I.

Lemon Grass as Natural Insect Repellent

II. Simple Rina R. Pasaporte

III. December 2, 2017-January 2, 2018

IV. Rationale.

Insect repellents are important tools for prevention of insect-bome diseases as

well as painful and uncomfortable insect bites. And one of the natural insect repellent

is the lemon grass (Cymbogon citratus). The herb called lemongrass is often added to

beverages and dishes. It is a tall plant that belongs to the Poaceae family of grass. It is

perennial and it thrives in subtropical and tropical regions such as Indonesia, India,

Malaysia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and China. It has sharp-edges and bright

green leaves, which are very like common grass. Lemongrass is a popular herb in

Asian cuisine. It is often added to soups and various curries. It is also a common

complement for seafood, beef, fish, and poultry. You can also make lemongrass tea

from fresh lemongrass leaves. Lemon grass has long been used in natural insect

repellents which contain citronella oil. Native to Asia, the mosquito grass can grow

up to six feet tall and is quite an attractive ornamental grass.

V. Research Question.

Will extract of lemon grass is an effective way of natural insect repellent?

VI. Procedures.

First, gather all materials. Set the pot on the heat source and fill with purified water to

level just below the strainer bottom when it is place. A strainer will be inserted and fill it

with lemon grass leaves. Let it boil up to 15-30 minutes and get the extract of the lemon
 grass from the receiving vessel. Then immediately fill the jar with the lemon grass

extract. Lastly, store in a cool and dry place.

VII. Risk and Safety

VIII. Data Analysis.

The researchers conducted two trials in making the lemongrass oil. The trials had

performed different methods and used a different type of oil. The first trial did not

produce the strong smell of lemongrass which was something the researchers expected

from the product. The oil used in the first trial was olive oil. While the second trials

method of making the product was to soak the lemongrass stalks inside a jar with

unscented massaging oil and after a week the lemongrass stalks would be removed. The

second trial has achieved the lemongrass smell. Both products work, but the second

trials product was more efficient. When the product (second trial) is applied on the skin,

most of the insects do not come closer. Some insects move close, but immediately flee

afterwards.

IX. Bibliography.

Alembics. J.K (2014). Types of essential oils. Retrieved

from www.alembics.co.nz

Allotment & Gardens. (2014). Grow your own lemongrass. Retrieved from
www.allotment-gardens.org on November 26, 2014.

Gaunt, M. (2009). Safer bug spray: natural bug repellents. Retrieved

from www.cbsnews.com

Miles, M. ( 2002). Molecular Biology and evolution. Retrieved from

mbe.oxfordjournals.org.
Healthers. (2010). Lemongrass. Retrieved from www.healthers.org