holygrass (Hierochloe) in Poland is mainly known for its vodka. Indians from Montana and Alberta used this plant as a deterrent to mosquitoes and other insects. Aromatic grass woven into braids hung in homes or worn by itself. Charles Cantrell from the US Department of Agriculture decided to see what ingredients grasses are responsible for these properties.
In laboratory studies it has shown that plants traditionally used by Native Americans to repel mosquitoes are actually effective.
Researchers have identified two components – coumarin and phytol. It is they who make the plant an insect repellent. Tests in the lab showed that Hierochloe repels mosquitoes as effective as the widely used synthetic remedy for mosquitoes. Subsequent tests have to explain how long does this effect.
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