Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia Citriodora
Lemon Myrtle Oil has a citrusy scent and can be used as a disinfectant in home cleaning, or, in aromatherapy to help aid restful sleep and alleviate stress and anxiety. It pairs beautifully with other essential oils or can be used as a standalone oil for the desired effect/benefit.
History of Lemon Myrtle Oil
Lemon Myrtle Oil comes from the Backhousia citriodora plant, commonly known as lemon myrtle, lemon scented myrtle, lemon scented ironwood, sweet verbena tree, and sweet verbena myrtle. Lemon myrtle is a flowering plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae. It’s native to the subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland, with a natural distribution from Mackay to Brisbane. Lemon myrtle grows 6-8 metres high, has attractive dark green leaves, and bears clusters of white flowers in summer.
Indigenous Australians have used lemon myrtle leaves for centuries. They chewed them as well as crushed them into a paste in order to release their potent antimicrobial properties. They applied the paste to sores and boils. Indigenous Australians also sucked on the leaves to get hydration, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, lemon myrtle leaves were used to flavour foods and burnt to release their insect-repelling qualities.
Lemon myrtle got its botanical name, Backhousia citriodora, in 1853 after the English botanist James Backhouse. Around 1890, a German doctor distilled lemon myrtle for the very first time and sent the liquid home to be used in the essential oil industry. It’s thought that this might have been the first isolation of citral - the chemical compound responsible for the intense lemony aroma of lemon myrtle. In fact, lemon myrtle leaves contain the highest amount of citral (>90%) of any plant known in the world. This is why lemon myrtle is often described as lemonier than lemon itself.
Why is Lemon Myrtle Oil still around?
It’s safe to say that Lemon Myrtle Oil’s popularity is on the rise, especially among aromatherapy practitioners. Lemon Myrtle Oil seduces with its fresh, sweet, and lemony scent and is prized for its antibacterial, antifungal, sedative, and carminative properties. It can be used in a myriad of ways, including: in inhaler and diffuser blends intended to soothe and uplift at the same time; as an addition to skincare products to help with acne and oily skin; in warm baths to support the respiratory system as well as to relieve congestion; and as a disinfectant in household cleaning (it’s said to be more powerful than Tea Tree Oil).
Thanks to its high citral content, Lemon Myrtle Oil can be a wonderful ingredient in DIY deodorants. It can also help get rid of athlete’s foot, reduce inflammation caused by insect bites, alleviate pain caused by arthritis, heal cuts and wounds, and provide headache relief.
Extracting Lemon Myrtle Oil
Lemon Myrtle Oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and terminal branchlets of the Backhousia citriodora plant, also known as lemon myrtle, lemon scented myrtle, lemon scented ironwood, sweet verbena tree, and sweet verbena myrtle. Lemon myrtle is a flowering plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae. It’s indigenous to the subtropical rainforests of central and south-eastern Queensland, with a natural distribution from Mackay to Brisbane. Lemon myrtle grows 6-8 metres high, has attractive dark green leaves, and bears clusters of white flowers in summer.
Steam distillation is one of the most commonly used methods for extracting and isolating essential oils from plants. This process occurs when dry steam is passed through the plant material. The steam vaporises the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process. One of the most important advantages of steam distillation is that it generates organic solvent-free products.
Lemon Myrtle Oil possesses a fresh, sweet, and lemony aroma that’s both calming and elevating. Its colour is clear to pale yellow and its consistency is thin. Lemon Myrtle Oil is categorised as a top note.
The main chemical constituents of Lemon Myrtle Oil are: citral (geranial and neral), isogeranial, isoneral, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and linalool. It’s reported that Lemon Myrtle Oil contains up to 96% of the aldehyde citral, which has shown significant antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and food-spoilage bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Can I make Lemon Myrtle Oil at home?
Yes, you can! Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to extract essential oils at home is a good option. In case you don’t want to invest in steam distillation equipment, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full (if you live in Australia, you can grow your own lemon myrtle).
Please bear in mind that the quality of your product might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. This is why we suggest looking for 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Oil online or in a physical store.
Lemon Myrtle Oil possesses a fresh, sweet, and lemony aroma that’s both calming and elevating. Its colour is clear to pale yellow and its consistency is thin. Lemon Myrtle Oil is categorised as a top note.
The main chemical constituents of Lemon Myrtle Oil are: citral (geranial and neral), isogeranial, isoneral, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and linalool. It’s reported that Lemon Myrtle Oil contains up to 96% of the aldehyde citral, which has shown significant antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and food-spoilage bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Can I make Lemon Myrtle Oil at home?
Yes, you can! Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to extract essential oils at home is a good option. In case you don’t want to invest in steam distillation equipment, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full (if you live in Australia, you can grow your own lemon myrtle).
Please bear in mind that the quality of your product might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. This is why we suggest looking for 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Oil online or in a physical store.
Lemon Myrtle Oil Varieties
Lemon Myrtle Oil Varieties
As the name suggests, Lemon Myrtle Oil is derived from the lemon myrtle plant. Lemon myrtle, often referred to as lemon scented myrtle, lemon scented ironwood, sweet verbena tree, and sweet verbena myrtle, is a flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae and a distant cousin of Melaleuca alternifolia - a.k.a. tea tree.
Lemon myrtle has two essential oil chemotypes: citral and citronellal. The citral chemotype is widely available, whereas the citronellal chemotype is not that common and can be used as a bug repellant.
So, how to make a smart choice when shopping for Lemon Myrtle Oil?
The single most important thing you need to do is to determine whether the oil is authentic by looking for lemon myrtle’s botanical name on the product label - Backhousia citriodora. If you can’t find this scientific name on the packaging, we strongly advise you to choose another supplier. To fully experience the unique beauty of Lemon Myrtle Oil, we suggest opting for 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Oil. When shopping online or in a physical store, make sure the product you decide on isn’t an adulterated version of the oil or a blend (unless, of course, you’re looking for a specific combo).
Please keep in mind that lemon myrtle is sometimes confused with lemon ironbark, which is a different essential oil-bearing species (Eucalyptus staigeriana).
Have you ever had the chance to use Lemon Myrtle Oil? Do you like it? Is it a staple in your collection? As always, you’re welcome to start a conversation on any essential oil-inspired topic.
Lemon myrtle has two essential oil chemotypes: citral and citronellal. The citral chemotype is widely available, whereas the citronellal chemotype is not that common and can be used as a bug repellant.
So, how to make a smart choice when shopping for Lemon Myrtle Oil?
The single most important thing you need to do is to determine whether the oil is authentic by looking for lemon myrtle’s botanical name on the product label - Backhousia citriodora. If you can’t find this scientific name on the packaging, we strongly advise you to choose another supplier. To fully experience the unique beauty of Lemon Myrtle Oil, we suggest opting for 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Oil. When shopping online or in a physical store, make sure the product you decide on isn’t an adulterated version of the oil or a blend (unless, of course, you’re looking for a specific combo).
Please keep in mind that lemon myrtle is sometimes confused with lemon ironbark, which is a different essential oil-bearing species (Eucalyptus staigeriana).
Have you ever had the chance to use Lemon Myrtle Oil? Do you like it? Is it a staple in your collection? As always, you’re welcome to start a conversation on any essential oil-inspired topic.
Benefits of Lemon Myrtle Oil
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on doing the necessary research to enrich our understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. This enables us to help you pick the best oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We firmly believe that familiarising you with each and every one of our products, the numerous benefits they offer, and the adverse side effects that occur when they are misused is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. In this particular blog, we are going to dive into some of the many amazing benefits of Lemon Myrtle Oil.
Lemon Myrtle Oil is one of Australia’s most beautiful essential oils. It boasts a clean, uplifting, and wonderfully refreshing scent. In addition to deodorising stuffy rooms, Lemon Myrtle Oil can also:
Ward off seasonal threats and support the respiratory system
Lemon Myrtle Oil contains up to 96% of the aldehyde citral, which has shown strong antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. It’s reported that Lemon Myrtle Oil can also be used as an expectorant, meaning it can help with certain flu symptoms as well as bronchitis. If you’ve been looking for a winter-friendly essential oil with a gorgeous aroma, Lemon Myrtle Oil might be perfect for you.
Promote skin health
Thanks to its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant qualities, Lemon Myrtle Oil has become a popular ingredient in the world of skincare. It can assist with acne and oily skin, help heal cuts and wounds, fight athlete’s foot, combat clogged pores and blemish-causing free radicals, and even serve as a treatment for herpes - a skin infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). When it comes to applying Lemon Myrtle Oil topically, it’s immensely important to know that it should never be used undiluted. Experts say this oil must be used very carefully and at very low dilutions (some recommend a dermal maximum of 0.7%).
Repel insects
Many aromatherapy practitioners and essential oil enthusiasts adore Lemon Myrtle Oil’s scent, but insects don’t seem to enjoy it. If you love hiking and spending time in the great outdoors, Lemon Myrtle Oil should definitely be on your to-consider list.
Reduce inflammation
Lemon Myrtle Oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an effective massage oil. Lemon Myrtle Oil can relieve pain caused by arthritis and reduce inflammation caused by insect bites.
Promote feelings of tranquility and positivity
Lemon Myrtle Oil can create an atmosphere that’s soothing and elevating at the same time. This means that Lemon Myrtle Oil can be used to calm fragile nerves, relieve anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. You can reap this benefit by diffusing or inhaling the oil.
Lemon Myrtle Oil provides numerous incredible benefits. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t cause any harm. Due to its high citral content, Lemon Myrtle Oil carries a risk of sensitisation when applied topically. This is why it should always be diluted prior to topical use. Additionally, children and infants under the age of 2 as well as people with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin shouldn’t use this oil topically.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your physician before using this or any other essential oil
Uses of Lemon Myrtle Oil
We, the Essentially Yours team, take immense pleasure in learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you deepen your understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. Whether you are thinking about adding a certain oil or blend to your collection and want to learn its dos and don’ts or you are simply curious about the various methods of oil application - we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the most popular ways of using Lemon Myrtle Oil - an Australian native essential oil we absolutely adore.
The beauty of Lemon Myrtle Oil can be experienced in a number of different ways, including:
In diffusers
To purify the air, remove unpleasant room smells, and create an ambiance that’s both soothing and uplifting, add 2-4 drops of 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Oil to a diffuser or oil burner. This can help you calm your anxious mind and improve your mood. Additionally, Lemon Myrtle Oil can be mixed with Rosemary Oil and Peppermint Oil to create an energy-boosting diffuser or inhaler blend.
In skincare
To harness Lemon Myrtle Oil’s antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, consider enriching your daily facial cleanser, moisturiser, and body lotion with 1 drop of the oil. This can help you treat acne and oily skin, heal wounds and cuts, combat clogged pores and blemish-causing free radicals, and even get rid of herpes. To treat athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection, dilute a few drops of the oil and apply the mixture to the affected area. The recommended dermal maximum is 0.7%.
In massage blends
Lemon Myrtle Oil can relieve pain caused by arthritis. To make an effective massage blend, simply dilute 5 drops of Lemon Myrtle Oil with 100 ml of your favourite carrier oil (we suggest opting for Jojoba, Macadamia, Coconut, or Almond). For decongestion, mix the oil at a 0.5% dilution in a carrier oil and massage the blend onto your chest.
In warm baths
To treat coughs, relieve congestion, and promote clear breathing, add 1 drop of 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Oil to a warm bath. Alternatively, you can add 2 drops of the oil to a large bowl of hot water and inhale for about 5 minutes. Both of these options can help with stress and anxiety as well.
In household cleaning products
Due to its high citral content, Lemon Myrtle Oil is a powerful disinfectant. You can add a few drops of the oil to your vacuum cloth bag and the water you use to wash your floors. If you enjoy making your own home cleaners, consider adding a few drops of Lemon Myrtle Oil and a few drops of your favourite citrus oil to a glass spray bottle with distilled water and white vinegar.
Blends well with
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on constantly learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you choose the right oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with our products, the numerous benefits they boast, and the adverse side effects that occur when they aren’t properly used is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. This particular blog focuses on some of the oils Lemon Myrtle Oil works well with.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is a popular carrier oil. It’s derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant and has a delicate, nutty aroma. Jojoba Oil absorbs easily into the skin, doesn’t clog pores, and helps control sebum production. This is why Jojoba Oil is commonly used in massage blends and facial moisturisers.
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Almond Oil
Almond Oil (the sweet variety) is one of the most commonly used carrier oils. This affordable all-purpose carrier oil is made from the kernels of sweet almonds (botanical name: Prunus dulcis). Almond Oil is a primarily monounsaturated oil with mild, nutty aroma and medium viscosity. It absorbs into the skin relatively quickly, nourishing it through moisturisation and leaving it super soft. Almond Oil can soothe dry and irritated areas and is suitable for all skin types. Even though skin reactions to nut oils don’t occur often, it’s best to consult with your physician if you are allergic to nuts.
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Sweet Orange Oil
This is an extremely versatile and affordable essential oil. Its citrusy and sweet scent is similar to that of orange peels, which is probably why this oil is widely used in aromatherapy. When added to massage blends, Sweet Orange Oil can assist with slow digestion and flatulence. It can also help with mental and physical exhaustion.
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Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood Oil boasts a rich, deep, and sweet yet delicate and woody aroma. Sandalwood Oil is highly valued for its versatility. It can be used in perfumery, skincare, and, of course, aromatherapy. When diffused or inhaled, Sandalwood Oil calms and instills a sense of inner peace. It can help with stress, depression, and low self-esteem. Additionally, Sandalwood Oil can assist with bronchitis, chapped, dry, sensitive, and oily skin, scars, and stretch marks.
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Peppermint Oil
Peppermint Oil is a popular essential oil with an intense minty scent. At low dilutions, this oil is fresh and quite uplifting. Peppermint Oil is a great choice for blends intended to promote alertness and stimulation. It can also assist with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), flatulence, nausea, asthma, headaches, the common cold, itchy skin, and muscle pain.
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Rosalina Oil
Rosalina Oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca ericifolia tree, which means Lemon Myrtle and Rosalina are cousins. Rosalina Oil has a fresh, lemony, faintly camphorous and floral aroma. It’s a wonderful pick for restlessness, nervousness, irritability, sinus congestion, coughs, and household cleaning. When mixed together, Rosalina Oil and Lemon Myrtle Oil pack quite a punch.
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