Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) Australia

Lemon Myrtle is a lovely and cheerful essential oil which comes to us from Australia. Many people there grow it as an ornamental bush in their yards.

Australians also use Lemon Myrtle as an alternative to Tea Tree. Its uses are very similar to Tea Tree. Lemon Myrtle is a very strong antibacterial, as well as an antiseptic and anti-fungal. It is well-known in Australia as a remedy for athlete’s foot and staph. Its germ killing capacity is probably stronger than that of Tea Tree. The reason for this is the high concentration of chemicals known as citrals in Lemon Myrtle. These citrals include geranial, neral, B-cyclocitral, a-cyclocitral, citronellal, linalool, and myrcene. Because of this high concentration of citrals, Lemon Myrtle can be very irritating to the skin and should always be well diluted before use. Good carrier oils to use with Lemon Myrtle are Hempseed oil and Hazelnut oil. Diluted into a carrier oil, Lemon Myrtle can be used for acne. Fifteen drops can be added to one ounce of carrier oil.

Essential oil of Lemon Myrtle can be used in a diffuser to relieve symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. Its fresh, lemon scent is both soothing and uplifting to the emotions and can be used for depression and apathy as well.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children and pregnant women.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.