What’s so great about Lemon Myrtle?

“A lemon lolly aroma, perfumed with some menthol notes” and “lemonier than lemon” is how our native lemon myrtle has been described.

Lemon Myrtle, also known as Sweet Verbena, comes from a subtropical plant only found in Australia and has been used for medicine and flavouring in Australia for hundreds, if not, thousands of years.

But perhaps even more important than flavour is the astonishing range of properties of lemon myrtle that make it an essential ingredient for good health.

The Lemon Myrtle Tree (Backhousia citriodora) was prized by the Indigenous Australians for its healing properties and for use in cooking. They would wrap the leaves in paperbark to flavour fish dishes, and treat headaches by crushing and inhaling the leaves. It was also an effective insect repellent when the volatile leaves were burned on the campfire. A natural antiseptic paste was made with Lemon Myrtle leaves to help heal wounds.

Lemon Myrtle has been found to contain the highest citral purity of all citral containing essential oils. It also contains vitamins A and E and impressive amounts of the minerals calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It is also known for its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant properties. 

Rich in antioxidants, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, lemon myrtle has been known to be effective in easing the symptoms of:

• Sinus Problems
• Sore Throats
• Digestive Issues
• Allergies
• Acne
• Depression
• Oral Health
• Headaches
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Cramps
• Viral Infections
• Bad odours
• Insect Bites

With its uplifting and relaxing lemon aroma and a smooth and rich lemon smell, the Lemon Myrtle scent is appreciated by everyone, being not too flowery or too spicy.

It can also be sedative and calming; improves concentration and is anti-depressive. It soothes the symptoms of hypertension; aids happiness and promotes rest; removes bad room smells, and, the best bit, may help to calm noisy children. Just what you need for the school holidays!

Use in an oil burner, air purifier, air freshener, in potpourri, massage oil or a bath.
You can also use the oil for cleaning. Just add a couple drops to your vacuum cleaner filter, in the water you use to wash your floors or into your dish washing liquid.

But the best thing about Lemon Myrtle…. it’s Aussie as!