odor intolerance;
• it is not recommended to use it during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, and during lactation;
• it is undesirable to use people suffering from hypertension;
• contraindicated in people with skin hypersensitivity and suffering from dermatological diseases;
• people whose smell of citrus, lemon balm causes nausea, dizziness, migraine is not recommended to use such drugs.

Pure oil should not be applied directly to small children. It is better to replace it with diluted preparations containing other cosmetic ingredients.

Although the oil is harmless to children, it should be stored out of their reach, otherwise, if it gets into the eyes or on mucous membranes, it may cause irritation.

How to use?

Citronella has a peculiar smell that may not be to everyone's liking, and for mosquitoes, mosquitoes and midges, it is completely unbearable. You can use this oil as follows:

• in its pure form;
• adding to creams or ointments;
• making special sprays;
• using it in aroma lamps;
• make scented candles;
• soak pendants or bracelets with oil.

To combat mosquitoes and midges, you can use this product undiluted, in pure form. To do this, it is applied to areas of the skin that are not covered by clothing. However, this must be done carefully, a highly concentrated oil can cause allergies and a slight burning sensation.

Good results are obtained by adding a few drops of oil to the body cream.

You can make your own spray by dissolving a few drops of oil in alcohol, and then adding 100 g of water to the mixture . If you pour such a solution into a container with a spray bottle, then it can be sprayed on clothes and body. When going for a walk with a small child, just put a few drops of oil on a napkin and put it in the stroller. This will reliably protect the baby from the bites of bloodsuckers. This method of scaring off bloodsuckers is considered the safest.

If you add a couple of drops of the product to the aroma lamp, it will help protect the apartment from unwanted guests throughout the night . Such a natural remedy is completely harmless. Unlike fumigators, it is even healthier. A lighted candle will have a similar property if a few drops of oil are added to the melted wax.

Will help protect from mosquitoes for at least 2 hours and cotton wool with essential oil, which is placed in a drop-down pendant

Soft bracelets soaked in oil will protect well from insect bites.

Overview of oil based products

A consistently high result is obtained by the use of factory repellents, which include this fragrant oil. The most popular of these are the following options.

Levrana Citronella

A great tool for the whole family. Allowed to be used even by small children. It is an alcohol-based spray that contains aromatic herb essential oil. To enhance the effect of repelling insects, geranium, cedar, rosemary, lemongrass oils are added to it.

Balm Kongka Herb

An effective product made in Thailand. Only natural ingredients are used in its composition, thanks to which the balm is environmentally friendly and harmless. Applied to the skin, it is quickly and completely absorbed . Has a pleasant aroma.

Spray repellent "Takray"

The product does not contain alcohol, so it is recommended for use even for children. It is made on the basis of water with the addition of citronella and eucalyptus essential oils. The repellent is durable, effective for 3 hours . Manufactured in Thailand.

Oil-balm "Chocolatte"

Strengthening the deterrent effect is achieved due to the inclusion in its composition, in addition to citronella, also lavender, geranium and vanilla oils. Insects feel it already at a distance of 1 meter. The average duration of the protective action is about 4 hours.

Mosquito repellents based on citronella essential oil are produced in many countries of the world in the form of a variety of sprays, oils, napkins, bracelets, stickers. Their effectiveness and safety have been proven by time, manufacturers and users.