Crush a lemon myrtle leaf between your fingers and you will understand why this Australian native is so loved. The scent is brighter and more lemony than a lemon itself. Here is what lemon myrtle is, how people use its oil and how to enjoy it safely.
Quick answer: lemon myrtle essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Backhousia citriodora, a tree native to the rainforests of Queensland. It has a fresh, intensely lemony scent and is used in natural fragrance, home cleaning and blends. It is a strong oil, so always use it well diluted and patch test first.
What lemon myrtle is
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a flowering tree from the subtropical rainforests of central and south-east Queensland. Aboriginal communities have used the leaves for thousands of years, and today the tree is grown commercially across Queensland and northern New South Wales for its leaf and oil.
Its scent comes from citral, the same aromatic compound found in lemons and lemongrass. Lemon myrtle has one of the highest citral levels of any plant, which is why it smells so vivid.
What lemon myrtle oil smells like
Think lemon sherbet with a soft green, herbal edge. It is sweeter and cleaner than lemongrass and more intense than lemon peel. In a blend it acts as a bright top note, the first thing you notice.
| Lemon myrtle | Lemongrass | Lemon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | Australian native tree, leaves | Tropical grass, leaves | Citrus fruit, peel |
| Scent | Sweet, sherbet-like, very lemony | Grassy, earthy lemon | Fresh, zesty, light |
| Strength | Very strong | Strong | Light, fades quickly |
| Main use | Fragrance, cleaning, Australian bush blends | Fragrance, cleaning | Fragrance, uplifting blends |
How people use lemon myrtle oil
- As a scent. A small amount in a blend brings freshness and an unmistakably Australian character.
- Around the home. A few drops in a homemade surface spray give a clean, bright scent.
- In cooking, the leaf, not the oil. Dried lemon myrtle leaf is a popular bush food in tea, baking and marinades. The essential oil is far more concentrated and should not be eaten.
Lemon myrtle in the Impermanence blend
Impermanence, the Australian bush roll-on from Mirosuna, pairs lemon myrtle with frankincense, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper and Australian sandalwood. Lemon myrtle and eucalyptus open the blend brightly, cypress and juniper bring a green, foresty heart, and frankincense and Australian sandalwood settle it with warmth. The result smells like a walk in the bush after rain.
Like every Mirosuna oil, it is certified organic, vegan, made in Melbourne and free from synthetic fragrance. You can read how all five blends are put together in essential oil blends explained.
$38, or all five in the Full Set of 5 Mirosuna Oils for $190. Ships Australia-wide. Thank you for supporting a small Melbourne studio.
Safety
- Always dilute. Lemon myrtle is rich in citral, which can irritate the skin at high strength. Use it at a low dilution in a carrier oil, or choose a ready-made blend.
- Patch test on your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
- Keep it away from children and pets, and never take the oil internally.
- In pregnancy, please check with your doctor or midwife first.
Every Mirosuna oil is for external use only. Please patch test on a small area of skin first, keep it away from your eyes and face, and stop using it if irritation occurs. Take extra care with aromatherapy in pregnancy and around children, and if you have any health concerns, please check with a registered health practitioner before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is lemon myrtle oil good for?
It is mostly loved for its scent: fresh and bright in a blend or natural perfume, and clean-smelling in homemade cleaning sprays.
Is lemon myrtle the same as lemongrass?
No. Lemon myrtle is an Australian rainforest tree; lemongrass is a tropical grass. Both contain citral, but lemon myrtle smells sweeter and more intensely lemony.
Can you put lemon myrtle oil on your skin?
Only well diluted in a carrier oil, and after a patch test. Never apply it undiluted.
Thank you for reading. If you have a question about Impermanence, please email hello@mirosuna.com.