Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Asis, Rosemarie A.
March 2022
1.1 Citronella
extensively used in aromatherapy and is considered to be one of the effective natural insect
repellents. This essential oil contains aromatic active compounds such as citronellol, geraniol,
citronellal, and linalool. These compounds are commonly incorporated in the production of
Citronella Oil: A Review”, essential oils were considered as an alternative for synthetic repellent
since it receives several reports on adverse effects such as skin irritation and toxic
encephalopathy. The said study focuses mainly on citronella oil, from the extraction of
Cymbopogon nardus which was recently explored as an alternative natural insect repellent that
includes citronellal, citronellol, geraniol as the major constituent that contributes to the activity
of the essential oil. It also contains components that constitute citronella as antioxidant,
winteratus) for the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in the rural area of Tikapur, far-
western Nepal”, one of the common natural insect repellents is citronella oil which is also
used as a local fragrance. The researchers of this study used a randomized controlled pilot trial
to confirm the effectiveness and applicability of the locally produced citronella oil. Repellency
was tested with 100% citronella oil with two trials such as indoor exposure and outdoor
exposure to test the repellency effect against mosquitoes. Every trial there is an experimental
citronella oil applied group and the non-applied group that will measure the protective effect
against mosquitoes. This study concluded that citronella oil can be an effective alternative
Based on the study of Asadollahi et al., (2019), essential oils are put into trials to meet the
inclusion criteria based and to test their percentage repellency and protection time. Citronella
was identified to have a high repellency effect with a complete protection time ranging from 9.1
h to 11.5 h. It is reported that citronella has active compounds for repelling mosquitoes such as
eucalyptol, camphor, linalool, citral, and citronellal. However, citronella has a shorter protection
time than N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), but it can provide sufficient protection time
As stated by Baker (2018) in a study entitled “Citronella & Citronella Oil Profile”,
citronella oil is also used as an active ingredient in candles or coils and when burned, it produces
smoke that can kill mosquitoes. This oil has been found effective only when the air is moving in
a minimal condition.
In line with this, based on the study of Pollard (2020), since 1948, citronella oil has been
licensed as a plant-based insect repellent in the United States and unlike other oil, citronella
functions by masking other scents that attract bugs, making it impossible for them to locate their
targets. On the other hand, an article by Yasin (2019) stated that citronella is a famous ingredient
for most mosquito repellents available. The article also mentioned citronella giving up to 50
“Comparison of citronella oil extraction methods from Cymbopogon nardus grass by ohmic-
traditional methods for extracting oil from citronella are hydro-distillation and steam distillation.
Despite its simplicity, the process can cause thermal degradation, hydrolysis, and water solubility
in some fragrance constituents. In addition, citronella essential oil can also be extracted using
supercritical fluid extraction (Silva et al., 2011). Nevertheless, there are disadvantages to this
method, including high investment costs and a new and unfamiliar method of operation.
Furthermore, due to their low polarity, polar analytes are difficult to extract.
1.2 Frankincense
Frankincense, also called the “king of essential oils”, for having a wide variety of benefits
and uses ad mentioned in an article on the benefits of frankincense (“Frankincense Oil Uses and
Benefits”, 2020). Moreover, according to Bain (2020), frankincense is produced from the dried
sap of a tree that can be found in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, this tree is known as the
Boswellia tree, the olibanum or frankincense is extracted by incisions made in the trunk of the
tree and letting its sap flow out. This frankincense essential oil has its chemical constituents
namely Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Farnesol, Phellandrene, Myrcene, and many more.
Based on the study conducted by Pavela et al., (2020), entitled “Insecticidal activity of
two essential oils used in perfumery (Ylang-Ylang and Frankincense)”, the scientific study
validates the efficacy of the use of ylang-ylang and frankincense oil when combined as a
compared to the commercial pyrethrum extract in preventing mosquito bites from the three
is further stated in the study that the two essential oils tested using GCMS were mainly
composed of α-thujene (73.8%), benzyl salicylate (24.4%), and linalool (21.9%), which are the
components used as a fixative, natural fragrance, anti-inflammatory, and cleaning agents of such
products.
Oil Extraction Using Steam Distillation, Hydro Distillation and Solvent Extraction Methods: A
Comparison”; when compared to steam distillation and hydro distillation, the solvent extraction
method was shown to be ineffective for the extraction of Frankincense oil. The study concluded
that hydro distillation was most similar to pure Frankincense oil with more constituents' oil than
1.3 Lavender
Lavender is widely grown around the world because of its economic and ornamental
value, as well as its widespread use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries
(Khorasaninejad et al., 2021). There have been numerous studies that have used lavender oils in
the medical field due to their therapeutic use, which can be achieved through inhalation or oral
administration. According to Gotter (2018), lavender oil came from the lavender plant. This oil
can be orally taken, put on the skin, and used in aromatherapy. Lavender oil has been known as
the most famous and resourceful oil nowadays. It was discovered to have a variety of functional
properties, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase inhibitory
Lavender essential oil is used as an insect repellent because the lavender plant contains a
mosquito repellent property. Furthermore, this essential oil as well as the plant from which it was
derived, contains a compound known as “linalool”. In this regard, lavender isn't just good for
promoting sleep; it's also good for warding off the season's pesky mosquitoes, and it can be
combined with other homemade bug repellents for a wonderful result mentioned by Pollard
(2020).
Out of all the mosquito-repelling oils derived from blooming plants, lavender is one of
the most popular because of its attractive appearance. The primary components of lavender are
methyl ursolate (30.50 percent) and methyl oleanolate (7.27 percent), whereas linalyl
anthranilate (>31 percent) and linalyl acetate (>17 percent) prevailed that is obtained using
According to another article by Smetan et al., (2018), the major compounds in lavender
essential oil are linalool (21.28%) and linalyl acetate (18.84%). As such, lavenders are great and
make a good addition to a person’s flower garden. In addition, according to Schwartz (2020),
lavender oil scent is solid, charismatic, and intensely botanical, and its floral sweetness is
intensified by green and spicy notes, which are combined to enhance a very woody, herbal
quality.
Moreover, in the study of Setyaningsih, D., Roselly, F., & Muna, N. (2020), essential oils
are substances that give a lot of benefits, one of which is being an insect repellent. Thus, some
essential oils such as lavender oil, citronella oil, lemongrass oil, and cajeput oil were tested to see
which of these oils work together the best to formulate a mosquito repellent. Combining these
oils produce a total of 7 formulas, namely A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C5, D1-D5, E1-E5, F1F5, and G1-
G5.
A further organoleptic test was performed on these essential oil formulas which gave a
result showing that formula E3, G3, and F3 were the most preferred. These preferred formulas
undergo another repellent test to figure out the effectiveness of the oil mixture while having
Virgin Coconut Oil as its carrier. After a series of tests and experimenting, formula E3,
consisting of a mixture of lavender, citronella, and lemongrass oils, was said to gain the highest
hedonic score in comparison with the other two formulas. Moreover, this formula also has the
highest potency of being a mosquito repellent given its protective power of more than 90% for 4
hours.
In the study, “Ohmic Accelerated Steam Distillation of Essential Oil from Lavender in
Comparison with Conventional Steam Distillation” by Gavahian & Chu (2018) it was analyzed
that Ohmic Accelerated Steam Distillation (OASD) is a better extraction process than steam
distillation since it did not affect the important constituents of lavender essential oil and it
outperformed steam distillation in terms of speed (total extraction time) and energy consumption.
An article by Mosquito Squad (2021), talks about essential oils to be used as a repellent
for mosquitoes. It was said that even long before, these plants and plant derivatives were also
used by humans in treating such insect bites. It has also been said that natural scents of these
essential oils which are pleasing to humans tend to repel insects. These scents are lavender,
peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus. It also mentioned how people may consider DIY essential
mosquito repellent using such oils as lavender, citronella, and more. This is great for consumers
Moreover, according to BeMoxē (2020), certain essential oils can be seen as a natural
remedy to those harsh chemicals found in commercial bug sprays to repel insects. The article
also mentioned having no adverse effects upon the usage of these various essential oils with
proper dilution, as well as it gives immediate relaxation, therefore, these essential oils are found
not for killing mosquitoes, but to lessen the attraction between them and people, to prevent
mosquito bites. The active ingredients commonly found in a lot of mosquito repellents are
picaridin or chemical DEET, and it was stated by the Environmental Protection Agency that the
usage of such ingredients is not harmful to adults and children over the age of 2 months, but
when it is used in a wrong way, uncertainties can happen. Some of the best natural mosquitoes
are OLE or oil of lemon eucalyptus, geraniol which is a component of the citronella, catnip oil,
cinnamon oil, Merck 3535 or IR3535 a component that can be found in insect repellents,
nootkatone, and 2-undecanoate. In addition, fennel, thyme, clove oil, celery extract, and neem
oil, were being examined, investigated, and studied to determine if they are suitable as an
and use of home fragrances and scented candles in a global community. As stated in the report
by Mordor Intelligence (2020), the demand for scented candles is increasing rapidly and the
growth can be attributed to factors, such as increasing demand for aromatherapy, and rising use
Granted that almost all possible changes and development have been done before, there is
still a gap that needs to be answered, even in the smallest aspect of it. Thereupon, this study was
proposed to conceive a state-of-the-art product that would introduce a new look and purpose for
the typical scented candle, considering the fact that there are already existing aroma candles. The
aroma therapeutical candle would include 3 essential oils: citronella, lavender, and frankincense,
which altogether harmonize with each other to not only give off certain benefits.
came up with the idea of conducting a study entitled “Potential of Citronella, Frankincense, and
Lavender Oils as an Aroma Therapeutical Candle as Mosquito Repellent”. It is along with the
light that the present study was advanced with the intent to determine the characteristics of
citronella, frankincense, and lavender oils that made the product effective for repelling
mosquitoes.
The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate the potential use of Citronella,
Frankincense, and Lavender oils as the main ingredients for aroma therapeutical candles and
mosquito repellent.
Anchored on the objectives of the study, this specifically sought to answer the following
research questions:
1. Is there a significant difference between the proposed Aroma Therapeutical Candle and
a. Repellency
b. Reliability
2. How do the different concentration levels of each essential oil, as indicated in the
3. As perceived by the Grade 12 STEM students of Vinzons Pilot High School, how
effective is the Aroma Therapeutical candle made from Citronella, Frankincense, and
a. Odor
Null Hypothesis
There is no significant difference between the proposed aromatherapeutic candle and the
Alternative Hypothesis
There is a significant difference between the proposed aromatherapeutic candle and the
This study mainly focuses on the potential use and the process of creating the Aroma
Therapeutical candle as mosquito repellent using Citronella, Frankincense, and Lavender Oils.
It covers the characteristics of each essential oil that made the product feasible and
suitable as the main ingredient and component of the candle that may have significant impacts on
a daily basis. In addition to this, the researchers limited this study to yellow fever mosquitoes
(Aedes aegypti). Thus, this study will not be generalized to all types and lower classifications of
mosquito as the term itself covers a large group and scope, making the study too complex to
focus on
Furthermore, the research will be conducted for the School Year 2021-2022 and is
confined exclusively to the potential of Citronella, Frankincense, and Lavender oils for Aroma
The findings of the study entitled “Potential of Citronella, Frankincense, and Lavender
Essential Oils as an Aroma Therapeutical Candles and Insect Repellent” may be notable and will
Scented Candle Users. This study will be beneficial among users considering the
comfort and convenience it may bring to them. They will be the ones experiencing the effects of
essential oil such as relief from stress, relaxation, and mood upliftment.
Society. This study will also benefit society since the Aroma Therapeutical Candle also
has the potential for repelling insects that may alleviate the long-standing problem concerning
opportunity to start the business and market the product to the target consumers.
Future Researchers. This study will serve as a material and basis for further studies that
tackle the potential of essential oil in the future. They may help them continue to conduct a more
profound study in other aspects concerning the potential and effectiveness of essential oils as the
Aromatherapy – Refers to a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to
promote health and well-being (Healthline, 2019). In this study, the candles are mainly
composed with essential oils that have therapeutic agents which are said to be highly
concentrated substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stalks, fruits, and roots, as well as
Aroma candle – It refers to candles that are made with essential oils and have aromatherapeutic
properties (ArtNaturals, 2017). In this study, it is the product to be made that would include
different essential oils which would whereas the smoke emitted by the candle will repel the
mosquito.
Citronella oil – Defined as one of the more effective natural insect repellents (VeryWellHealth,
2020). In this study, it is one of the essential oils to be used in the aroma candle which has the
Essential oil – Often refers to the most commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy, in which
they are inhaled through various methods (Healthline, 2019). In this study, it is the independent
Frankincense oil – It is said to help relieve stress and promote relaxation (The Good Trade,
2020). In this study, it is one of the essential oils to be used in the aroma candle as a mosquito
repellent.
Lavender – This herb is also commonly used for medicinal and therapeutic benefits
(EverydayHealth, 2019). In this study, it is one of the essential oils to be used in the aroma
The researchers will utilize the experimental research design of quantitative research to
test the potential of Citronella, Lavender, and Frankincense as an Aroma Therapeutical Candle
deeply concerned with constructing research with high causal validity that covers the accuracy of
In this study, the variables that will be observed and manipulated by the researchers are
the use of essential oils for aromatherapy candle making. Moreover, researchers characterized
this study as an experimental research design because this study aims to determine the potential
A. Experimental Set-up
There will be five (5) experimental set-ups to be conducted along with the different levels
of essential oil concentration per set-up. Each set-up will be replicated five (4) times and will
· Experimental Set-up #1: (181 g soy wax): 9.1 mL Citronella, 3.05 mL Frankincense; 3.05
mL Lavender
Experimental Set-up #2: (181 g soy wax): 9.1 mL Frankincense; 3.05 mL Citronella; 3.05
mL Lavender
· Experimental Set-up #3: (181 g soy wax): 9.1 mL Lavender; 3.05 mL Frankincense; 3.05
mL Citronella
Experimental Set-up #4: (181 g soy wax): 6.1 mL Citronella, 6.1 mL Frankincense, 6.1
mL Lavender
This particular table will be used in every experimental set-up that will be conducted for
this research study, which will be observed for seven (7) days.
15 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
45 minutes
Figure 1. Research Paradigm
The figure above presents the research paradigm utilized by the researchers through the
Input, Process, and Output (IPO) model. The input includes the characteristics of the three oils
and their efficacy when combined, and the benefit they will give. It also comprises the efficacy,
odor, and cost acceptability of the product to the users. Then, the input attained will undergo the
processes of mixing of the oils, candle-making, and data analysis and interpretation. Lastly, the
processes in the study, supported by the inputs, shall produce the output that indicates the
The materials required for the completion of this study will be purchased and collected
from an online store as the researchers will procure the appropriate quantity of each product to
ensure that everything is utilized in the execution of the procedure. While this gathering of
materials is taking place, rest assured that the researchers will take precautions since the
materials will be delivered directly to their homes. Once the materials arrive, the researchers will
inspect them to see if they are in good condition. Then, everything will be cleaned and sanitized
A partially closed pail of aged water will be left outdoors overnight for mosquitoes to lay
their eggs. Then the mosquito egg rafts will be transferred to smaller containers with 2 to 3
mosquito egg rafts per container to prevent overcrowding the larvae and will be fed occasionally
with crushed fish food to prevent the larvae from dying. Once the larvae reach the pupa stage,
In order to come up with the expected product, the following procedures should be
followed:
STEP 1: Fill the tin container with water of your desired wax level as the basis on how
much soy wax will be needed for candle making. Normally, there should have a 2-3 cm gap at
STEP 2: Weigh the soy wax placed in a melting bowl by using the digital scale and make
sure that the scale is at zero by pressing the “Tare” or zero buttons.
STEP 3: Fill the saucepan with about half-full water and bring to simmer using the
electric stove.
STEP 4: When the water reaches its boiling point, carefully place the melting bowl into
the saucepan, following the double boiler method, and allow the soy wax to melt for about 10 to
15 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, use the food thermometer to monitor the temperature not
exceeding 185°F. And adjust the heat of the stove to medium-low heat until the wax is
completely melted.
STEP 5: Stir again the melted soy wax for a few seconds and simply pour the
frankincense, lavender, and citronella essential oils into the soy wax with the desired amount
before the wax cools slightly. It is important to take note to not over-stir the wax for it may result
STEP 6: While the wax is cooling, start preparing the container and the wooden wick by
gently pulling the edges of the clip apart and inserting the wooden wick into the sustainer until
the entire bottom edge of the wick is securely fastened. To adhere the bottom of the clip and
wick, use a wick sticker to attach and assemble it to the bottom of the glass container.
STEP 7: Let again the wax sit for five minutes to harden while monitoring its
temperature. When it reaches 140°C, for the first layer, carefully pour the soy wax mixture into
the container while holding the wooden wick in place to prevent it from swaying in the wax.
STEP 8: Add some dried flowers and lavender buds as a decoration. Let the wax harden
STEP 9: Once the first layer of wax is already solid, proceed to the melting of another set
of soy wax following the same procedures used in the latter. The same process must be applied
in terms of weighing, melting, monitoring, and cooling the soy wax in another set of melting
bowls. Let the wax rest for a minute and gently pour the fragrance oils into the mixture. Sit the
STEP 10: After the wax is slightly cooled, carefully pour it into the same container to the
top of the first layer of the soy wax, not over-filling to the 2-3 cm gap at the lid.
STEP 11: For the final touches, add again some dried flowers to the 2nd layer of wax and
STEP 12: Lastly, allow the second layer to harden overnight up until 2 days’ maximum
before using.
Table 2
Melting Bowl 1 pc 1 pc
Food Thermometer 1 pc 1 pc
Digital Scale 1 pc 1 pc
Saucepan 1 pc 1 pc
Spatula 1 pc 1 pc
Electric Stove 1 pc 1 pc
This testing method consists of an enclosed candle chamber connected by a screened wall
to a 40-inch tunnel (12-inch wide, 20-inch high: covered with acrylic glass) through which the
candle 'smoke' can travel. Mosquitoes will be placed and fed crushed fish food through the
funnel into the chamber at the late pupae stage, in which they will mature into adult mosquitoes.
During the trial, the test door will be opened, allowing the mosquitos to freely travel throughout
the chamber. Inside the chamber, there will be four black cloths hung at 8-inch intervals for the
Table 2
Acrylic Glass
Aluminum Angle
Aluminum Screen (?)
Black Cloths
Hinges
Rivets
Sea-Land
The data-gathering technique that will be used by the researchers to collect data in order
to assess the efficacy of aromatherapeutic candles as insect repellent is the 4-Point Likert Scale.
This technique is the quickest and easiest way to collect data because it can be easily quantified
and is also a simple method, therefore, the researchers will be able to draw more accurate
conclusions about their study. In addition, in the testing environment, the researchers will use a
Likert Scale to measure values. There will be four black cloths inside the testing chamber that
will act as mosquito barriers to test the effectiveness and range of the aromatherapeutic candle.
In the 4-Point Likert Scale, the first black cloth represents the first and lowest scale (i.e.,
Not effective). If mosquitoes linger near the first black cloth, it indicates that the
aromatherapeutic candle did not fulfill its purpose of acting as an insect repellent. It had no effect
on mosquitoes. Moving on, the second black cloth represents the second scale in the 4-Point
Likert Scale (i.e., Not so effective). If mosquitoes congregate near the second black cloth, it
suggests that the aromatherapeutic candle is only marginally effective as an insect repellent.
Next, the third black cloth represents the third scale in the 4-Point Likert Scale (i.e.,
Effective). If mosquitoes congregate near the third black cloth, it indicates that the
aromatherapeutic candle is effective as an insect repellent. Finally, the fourth and highest scale
(i.e., Very effective) in the 4-Point Likert Scale is represented by the fourth black cloth. If
mosquitoes congregate near the fourth black cloth, it indicates that the aromatherapeutic candle
performed better than expected as an insect repellent. Mosquitoes are effectively repelled by the
aromatherapeutic candle.
Using questionnaires tas i-aanalyze statistically gamit ranking & weighted mean?
2.5.1 Ranking
In this study, it will be used to figure out the ranking of the acceptability and benefits of
In this study, it will be used to quantify the overall assessment and responses of the
respondents on the general acceptability of the proposed candle in terms of odor using the
In this study, it will be used to calculate the significant difference between the aroma
therapeutical candle and commercial candle in terms of their effectiveness and reliability.