Used by our indigenous communities as a natural medicine for centuries.
Lemon Myrtle (backhousia citriodora) native to NSW and Queensland, grows up to 3 metres high and has clusters of soft, creamy, puffball flowers all of which exude a lemon/ lemon verbena fragrance.
Used in a multitude of ways from chewing the leaves, made into a paste for topical treatments, made into a tea or distilled into a pure and natural essential oil. Lemon myrtle is useful for treating bites, acne, bacterial infections and sores, it is also really useful for mossie repellants.
The essential oil is not recommended to use directly on the skin, it is diluted down to 1% because of the natural concentration of its active ingredients.
Citral is the active ingredient, contained within the lemon myrtle leaf, has powerful anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, which are even superior to those of terpene hydrocarbons found in the renowned tea tree oil. Which means it does all kinds of wonders for your body, skin and hair.
A great source of antioxidants, that provide comprehensive protection from oxidative stress, as well as other health benefits. An excellent source of folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and essential minerals including zinc and magnesium.
According to the American Chemical Society,"The essential oils were found to be effective antibacterial and antifungal agents" "The antimicrobial activity of B. citriodora (lemon myrtle) essential oils was found to be greater than that of citral alone and often superior to Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) essential oil. B. citriodora has significant antimicrobial activity that has potential as an antiseptic or surface disinfectant or for inclusion in foods as a natural antimicrobial agent."
Vasse Virgin has a range of skin care with Lemon Myrtle and teamed up with the similar anti-microbial active ingredients of Lavender essential oil to create a range that is nourishing to the skin, rich in anti-oxidants, a natural astringent, and have powerful anti-bacterial properties.
You can find our Lemon Myrtle range HERE.
