An Investigatory Project on the Feasibility of Neem
(Azadirachta indica), Oregano (Origanum vulgare),
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratos), and Pandanus
(Pandanus amaryllifolius) Leaves and Citronella
(Pelargonium citrosum) Oil as Components of An
Organic Mosquito Coil
By
Kyla Bartolome
Abstract
Mosquito repellants, in forms of mosquito coils are essentially required these days,
especially when the rainy seasons come wherein diseases caused by mosquitoes are at peak.
Mosquito coils are one of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing them. These
mosquito coils we have in the market truly have this mosquito-repelling capability, but it comes
with various chemicals that could harm our health in a different way. With this, the researchers
decided to create an effective mosquito coil with the same effectiveness as to the commercial
ones but without the harmful adverse effects of synthetic chemicals. The coil shall be made using
5 major components, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon citratos), and Pandanus (Pandanus amaryllifolius) Leaves and Citronella
(Pelargonium citrosum) Oil, to be bound together by a dough made from flour, and to be dried
until stiff, and easy to be burned.
Introduction
Burning mosquito coils indoors generates smoke that can control mosquito effectively.
This practice used in numerous household. However the smoke may contain pollutants of
health concerns.
Background of the Study
The researchers decided to have this study to create a mosquito that will be greatly useful
to the upcoming rainy days where the number of mosquito-related diseases are at its highest. We
opted to have it all-natural and organic to prevent the production of harmful synthetic chemicals
that are harmful for the human health. Also, the components used are very easy to find and are
available every time of the year.
Statement of the problem
Recent studies showed that the smoke generated from burning mosquito coil is of certain
health concerns a person being exposed to the smoke coming from the coil may suffer severe
head ache, nausea and vomiting, the condition will be severe among asthmatic patients. The
emission of formaldehyde from one burning coil can be as high as that released from 51 burning
cigarettes. This is because of the chemicals found in mosquito coils. Making a mosquito coil out
of natural ingredients may eliminate these harmful effects.
Objectives
The researchers wanted to create an alternative and synthetic chemical-free solution in
preventing the different kinds of diseases that mosquitoes could bring, especially dengue fever
and malaria, which are common in this country.
Significance of the Study
This study will be able to produce a health-friendly yet effective organic mosquito coil from
components available within our area.
Scope and Delimitation
This study does not cover the variables regarding the time span of the mosquito coil, and
is limited only to its capability to be considered as an effective mosquito coil in terms of
mosquito repelling.
Review of Related Literature
Mosquito coil is a Mosquito-repelling incense, it is usually shaped spiral. The coil is
usually held at the center of the spiral, suspending it in the air, or wedged by two pieces of
fireproof nettings to allow continuous smoldering. Burning usually begins at the outer end of the
spiral and progresses slowly toward the center of the spiral, producing a mosquito-repellant
smoke. A typical mosquito coil can measure around 15 cm in diameter.
Oregano is a medicinal herb known for its antioxidant and anti-microbial, anti-parasitic
properties. It is used for the treatment of indigestion problems, muscle pain, insect bites, and
menstruation symptoms, bacterial and fungal infections. Dried leaves of oregano are commonly
used for the therapeutic purposes it contains iron, vitamins, calcium, magnesium, copper, niacin
and thiamine.
Oregano plant has been used for the treatment of various diseases since thousands of
years back. Medical researches reveal that oregano contains antioxidants, anti-microbial and
anti-parasitic compounds. Considering these medicinal properties, the studies are ongoing to use
oregano for the treatment of severe diseases such as cancer, heart disease and muscular
degeneration.
An antioxidant nature of oregano is evident from the presence of thymol and rosmarinic
acid. These compounds help in scavenging free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and
membrane alteration. The amount of antioxidant present in a tablespoon of fresh oregano and a
medium-sized apple are the same.
The volatile oil carvacrol present in oregano inhibits the growth of bacteria and other
parasitic organisms. Some studies found this medicinal herb to be more effective in killing
Giardia than the prescription drugs. Oregano supplements are also used for external and internal
fungal infections.
Herbal tea prepared with oregano helps in alleviation of headache, urinary problems, lung
disorders, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. Oregano boiled in plain water can be used as
a mouthwash. Gargling with this water can help to prevent tooth infection and sore throat.
Oregano oil applied directly to the infected tooth helps in combating toothache. Ground oregano
leaves soothe artthrisis pain, insect bites and other skin problems. Its bitter taste and strong
aroma help in controlling head lice.
Methodology
Components to be used:
Neem leaves
Pandanus leaves
Lemongrass
Oregano leaves
Citronella Oil
Flour
Water
Procedures:
1. Grind the leaves using a blender until it becomes fine.
2. Prepare the dough by pouring the flour in a boiling water.
3. Mix until a paste-like consistency is achieved.
4. Combine the leaves with the dough and knead until the leaves were equally distributed.
5. Pour a teaspoon of Citronella oil to the mixture and knead again.
6. Heat it in a microwave, oven, toaster, or turbo broiler, or you can dry it under the sun until its
dehydrated and ignitable.
Results and Discussion
Organic mosquito coil Commercial mosquito coil
