Australian Lemon Myrtle

I just returned from a visit to Australia and one of my many wonderful discoveries was an introduction to this amazing herb!

Indigenous Australians have used lemon myrtle for thousands of years for food and medicine.

Lemon myrtle, also known as Backhousia citriodora, is an Australian shrub with many uses and benefits: 

• Food Lemon myrtle has a distinct flavor and fragrance that can be used in sweet and savory
• cooking. You can add lemon myrtle powder or flakes to fish, chicken stuffing, damper, ice cream, or sorbet. 
• Tea Lemon myrtle can be used to make herbal infusions for hot or iced tea. 
• Aromatherapy Lemon myrtle essential oil can be used in oil burners or as a misting spray. 
• Personal care Lemon myrtle essential oil can be used in cosmetics and personal care items such as soaps, creams, toothpaste, and shampoo and conditioners. 
• Health Lemon myrtle has many potential health benefits, including:
  • Immune system: Lemon myrtle can help strengthen your immune system. 
  • Sinus infection: Lemon myrtle has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce infection. 
  • Oral health: Lemon myrtle can be used to treat mouth ulcers, irritation, and tooth problems. 
  • Sleep: Lemon myrtle has a relaxing effect that can calm the mind. 
  • Insect bites: Lemon myrtle can help calm the affected area and reduce inflammation. 
  • Menstrual cramps: Lemon myrtle can ease menstrual cramps and reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. 
  • Acne: Lemon myrtle’s antiseptic properties can help heal skin infections and clear acne. 
• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties Lemon myrtle has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that are superior to those of tea tree oil.