Can you eat citronella?

In this brief article, it has been discussed whether we can eat citronella or not. Along with this, we will discuss the taste of citronella?. The uses citronella, the nutritional content of citronella, different recipes of citronella. The health benefits of eating citronella and some disadvantages of eating citronella.

Can you eat citronella?

Yes, we can eat citronella. Eating citronella is not a bad option at all. Citronella belongs to the edible germanium family. The leaves and the flowers of citronella are scented and these both are edible.

Taste of citronella

Although there is much resemblance in the taste of lemon and citronella, there are some differences too. Like the taste of citronella is a little bit milder and sweeter than lemon, making a good overall taste. 

Uses of citronella

Citronella is used for various purposes. Following are some uses of citronella

  • Manufacturing purposes: Citronella is used for some manufacturing purposes like it is used in the manufacturing of mosquito repellents, perfumes, deodorants, and soaps.
  • Used as herbal tea: We can use citronella as an alternative to herbal tea as it contains some ingredients that are used in making herbal tea.
  • Antifungal agent: Citronella is used to kill fungi.
  • Overcomes fatigue: Citronella is very good at an uplifting mood as it cures lethargy.
  •  Improves digestion: Citronella is very good to enhance digestion. So it is used in order to improve digestion.
  • Some other uses of citronella are like it is used in fluid retention, spasms, and making some dishes.

The nutritional content of citronella

Citronella contains many nutrients. Following is the list of some nutrients along with their amount present in one teaspoon of citronella

  • Carbohydrate= 1.21
  • Calcium= 3.12
  • Energy in kilocalories= 4.75
  • Total lipid= 0.02
  • Protein= 0.09
  • Iron= 5.5 mg
  • Manganese= 3.5 mg
  • Selenium= 0.5 microgram

Different recipes of citronella

Citronella is used for making many dishes. Following is the list of some dishes in which citronella is used as an ingredient

  • Homemade backyard spray: Although citronella is an optional ingredient of homemade backyard spray. But after the addition of citronella, homemade backyard spray becomes more effective.
  • Citronella plant simple syrup: Leaves that are utilized in making this recipe are taken from the citronella geranium. Leaves are rinsed by dipping them in a cup of cool water. In a small pot sugar, leaves and water are added. After boiling these, heat is lowered to a medium level. 

Simmering is carried out for five minutes. Leaves are strained out of the syrup. In order to store syrup a glass jar or a container is used. It is stored in a fridge for a month.

  • Citronella candles with eucalyptus: Firstly wax is poured into the coffee can. A pot is filled with two inches of water. Place the coffee can with the wax in the water. Bring the water to a slow simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to keep water hot, but not bubbling at all. By using an old spatula wax is mixed. 

Almost five drops of citronella are added to the water. Around the pencil, a wick is wrapped so that it may stay in the middle. Wick is trimmed according to the requirement once the wax is set. 

Health benefits of eating citronella

Following are some health benefits that can be availed by eating citronella

  • Fights depression: Citronella helps to elevate mood by fighting off depression. That’s why it is very beneficial for warding off negative thoughts.
  • Helps to eliminate infection: Citronella has antiseptic properties. So it helps to treat infections in the urinary tract, urethra, prostate, and kidneys. 
  • Eliminates toxins: Citronella has diaphoretic properties so it is a very good option to remove toxins and other unwanted materials from the body. Because of this, the body feels light and healthy.
  • Fights fatigue: Citronella provides energy to the body so that it may not feel lethargic,
  • Prevents stomach disorders: Citronella is very healthy for the stomach.  Its anti-inflammatory qualities can help with inflammation in the stomach or intestines. It also protects the stomach from various infections and contributes to the smooth functioning of the digestive system.

Disadvantages of citronella

Following are some drawbacks of using the citronella

  • Allergen: Citronella can cause various types of allergies. These allergies can be of mild to extreme levels.
  • Cough: In some cases, cough and throat irritation have been observed in people who eat citronella.
  • Lung damage: Citronella can damage the lungs. So people suffering from any kind of lung infection should avoid this as citronella can make their infections worse.

Conclusion

In this brief article, it has been discussed whether we can eat citronella or not. Along with this, we will discuss the taste of citronella?. The uses citronella, the nutritional content of citronella, different recipes of citronella. The health benefits of eating citronella and some disadvantages of eating citronella.

References

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-627/citronella-oil
https://www.eatthismuch.com/food/nutrition/lemon-grass-citronella,2579/

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