Manipur, Nov. 11 -- Regular intake of citronella may prove 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 lemongrass similar. Citronella is not for consumption while lemongrass is known as herbal drink," Birkumar said in his speech 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 used in mosquito repellent, while lemon grass is used for fla...