Lemon myrtle essential oil is distilled from the fragrant leaves of trees native to Southern Queensland, Australia. The oil is one of the most pure natural sources of citral, the molecules with the potent, bright lemony aroma. Where you'll find similar notes in Lemon Tea Tree, Lemongrass and Lemon Verbena, Lemon Myrtle may have the freshest, cleanest scent of them all.

Lemon Myrtle has potent antimicrobial properties, being particularly noted for its beneficial effects in cases of influenza, bronchitis and herpes simplex virus outbreaks.

With these properties of an incredibly fresh, clean scent, and potent antimicrobial action, the essential oil is well suited to diffuser use. It has been anecdotally reported that Lemon Myrtle essential oil alone can be potent enough alone to support the immune system through the cold and flu season.

You can synergize the oil with other potent immune-system boosting essential oils such as Bay Laurel, Eucalyptus, Thyme or Pine. Aromatically, Lemon Myrtle will blend nicely with herbaceous oils, evergreen needle oils and cold-pressed citrus oils. The aroma can have a brightening, uplifting effect on the mind and emotions.

While noted as non-toxic, the citral level indicates there may be potential for skin sensitization or photosensitivity. Meaning, don't apply in large amounts to your skin. The oil can be an excellent treatment for acne, and should be applied sparingly. For example, put a drop on the end of a cotton swab, then use that to dab on to pimples individually.

The essential oil is also used as a lemon-flavoring agent. It can safely be added to any dish where a touch of lemon flavor is desired. Like cooking with any essential oil, use less than you think necessary! While we haven't yet used Lemon Myrtle oil this way, we've found just a couple of drops of Basil adds a lovely flavor to pasta sauce ~ four drops of basil and everything taste like basil!

To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners.