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In addition to its culinary and medicinal value, lemon balm has a secret weapon: **its ability to repel mosquitoes**. While citronella and geranium have long been celebrated for their mosquito-repellent properties, lemon balm has a higher concentration of **citral**, the compound responsible for its lemony aroma, making it an effective natural deterrent to mosquitoes.
#### 2. **The Science Behind Lemon Balm’s Mosquito-Repelling Powers**
The primary compound responsible for lemon balm’s mosquito-repelling ability is **citral**, a chemical compound found in high quantities in its leaves. Citral has been shown to have a strong mosquito-repelling effect, which is why lemon balm can be a more effective alternative to citronella or geranium.
Several studies have demonstrated that citral can inhibit the attraction of mosquitoes to human skin. For example, a 2006 study published in the *Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry* found that citral effectively repelled mosquitoes when applied topically or used in insect-repellent formulations. In fact, lemon balm contains more citral than citronella, making it a stronger and longer-lasting mosquito repellent.
While citronella and geranium are often associated with the phrase “mosquito-repellent,” research suggests that these plants may not be as effective as once believed. Citronella oil, for example, has been shown to have a limited duration of effectiveness. Once the scent dissipates, the mosquito-repellent properties fade. Lemon balm, on the other hand, has a more sustained effect due to its higher citral content.
In addition to its citral content, lemon balm’s **strong aroma** further enhances its ability to ward off mosquitoes. The scent of lemon balm is not only unpleasant to mosquitoes but also masks the chemical signals humans emit that attract them. This makes it an excellent natural alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents that contain DEET.
#### 3. **Why Citronella and Geranium Are Not the Best Options**
Citronella and geranium (specifically, *Pelargonium graveolens*) have long been marketed as the most effective mosquito repellents. However, when compared to lemon balm, these plants may not be as potent or long-lasting. Let’s explore why.
**Citronella:** Citronella is derived from a variety of grasses, including **Cymbopogon nardus** and **Cymbopogon winterianus**, both of which are known for their mosquito-repellent properties. However, the effectiveness of citronella as a mosquito repellent is often overstated. Citronella oil can repel mosquitoes, but it works best when applied directly to the skin or used in products like candles and sprays. However, citronella’s mosquito-repelling effects are short-lived. Once the scent dissipates, the repellent properties wear off, which is why citronella candles and oils often require frequent reapplication.
**Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens):** Geranium is another popular plant associated with mosquito repellent. Specifically, the variety **Pelargonium graveolens**, known for its fragrant leaves, is often used in essential oils marketed as natural mosquito repellents. While geranium oil can provide some mosquito-repellent effects, studies suggest it is less effective than other options like lemon balm. A study published in *Phytotherapy Research* found that geranium oil had a repellent effect on mosquitoes, but it was less effective compared to other plant oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and lemon balm. Furthermore, the oil’s repellent action diminished over time, meaning it is not as reliable as lemon balm in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Lemon balm, on the other hand, is a hardy, easy-to-grow plant with lasting repellent effects. It doesn’t need to be distilled into oil to be effective, and it releases its citronella-like scent into the surrounding area naturally.
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