Lemongrass as a Insect Repellent

Homemade Lemongrass Insect Repellent In heaven you won't hear the mosquitoes ~Finnish proverb Similar to citronella oil as a natural insect repellent, fresh lemongrass also provides added antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to your homemade insect repellent. Here is a quick and easy recipe for making your own insect repellent at home. Ingredients 10-12 lemongrass stalks Approx. 15 citronella leaves 4 tsp whole cloves 14oz sunflower oil (other oils you have on-hand will work OK too)Wash the lemongrass and citronella leaves. Lightly chop the lemongrass and citronella. Place chopped items in a blender with the cloves and blend. Pour the blended mix along with the sunflower oil into a heatproof bowl or a pan (a double boiler is what we're setting up next) and mix until all ingredients are well blended. Place the bowl or pan over a pan of boiling water and cover tightly. Let boil for an hour, and then cool. Strain the cooled mixture through a fine sieve or similar tool/material.Pour the strained mixture into a pump spray bottle. To Use Shake well and spray liberally over all exposed skin areas. Avoid the eyes. Always reapply after washing. If any irritation occurs wash off immediately and discontinue use. This insect repellent will keep for about a year if stored in a cool and dry location. Some people grow their own lemongrass from stalks purchased at the market, and if you can do this all the better for you. Maybe you can make some extra batches of the repellent and share with your friends and neighbors.Other uses for lemongrass include herbal tea made from an infusion of the chopped herb soaked in boiling water and then strained. Used in this method lemongrass is good for helping reduce fevers, stomach cramps, and as a general digestive aid. Although this recipe does not call for either lemongrass or citronella oils please note that neither oil should be used directly on the skin; they should always be diluted. This is just one variation of a homemade insect repellent. Please feel free to share your own recipes.