Lemon Myrtle 

An Australian natural, Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora ) is gaining quite a reputation. The Australian Journal of Medicinal Herbalism reported, in 1991, the oil of lemon myrtle to be antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, a calmative and a sedative.  The essential oil is uplifting, invigorating and refreshing.

Containing over 95% citral, the essential oil is the  most concentrated source of lemon scent for perfume and culinary uses.  In fact during WWII the leaves of the lemon myrtle were actually used by the soft drink company Tarax to flavour lemonade.  Northern Queensland Aboriginals used the leaves to flavour their food and would wrap lemon myrtle around wounds to aid healing.  In fact lemon myrtle’s healing properties are purported to exceed those of Tea Tree with reports of it being effective against some of todays  most difficult to treat bacteria.

When using Lemon Myrtle around the home, always use it significantly diluted in a carrier oil, otherwise sensitisation can occur.   Here at Moon-Haven we use Lemon Myrtle in our Sea Grass Soap where its heavenly lemony scent invigorates and uplifts.  It’s great if you have blocked sinus  too.