Citronella is a tall & fragrant perennial grass, growing to a height of one to one and a half meters. Once cut, the leaves are left to wilt in the sun until the water level is reduced by 30 - 50% before they are sent for oil extraction. The extracted oils are most commonly used in various homemade, and commercial insect repellents. Traditionally, the dried leaves of the plant were used to ward off insects, and rubbed externally to assist with stomach and/or rheumatic pain. The oil combines well with bergamot, cajeput, cedarwood, eucalyptus |