Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora) Essential Oil Profile, Benefits, Properties

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• Color: Pale Yellow
• Oil Consistency: Thin
• Perfumery Note: Top
• Initial Aroma Strength: Strong
• Scent: Extremely lemony and crisp. More “lemony” than true Lemon (Citrus limonum) oil.

Action: Antibacterial, germicidal, sedative, antidepressant, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant, hypotensive, calmative, mental stimulant, uplifting, relaxant

Benefits, Indications: Lemon Myrtle is a much more effective germ killer than the more familiar Tea Tree. Anecdotal evidence from Australian aromatherapists, who have tested Lemon Myrtle indicate that it can be effective for relieving chest congestion whether diffused or in a massage blend.

It also seems useful for relaxation, uplifting emotions, and soothing sleep. It has been used to treat allergies, colds, sore throats, gastric disturbances and infections. It has further been used to alleviate headaches, fevers and muscle cramps and spasms.

Chemical Constituents: Citral (Neral (alpha citral) and Geranial (beta-citral)) comprises 90-98% of the oil. Other minor constituents are myrcene, methylheptenone, linalool, isocitrals, unusual dehydro-1,8-cineole.

Companion Oils: Atlas, benzoin, bergamot, elemi, eucalyptus, black pepper, cedarwood, frankincense, myrrh, neroli, rose, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, clary sage, coriander, melissa, rosewood, ylang ylang

Precautions: Due to the high citral content of the essential oil, there is a risk of sensitization when applied topically, so always use diluted, and take care with sensitive, diseased or damaged skin.

Science and Research

• Evaluation of commercial essential oil samples on the growth of postharvest pathogen Monilinia fructicola (G. Winter) Honey.
• Authenticity control of essential oils containing citronellal and citral by chiral and stable-isotope gas-chromatographic analysis.
• Effect of essential oil concentration on the pH of nutrient and Iso-sensitest broth.
• Essential oil of Australian lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children.
• Toxicity of Australian essential oil Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle). Part 2. Absorption and histopathology following application to human skin.
• Bioactivity of Backhousia citriodora: antibacterial and antifungal activity.
• Toxicity of Australian essential oil Backhousia citriodora (Lemon myrtle). Part 1. Antimicrobial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity.

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