what to do with citronella leaves

While citronella is best known for its insect-repellent properties, it can also be used in aromatherapy to eliminate fatigue, alleviate headaches and improve energy levels. Both the essential oil and the crushed leaves are effective, though the pure oil is a little stronger.

How do you use fresh citronella leaves?

To make a citronella-based repellent, you must extract the oils, which can be done simply by crushing the plant leaves. You can rub it directly on the skin or make large quantities of the concentrate for later use. Both, when applied on the skin or clothes can help repel moquitoes for up to 12 hours.

What do you do with a citronella plant?

You can use citronella foliage indoors

Snip foliage from the citronella plant and keep them in vases, places strategically around your home to keep biting bugs away. If you enjoy the scent you can even place bundles of the plant around the home for air freshening purposes.

Can you rub citronella leaves on your skin?

Because the plant releases its smell when touched, it is thought to work best as a repellent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin as mosquitoes are supposed to be offended by its citronella scent. However, research has shown that this mosquito repellent plant is actually ineffective.

Is citronella mosquito plant edible?

Is Citronella Edible? Citronella geraniums are edible, yes! This plant is part of the (edible) geranium family. Both the flowers and leaves are scented, and both are edible.

Are Citronella plants toxic to humans?

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.

Can you burn citronella leaves?

Most of us have burned citronella candles before, but a lot of people don't realize the summer staple takes its name from a plant. You can burn citronella leaves in an outdoor fire for a similar effect, as well as bark from a cedar tree.

Does a citronella plant work?

Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don't repel mosquitoes. It's the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. ... Planting them in your landscape will do little to repel mosquitoes.

Should I trim my citronella plant?

Keeping the foliage looking healthy and tidy with regular pruning can help with this. Citronella plants can reach 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1 meter) in height. ... The lacey, fragrant leaves also work well in summer floral bouquets so feel free to prune often. The stems also can be cut and dried.

Why is my citronella plant dying?

A lack of light can also cause the leaves to turn brown: if the lower leaves are dying off while new growth at the branch tips appears to be reaching for the window or light source then you have insufficient light and you need to move the plant to a brighter window or supply supplementary light from a grow light.

Is Lemongrass the same as citronella grass?

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.

Is citronella good for skin?

Citronella oil can also be added to oils and creams for topical applications. Using citronella oil in this way may help kill germs and fungi on the skin and also promote wound healing. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before being applying to the skin. Here's how to make a citronella massage oil or lotion.

What happens if you eat citronella?

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.

What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?

12 Plants to Use as a Natural Mosquito Repellent

Lavender. Have you ever noticed that insects or even rabbits and other animals have never decimated your lavender plant? ...
Marigolds. ...
Citronella Grass. ...
Catnip. ...
Rosemary. ...
Basil. ...
Scented Geraniums. ...
Bee Balm.

Is scented geranium the same as citronella?

Mosquito plant is actually a scented geranium. The plant produces a pretty pinkish colored blooms in summer. The citronella fragrance comes from the plant's leaves. Rub the leaves to release the scent.

Is citronella smell bad for dogs?

Citronella is toxic to pets

Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

What bugs does citronella repel?

List of pest-repelling plants

Plant	Pests
citronella grass	repels insects, may deter cats
citrosa	proven not to repel mosquitoes
clovers	repel aphids and wireworms
common lantana	repels mosquitoes

Is citronella safe to use indoors?

Burning citronella candles indoors is not recommended, according to Life123. The scent emitted by citronella can be very difficult to remove from indoor fabrics, and the candles emit a secondary organic aerosol particulate into the air which can cause difficulty breathing and headaches.

What can I burn to keep bugs away?

One very well-known and common ingredient in mosquito-repelling candles is citronella. Its strong smell does a great job of masking the very aspects that attract mosquitoes to us. Fortunately for us, citronella is easy to grow. Of course, just the smoke from the fire helps keep bugs away.

Does burning sage keep mosquitoes away?

Burning sage is also a great way to keep mosquitoes away! Throw some sage leaves in a backyard fire pit or in your fireplace to fill your home with refreshing aromas and a natural mosquito-repelling scent.

Is Lavender a mosquito repellent?

Lavender

Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. An animal study on hairless mice found lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes.