Manipur, Nov. 11 -- Regular intake of citronella may prove to be harmful to health as the plant product is not meant for consumption, Dr Huidrom Birkumar, senior principal scientist at CSIR-NEIST, Imphal, said on Monday.

"Citronella and lemon grass are cousin in nature. They look similar and grow the same way. Citronella is not for consumption while lemon grass is known as herbal drink," Birkumar said, speaking at the opening of Liquid Deodorant Product Unit at MIDC Enterprises, Takyel Industrial Estate.

Although citronella and lemon grass look alike, people should know that both have different properties. Citronella leaves are broad, have strong smell and lemon grass leaves are small with lemony smell, he said, adding citronella is use...