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 ou