Lemon Myrtle / Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a rainforest tree that originally grew in the tropical and subtropical areas of the east coast of Australia, although it is now grown in several other regions of the world, such as South Africa, Europe and even the southern regions of the United States.
Its steam distilled essential oil is not all that common, but its therapeutic benefits are increasingly recognized. It is especially well known for its uplifting and calming properties, as well as its strong antiviral activity, for which it has been listed as a therapeutic product under the Australian Medicines Act.
Lemon Myrtle essential oil is not only valued for its therapeutic properties, it also has a wonderful rich lemon scent that even people who don't like lemon scents find refreshing and pleasant. Its aroma is often described as a combination of lemon, lime and lemongrass. That is why you can often hear such an expression "more lemony than the lemon itself."
It is a rich source of the chemical known as citral, which in turn is the reason for such powerful therapeutic properties. This oil is actually the purest and most potent natural source of citral, which sets it apart from other oils in the citrus family.
Citral has natural, pronounced antiviral actions. Lemon Myrtle Oil is also a very powerful natural antioxidant and rich in phenolic compounds, folate, lutein, and vitamins A and E. Lemon Myrtle is also rich in many essential minerals such as zinc, calcium and magnesium.
Useful properties of Lemon Myrtle / Lemon Myrtle
This essential oil has the following therapeutic properties:
- Antifungal
- Antispasmodic
- Antibacterial
- Sedatives
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- antiseptic
How to use Lemon Myrtle essential oil / Lemon Myrtle. 10 ways.
1. FOR MENTAL ACTIVITY
Lemon Myrtle essential oil has many benefits for the physical body, but it's also a great oil to use when you're mentally stressed. It has an uplifting aroma and has calming properties that are great for times of stress or increased mental stress.
It can also be used before bed to ensure a good night's sleep - especially for insomniacs who have become addicted to potentially harmful pharmaceutical drugs.
2. FOR SKIN
The antiseptic and antifungal properties of Lemon Myrtle essential oil make it ideal for treating a range of dermatological conditions including acne, psoriasis and eczema. It can also be used to treat cold sores, warts, and reduce redness.
And that's not all, it can also be used to relieve itching and stop inflammation. Be sure to dilute Lemon Myrtle with vegetable oil before applying it to your skin. For acne, most experts recommend dipping a cotton ball in pure distilled water and then adding one drop of Lemon Myrtle before applying the cotton ball to the affected areas.
3. Molluscum contagiosum
It is a viral infection that affects the skin. It is most common in children, but can appear at any age and is increasingly sexually transmitted in young people. Since traditional treatments are invasive and require tissue damage that is accompanied by pain, there is an active search for a gentler and more natural remedy.
A study published in 2004 demonstrated the effectiveness of Lemon Myrtle essential oil for the treatment of this condition. 9 out of 16 children treated with this oil felt significantly better, with a 90% reduction in skin lesions after 21 days compared to other patients. It should also be noted that there were no adverse reactions.
4. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Lemon Myrtle essential oil is gaining more and more positive reviews when it comes to respiratory complaints. It helps reduce the frequency of colds and flu. Treats sinus problems and bronchitis. Effective for bacterial infections of the throat.
Do hot inhalations with the addition of a few drops of Lemon Myrtle / Lemon Myrtle.
5. WOUNDS AND CUTS
The powerful antibacterial properties of Lemon Myrtle essential oil make it particularly useful in treating cuts and minor wounds. It can destroy bacteria and prevent further spread. This oil can also relieve itching and irritation caused by insect bites or stings.
6. INFLAMMATION AND PAIN
Lemon Myrtle essential oil can help with inflammation in the body and provides effective relief from rheumatism.
Add a few drops to your bath base, then relax and feel pain and discomfort disappear.
7. IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
It is believed that this essential oil can stimulate the immune system. Numerous reviews confirm its benefits for weakened organisms that are prone to illness. Be sure to use an ultrasonic diffuser to spray it. During the period of illness, you can do this throughout the day! It is necessary to start with small sessions for allergy sufferers and sensitive people.
8. ANTISPASMATIC PROPERTIES
The anti-spasmodic properties of Lemon Myrtle essential oil give it a wide range of uses when it comes to causing spasms. It is known to help relieve stomach cramps or spasms when irritated, which are the result of an adverse reaction to food.
9. FOR HOME AND LIFE
Because of its delicious lemon scent and its antiseptic qualities, Lemon Myrtle essential oil has a wide range of uses beyond body and mind. Its scent alone, when diffused throughout the home, can uplift the spirits and moods of the entire family, and help to get rid of any lingering smells of cooking or tobacco.
You can also use this oil to clean your home, especially in areas prone to bacterial buildup, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Simply mix a few drops with clean water, then wipe your surfaces or any corners containing long-forgotten grime.
10. FOR RELAXATION AND FEELING OF HARMONY
To make a soothing and aromatic massage blend, simply dilute Lemon Myrtle / Lemon Myrtle in the required amounts with your carrier oil (for example, V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex).
Add a few drops of foundation to a warm bath for an even more relaxing break.
One of the promising plants for Australia as a source of valuable essential oil and as a spice. (Backhousia citriodora F.Muell.) is an evergreen woody plant in the myrtle/Myrtaceae family native to the rainforests of eastern Australia. The tree can reach 20 meters, but grows much less in cultivation. The bright green leaves are opposite, oval, 5-12 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm wide. The flowers are creamy white, 5-7 mm in diameter, collected in racemes at the ends of the branches, appear in summer and bloom until autumn. Commercial cultivation of lemon myrtle takes place in Australia on the north coast of New South Wales and partly in Astonville. Two related spices, anise myrtle (Backhousia anisata) and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia), are also cultivated in small quantities for essential oil production. The botanical name Backhousia was given in 1853 in honor of the English botanist James Backhouse. The common name reflects the strong lemon scent of crushed leaves. Australian Aborigines have long used lemon myrtle as an antibiotic. Lemon myrtle essential oil contains a lot of citral, more than lemongrass and has antimicrobial properties, but poisonous in high concentration. When diluted to a concentration of about 1%, the poisonous effect disappears, and the oil is used as a medicinal lotion for skin infections. The taste and smell of lemon myrtle leaves is very similar to lemon, but brighter and richer and does not contain acid. Gourmets consider its taste to be "more lemony than lemon". Lemon myrtle leaves are also used in cooking, especially in the newfangled Australian "bushfood" style. Australian cuisine is still developing and defining its national character, but it can be said that bushfood style dishes absorb the influence of all the immigrants to the Australian continent, and local herbs and spices give a typical Australian flavor. So far, lemon myrtle is not widely available outside of Australia, but its use is gradually expanding - for lemon sauces for pasta, for fish, flavoring vegetable oils and vinegars, and in herbal teas. The leaves are also used to flavor poultry - 1-2 leaves are enough for fried chicken. Lemon myrtle is a good substitute for lemon in dairy dishes such as cheesecake, lemon ice cream, and sorbet, which can usually curdle with citric acid. In industry, lemon myrtle is used for the production of soft drinks and other soft drinks.
Herbal Tea Blend:
2 parts oregano flowers
2 parts field mint leaves
1 part agastache fennel leaves
1 part melissa leaves
2-3 lemon myrtle leaves
1 part green tea
1. FOR MENTAL ACTIVITY
Lemon Myrtle essential oil has many benefits for the physical body, but it's also a great oil to use when you're mentally stressed. It has an uplifting aroma, and has calming properties that are great for times or increased mental stress.
It can also be used before bed to ensure a good night's sleep - especially for sufferers who have become addicted to potentially harmful pharmaceuticals.
2. FOR SKIN
The antiseptic and antifungal properties of Lemon Myrtle essential oil make it ideal for treating a range of dermatological conditions including acne, psoriasis and eczema. It can also be used to treat cold sores and reduce redness.
And that's not all, it can also be used to relieve itching and stop inflammation. Be sure to dilute Lemon Myrtle with vegetable oil before applying it to your skin. For acne, most experts recommend dipping a cotton ball in pure distilled water and then adding one drop of Lemon Myrtle before applying the cotton ball to the affected areas.
3. Molluscum contagiosum
It is a viral infection that affects the skin. It is most common in children, but can appear at any age and is increasingly sexually transmitted in young people. Since traditional treatments are invasive and require tissue damage that is accompanied by pain, there is an active search for a gentler and more natural remedy.
A study published in 2004 demonstrated the effectiveness of Lemon Myrtle essential oil for the treatment of this condition. 9 out of 16 children treated with this oil felt significantly better, with a 90% reduction in skin lesions after 21 days compared to other patients. It should also be noted that there were no adverse reactions.
4. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Lemon Myrtle essential oil is gaining more and more positive reviews when it comes to respiratory complaints. It helps reduce the frequency of colds and flu. Treats sinus problems and bronchitis. Effective for bacterial infections of the throat.
Do hot inhalations with the addition of a few drops of Lemon Myrtle / Lemon Myrtle.
5. WOUNDS AND CUTS
The powerful antibacterial properties of Lemon Myrtle essential oil make it particularly useful in treating cuts and minor wounds. It can destroy bacteria and prevent further spread. This oil can also relieve itching and irritation caused by insect bites or stings.
6. INFLAMMATION AND PAIN
Lemon Myrtle essential oil can help with inflammation in the body and provides effective relief from rheumatism.
Add a few drops to your bath base, then relax and feel pain and discomfort disappear.
7. IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
It is believed that this essential oil can stimulate the immune system. Numerous reviews confirm its benefits for weakened organisms that are prone to illness. Be sure to use an ultrasonic diffuser to spray it. During the period of illness, you can do this throughout the day! It is necessary to start with small sessions for allergy sufferers and sensitive people.
8. ANTISPASMATIC PROPERTIES
The anti-spasmodic properties of Lemon Myrtle essential oil give it a wide range of uses when it comes to causing spasms. It is known to help relieve stomach cramps or spasms when irritated, which are the result of an adverse reaction to food.
9. FOR HOME AND LIFE
Because of its delicious lemon scent and its antiseptic qualities, Lemon Myrtle essential oil has a wide range of uses beyond body and mind. Its scent alone, when diffused throughout the home, can uplift the spirits and moods of the entire family, and help to get rid of any lingering smells of cooking or tobacco.
You can also use this oil to clean your home, especially in areas prone to bacterial buildup, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Simply mix a few drops with clean water, then wipe your surfaces or any corners containing long-forgotten grime.
10. FOR RELAXATION AND FEELING OF HARMONY
To make a soothing and aromatic massage blend, simply dilute Lemon Myrtle / Lemon Myrtle in the required amounts with your carrier oil (eg.).
Add a few drops of foundation to a warm bath for an even more relaxing break.
Before going to bed, use to make your sleep more restful and deep.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
- There is no information on any specific contraindications.
- Lemon Myrtle essential oil / Lemon Myrtle is considered safe and non-toxic.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women use after consulting their doctor.
- Before lubricating the skin profusely, it is necessary to test its reaction, for which start with very small volumes with a copious dilution of the carrier oil.
- May be photosensitive and it is recommended to avoid exposure to direct sunlight for at least 48 hours after applying it to the skin.
- Use with great caution on animals (minimum amount, preferably diluted).
Most of us are familiar with Australia only from the old film Crocodile Dundee, and even from the recently shown Crocodile Hunter. The real "Terra australis incognita" awaits us in terms of spices and spices. Thanks to Margo from Culinara, I was able to get to know some of them a little closer. Of course, they are more of a toretical interest, but, as they say, "you will be with us in Australia ..."
In the 200 years of settler colonization of the Australian mainland, very little has been done in the development of edible native plants. Only since the seventies of the last century began scientific research on the cultivation and experiments in growing Australian plants in culture and breeding animals so as not to harm natural communities. To date, more than 40 different plants have been studied that have edible seeds, fruits, tubers, but no more than a dozen of them are now more or less widely used commercially in Australia itself.
Nowadays, along with the growing interest in Australia as an environmentally friendly continent, the demand for local products has also grown, which gave impetus to the active development of an entire industry called "Creative Native Australian Cuisine", using local Australian products - "bushfood". Initially used only by the natives, these products are already being actively introduced into world cuisine.
Australian cuisine is still developing and defining its national character, but it can be said that bushfood style dishes absorb the influence of all immigrants to the Australian continent - they are rich in spices and quite spicy, thanks to immigrants from Asia, who instilled in Australians a taste for spicy food. And local herbs and spices give a certain Australian flavor to traditional food, familiar to European immigrants.
Shops and restaurants are open in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, promoting the so-called "new Australian products". The most famous bushfood is ostrich and kangaroo meat. Today, kangaroo and crocodile steaks have already reached our restaurants. And our ostriches will soon become a proverb: “something the ostriches ran away - probably by the rain”, now we have ostrich farms like shoe polish.
So far, spices and bushfood cuisine can only be found in Australia, but who knows, perhaps they will become world famous and have a happy fate in those culinary styles that the whole world enjoys today?
LEMON MYRT
Let's start with lemon myrtle. evergreen subtropical tree Backhousia citriodora F. Muell. or Lemon myrtle- a member of the myrtle family.
This Australian plant is the most well studied and cultivated to date - commercial cultivation of lemon myrtle is carried out in Australia on the north coast of New South Wales and partly in Astonville. Essential oil of lemon myrtle is extracted commercially and used for the production of beverages, ready-made sauces and dressings, and cosmetic products.
As a spice, the very name of which contains the essence, leaves are used, with a pronounced and rich lemon taste and smell. Sometimes the taste of lemon myrtle is considered even "more lemon than lemon". At the same time, it does not contain the acid characteristic of lemon at all.
While lemon myrtle is not widely available outside of Australia, its use is gradually expanding. You can use it for lemon pasta sauces or cook fish with it. For fried chicken, 1-2 leaves inserted inside instead of lemon are enough.
Lemon myrtle can serve as a good substitute for lemon in dairy dishes that tend to curdle with citric acid, such as cheesecake, pudding, custard, or lemon ice cream and sorbet.
A few leaves can be used to flavor vegetable oils and salad dressings. For example, this: cut half a head of iceberg. Peel and cut into Chokoes or Chayote Scald first with boiling water, and then with ice water, a handful of mung bean sprouts. Mix everything and pour dressing whipped from oil and vinegar flavored with lemon myrtle. Sprinkle the salad with grated macadamia nuts.
Lemon myrtle decoction can be used to make syrup for soft drinks and sherbets.
Lemon myrtle is a great addition to green tea or rooibos tea or any herbal tea, albeit ginger. For one cup of ginger tea, 1 tsp is enough. brew freshly grated ginger root together with a lemon myrtle leaf or add (as I did) 1 tsp. seasonings Oz Lemon- Lemon ounce based on dried lemon myrtle leaves. Strain through a coffee filter and drink warm. This tea perfectly warms with colds and sore throats.
Dry leaves of lemon myrtle perfectly preserve the aroma, which is used in the production of this seasoning. The composition of the seasoning includes leaves of lemon and anise myrtle, the pulp of the fruits of acronychia (wild Australian lime), lemon peel, lemon myrtle extract. Its aroma is quite complex - with tones of lemon, lemon grass and a slight sour-anise taste.
It is better to add dry leaves or such a universal lemon seasoning shortly before the end of cooking - with prolonged heat treatment, the aroma disappears. It is better to sprinkle fish or poultry with dry seasoning when you have just taken it out of the oven - the aroma will fully open just on the table. Seasoning is also suitable for preparing dairy dishes - cottage cheese paste, whipped cream, yogurt - you just need to add it to taste and let it brew for 10 minutes.
HERBAL TEA MIXTURE
2 parts oregano flowers
2 parts field mint leaves
1 part anise hyssop leaves
1 part melissa leaves
1 part lemon myrtle seasoning
1 part green tea
In small quantities, two spices related to lemon myrtle are also cultivated for essential oil production and as spices - anise myrtle (Backhousia anisata) and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia).
Fresh or dried leaves of anise myrtle are also used as spices: for baking, for chicken and fish. Anise myrtle goes well with fruits, almonds, chocolate, ice cream and other desserts. And also with such dishes as bread, cheese, tomatoes, seafood. True, anise myrtle is more of a seasoning for lovers, as, in general, anise itself.
Lemon myrtle is called Backhousia citriodora F. Muell, Lemon myrtle. An evergreen tree with fragrant shiny leaves 10 cm long and up to 5 cm wide.
It blooms with white, cream or slightly yellow flowers that bloom in tassels at the tips of the branches.
Flowering may not stop all summer. The fruits of the pollinated plant are bright, juicy blue berries that are sometimes used as a spice. If they ripen, they are able to produce seeds.
How to care at home?
Lemon myrtle does not require special care at home, but there are a number of conditions that must be observed. The plant needs to be transplanted into a container with a good layer of drainage, filled with a substrate of leafy humus, sand and peat.
IMPORTANT! Do not damage the tree, gently place the root system freely in a pot, sprinkle with peat. From spring to autumn, the plant should be supported with fertilizers, but in winter this should not be done, myrtle almost does not grow at this time.
Lighting
Lemon myrtle loves the sun very much, tolerates direct sunlight, therefore, it is recommended to grow it on windows from the south, east, west sides. In good light, a 3-5 year old plant begins to bloom.
Temperature
In winter, you can lower the temperature even to 10 degrees Celsius, myrtle normally tolerates both such drops and drafts.
Batteries can damage it. heating or frosty air.
Air humidity
Active growth requires very high humidity, which must be maintained by spraying the leaves.
Watering
Myrtle needs watering almost all year round, in no case soil should not be allowed to dry out. Even during the dormant period, which lasts from 1 to 3 months, you need to periodically moisten the soil and leaves.
Bloom
Myrtle blooms with small flowers collected in inflorescences, which are located in the axils of the leaves.
If the plant does not receive enough light, then you can't wait for the flowers to bloom.
When flowering, even a small draft carries the aroma around the house, for which the myrtle got its name.
But highlighted by flowers phytoncides also destroy microbes and pathogenic organisms.
fertilizers
Myrtle responds well to almost all top dressings, only lime does not like it. So you need to fertilize it at least 1 time per week, the best option is after 2 waterings for 3.
cultivation
REFERENCE! If your young myrtle has gained strength, you don’t have to worry - they are growing remarkably. Fluffy trees can be safely pinched without touching the side layers. Before you start cutting, decide what shape you want to give the tree.
Myrtle is very loved by those who grow bonsai, because myrtle helps to realize any fantasies. So form a low lush pillow or a round airy crown, in a year you will achieve a result, the next one will allow you to fix it.
Your attention lemon myrtle in the photo: 
Transfer
transplanted tree as needed. Young trees are best once a year, and adults - once every few years, when the pot becomes small for the roots.
Your attention is a useful video about transplanting myrtle, including lemon:
reproduction
Myrtle propagates both by seeds and cuttings. However, seeds do not guarantee the preservation of the properties of the variety, so it is best to try growing myrtle from a cutting.
cuttings
IMPORTANT! The cutting should be taken from a strong and well-growing plant. A semi-cured layer, preferably grown in the last year, is treated with root or heteroauxin and placed in a container filled with your favorite a mixture of myrtle: humus foliage, turf and sand.
The stalk is rooted at an angle of 45 degrees, covering with earth for three buds. It remains to place container in a dark place and water the myrtle, preventing the soil from drying out. Myrtles will take root within a month. Then the plant can be transplanted to a permanent place.
seed breeding
This method is not successful for everyone. Still worth a try:
- seeds of lemon myrtle are sown in a peat-sand mixture, cover the nursery with glass and periodically water and ventilate;
- hatch for a very long time - 2 - 3 months. And if they gave sprouts, you succeeded;
- seedlings grow together and quickly;
- when they have 2 leaves, they can be seated.
Diseases and pests
Whiteflies, thrips, mites and many others can, if not ruin, at least harm your myrtle.
Shield, worm, thrips and aphids you will defeat Actara by spraying once a week for a month.
You can also try Actellik, which destroys pests upon contact with it.
Pests can be destroyed by carefully wiping the plant down to the last leaf. cotton swab or brush dipped in alcohol tincture, calendula tincture.
Spraying on sunny days will help to easily destroy the spider mite, you just need to carry out this procedure on time, preventing the spread of the tick and the death of foliage.
leaf fall
In winter, the leaves of the plant may begin to dry out, and then completely fall off. Means, myrtle was too hot. Don't panic, the plant didn't die. Place it in a bright but cool place, maintain high humidity, water.
And in spring, the myrtle will come to life, delighting you with young shoots and beautiful foliage.
The leaves turn yellow they also wither from the fact that water has stagnated in the ground. Maybe the roots are dying. Repot the plant and avoid waterlogging, drainage can help the plant.
Conclusion
If the difficulties listed above are not intimidating, be sure to find a place for lemon myrtle on your sunny windowsills. And you can about the variety of species and varieties of myrtle.
And the myrtle, about which many legends and legends are composed, will not only delight you with beautiful leaves, a unique crown and magnificent flowering, but also will help in the fight against colds, stress.
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