Lemon myrtle leaves

Lemon myrtle leaves are among the traditional ingredients used in Australia and that have also become popular around the world in the form of lemon myrtle tea. Aside from the flavour, there are also a lot of health benefits that would make you want to drink lemon myrtle tea.

WHAT IS LEMON MYRTLE?

The botanical name of lemon myrtle is backhousia citriodora. It is a rainforest tree that can grow up to 8 metres high and is endemic in Queensland. Other names used for lemon myrtle include sweet verbana, lemon scented verbana, and lemon scented backhousia. Young lemon myrtles are commonly found in parts of Queensland especially in Brisbane suburbs where they are used as decorative bushes. They are cultivated for the delicate lemon scent and their lovely white flowers. They are grown commercially for their high citral (lemon oil) content using a steam distillation extraction process. The oil is used in various cleaning and cooking and skin care.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Due to its immense health benefits, lemon myrtle tea is said to be able to relieve some disorders such as spasms and muscle cramps, rheumatism, and headaches. Studies have also revealed that citral can help inhibit the growth of pathogens, organisms that causes diseases such as ulcers. It is also said to help reducing cellulite and the antioxidants found in citral can help boost the immune system. It can be used alone or can be combined with green tea as a caffeine replacement for coffee and black tea.

Herbalists and aromatherapists use lemon myrtle and its essential oil for various reasons. The fragrant aroma gives off a wonderful relaxing effect and is also said to improve your concentration as well as promote for better sleep. It can be used as inhalant for treating colds, flus, and other congestive disorders. As a topical treatment, it can be used for various skin conditions such warts and herpes complex. Although it can be applied to the skin in full strength, it is best advised to dilute it first with neural vegetable oils.

LEMON MYRTLE ESSENTIAL OIL BENEFITS AND USES

While it may not seem as common as other Australia based essential oils, lemon myrtle essential oil has many of the same benefits. It is host to a number of substances which are extremely useful in keeping your home and body healthy. The benefits and uses of lemon myrtle essential oil are comparable to those of other oils such as tea tree, especially in regards to its effects on viruses and bacteria.

6 MAJOR BENEFITS AND USES OF LEMON MYRTLE ESSENTIAL OIL

1. Disinfectant

In a world that is full of viruses and bacteria that are quickly becoming resistant to traditional treatments, essential oils may be the answer to staying healthy. Lemon myrtle shares the antibacterial properties of lemon and tea tree oil and has been shown to be effective against even new strains of staph and many foodborne diseases. (1)

Mix a few drops of this oil with vinegar and tea tree to create a spray that will disinfect surfaces anywhere in your house. Diffusing in the air should kill any airborne bacteria which may cause seasonal allergies and respiratory distress.

2. Ease Fungal Infections

Along with powerful antibacterial properties, lemon myrtle oil has also been shown to have antifungal properties as well. (2) This is helpful in the preservation of foods that are prone to fungal infections, and lemon myrtle has been used as a natural preservative. Someone who suffers from repeated fungal infections such as athlete’s foot may find a rub of lemon myrtle oil and a carrier oil may help reduce incidences of the infection or even prevent it all together. It may also be helpful in treating in a candida overgrowth in the body as well.

3. Skin Treatment

Much like tea tree oil, lemon myrtle has an effect on skin eruptions such as acne. Acne is sometimes caused by the overproduction of oil on the skin, which then clogs pores and encourages the overgrowth of bacteria. This results in an inflamed mark on the skin. Lemon myrtle has been shown to kill the bacteria found in acne, as well as soothing the skin around it. (3)

Add a few drops of lemon myrtle oil to some witch hazel to treat breakouts. The witch hazel will help shrink pores and help keep further breakouts from occurring. Treating the infection may even prevent further scarring.

4. Ease Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety and depression may have different causes, such as inflammation of the nerves in the brain which prevent the proper usage of mood balancing hormones. Not only does lemon myrtle possess anti-inflammatory properties which soothe the inflamed nerves, but it is also slightly sedative so it helps to relax tension which can exacerbate anxiety. (4)

When choosing a mood-lifting mix, lemon myrtle essential oil blends well with other citrus smelling oils such as orange or lemon. Using these scents in your diffuser may help relax your tension and lift your mood.

5. Treat Viral Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum can be an unsightly and painful series of eruptions of the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body and is usually present in children. Traditional treatment included abrasion of the skin to stimulate the body’s immune response. Treating with lemon myrtle oil may prevent further spread of the infection and help ease some of the skin inflammation, which occurs. (5)

Mixing with a carrier oil, apply a topical solution of lemon myrtle to the Mollusca daily until they shrink or go away. Since it is a virus, the oil does not cure the virus but alleviates the symptoms that are found with and allows the body to heal properly.

6. Lemon Myrtle Oil Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

For people who have inflammation like arthritis or even internal inflammatory issues, it can be uncomfortable. However, lemon myrtle oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help to fight both external and internal inflammation. (6, 7)

You can make a soothing massage oil by mixing three or four drops of lemon myrtle essential oil with an ounce or two of your carrier oil. Massage this mixture into your joints or any inflamed areas. If you have access to fresh lemon myrtle, pick a few leaves and drop them in boiling water and let them seep to make an anti-inflammatory tea.

WHAT IS THE BEST LEMON MYRTLE ESSENTIAL OIL?

Since there are so many essential oils to choose from, we’ve rounded up our top three picks for the best lemon myrtle essential oil. Our short reviews are below for you to compare.

HOW TO DILUTE LEMON MYRTLE OIL FOR MOLLUSCUM

It’s always best to dilute your essential oils before you apply them topically because they can be strong enough to cause a reaction. To dilute the essential oils, you combine them with a carrier oil of your choosing in the following ratios:

1% Dilution:

Best for daily use, facial application, long-term use, and for children under two.

• 2 tsp = 3 drops EO
• 3 tsp/1 tbsp = 4 drops EO
• 6 tsp/2 tbsp/1 oz = 9 drops EO

2% Dilution:

Best for daily use, bath and body products, and child

• 2 tsp = 6 drops EO
• 3 tsp/1 tbsp = 9 drops EO
• 6 tsp/2 tbsp/1 oz = 18 drops EO

3% Dilution:

Best for localized, specific discomfort.

• 2 tsp = 9 drops EO
• 3 tsp/1 tbsp =013 drops EO
• 6 tsp/2 tbsp/1 oz = 27 drops EO

5% Dilution:

Best for short-term use of a localized area.

• 2 tsp = 15 drops EO
• 3 tsp/1 tbsp = 22 drops EO
• 6 tsp/2 tbsp/1 oz = 45 drops EO

10% Dilution:

Best for Molluscum, acute situations, and areas of concern.

• 2 tsp = 30 drops EO
• 3 tsp/1 tbsp = 45 drops EO
• 6 tsp/2 tbsp/1 oz = 90 drops EO

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