Lemon grass, also known as "tanglad", has a wide range of uses in medicine, cooking, insect repellent, food and beverages, and manufacturing. It possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties and can provide pain relief and reduce fever. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant while stimulating the uterus and menstrual flow.
This study is conducted against the backdrop of a worrisome increase in dengue cases. Numerous news reports show children, who make up the majority of dengue patients, lying in hospital beds, folding beds, and even chairs at government hospitals.
Following the dengue epidemic, Surigao del Sur is now experiencing an outbreak of a disease known as "Chikungunya," which is caused by the same mosquito Aegis aegypti that carries dengue. The World Health Organization (WHO) website explains that chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes
...and was initially identified during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. To control and prevent mosquitos in households, schools, and communities, various measures have been implemented, with the most popular approach being the use of mosquito coils.
Dr. Ang Ai Tin, a pediatrician, explains that mosquito coils are made of materials like coconut husk, sawdust, and dyes to ensure they burn for up to eight hours. Recent studies suggest that inhaling the smoke released by these coils can have immediate and long-term health risks. Burning just one mosquito coil produces as much smoke as 75 to 137 cigarettes. While mosquito coils do not contain tobacco, they release harmful chemicals when burned that are also found in many insect repellents. These chemicals include formaldehyde, octachlorodipropyl ether, and bischloromethyl ether. Mosquito coils use pyrethroid insecticides as their active ingredient
which are also found in various bug sprays.
According to Dr. Ang, while pyrethroids do not pose a significant threat to humans, they can still cause skin and eye irritation. However, the search for a convenient, effective, and natural mosquito repellent continues. Lemon grass (Cybopogon citrates), also known as "tanglad," is a perennial herb commonly used in Asian cuisine for dishes like curries, teas, soups, and other delicacies. A study conducted by the Department of Plant Production Technology and Faculty of Agricultural Technology in Bangkok, Thailand titled "Evaluation of Herbal Essential Oil against Mosquitoes" confirmed that lemon grass contains organic repellents for mosquitoes.
Dr. Marilyn Patricio, a professor from the Central Luzon State University, explains that lemon grass is utilized in organic farming as part of the integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. Its purpose is to act as a border crop and repel insect pests so they cannot enter the farm. Additionally, other aromatic herbs like peppermint are planted to safeguard crops against insect-related damage. Dr. Patricio proposes that the potent aroma of lemon grass could potentially deter dengue mosquitoes in a similar manner to its repellent effect on pests within farms.
According to her suggestion, lemon grass should be planted near doors and windows in the backyard to repel dengue mosquitoes. Lemon grass has properties that prevent bacterial and microbial growth on the skin, which is beneficial for preventing skin infections and alleviating problems caused by bacterial infections such as folliculitis and cellulitis. Furthermore, lemon grass acts as an astringent, effectively treating fungal skin infections while also firming the skin.
The researchers conducted this study to develop a safer and
natural product for skin care, benefiting the community as a whole rather than targeting specific areas with mosquitoes. They discovered that using lemon grass extracts and oils was a more effective way to minimize pores, regulate oil production, and provide temporary skin-firming treatment. Instead of focusing on mosquito-infested areas, the researchers chose to create a lotion using lemon grass extracts and oils to prevent mosquito bites.
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