Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)

What is Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)?

Lemon Myrtle is a rainforest tree native to subtropical Queensland, Australia, long used by Aboriginal Australians as a food and medicine. Its leaves contain citral at concentrations of 90–98% of the essential oil — higher than any other plant on earth, making it one of the most citral-rich botanicals known. Today it is used in natural skincare, food flavoring, herbal teas, and as a concentrated antimicrobial agent.

How does Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) work?

The dominant active compound, citral, disrupts the membranes of bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses, interfering with their ability to survive and replicate. Citral also has documented anti-inflammatory activity, helping calm irritated tissues. Supporting compounds like linalool and geraniol add additional calming and antimicrobial effects.

What forms does Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) come in?

The dried leaf is most commonly used as a cooking herb or steeped into tea. Essential oil is used topically (always diluted) or aromatically. Standardized extracts in capsules or creams are used in clinical and cosmetic applications, including treatment of molluscum contagiosum and tinea infections.

Where it comes from:

Aboriginal Australians have used lemon myrtle leaves for thousands of years — eating them, using them in bush medicine, and applying them to wounds and skin conditions. European settlers adopted the plant in the colonial era, and modern food and cosmetic industries developed it into a global export ingredient in the late 20th century.

What does Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) help with?

• Molluscum contagiosum (viral skin bumps): Lemon myrtle is one of the most clinically studied natural treatments for molluscum contagiosum, a common viral skin condition in children. A diluted oil preparation applied daily has been shown to significantly reduce lesion counts compared to placebo in clinical trials, with a good safety profile.
• Skin fungal infections (tinea, ringworm): The citral in lemon myrtle disrupts fungal cell membranes, making it effective against common skin fungi including Candida species and dermatophytes responsible for tinea and ringworm. Topical preparations show strong antifungal activity in lab and early clinical settings.
• Bacterial skin infections: Lemon myrtle essential oil shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. It can be used diluted in wound washes or skincare formulations to help keep minor cuts and skin infections clean.
• Oral health and bad breath: Citral and related compounds in lemon myrtle are active against bacteria responsible for gum disease and halitosis. Mouthwash formulations containing lemon myrtle have been evaluated for reducing oral bacterial load and improving gum health.
• Immune support and cold/flu recovery: As a tea or extract, lemon myrtle provides antioxidant compounds and citral with documented antiviral properties. It is used traditionally and in modern herbal practice to support the immune system during colds and upper respiratory infections.
• Inflammation and skin irritation: Citral and linalool both have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, helping soothe red, irritated, or inflamed skin. Lemon myrtle is included in natural skincare formulations targeting eczema, rosacea-prone, and reactive skin.
• Acne and oily skin: The antibacterial action against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and the astringent qualities of lemon myrtle make it a useful botanical addition to acne-targeted skincare products, particularly for those seeking natural alternatives.
• Stress and tension (aromatherapy): Linalool and citral in lemon myrtle essential oil have calming properties in aromatherapy use. Diffusing or inhaling the oil is used to reduce perceived stress, ease mental tension, and support mood — a well-established use across citral-rich plant traditions.

What can Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) help prevent?

• Recurrence of molluscum contagiosum lesions with continued topical application
• Secondary bacterial infection in minor skin wounds when used as a diluted topical wash

Which foods are rich in Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)?

1. Lemongrass (as tea or culinary herb): Also high in citral — supports the same antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory pathways as lemon myrtle.
2. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tea: Contains citral and related monoterpenes; supports antiviral and calming effects overlapping with lemon myrtle.
3. Garlic: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial with strong immune-supporting evidence — complements lemon myrtle's antibacterial role from a dietary angle.
4. Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties support similar immune and tissue-protection outcomes.
5. Citrus fruits (lemon, orange): Rich in limonene, vitamin C, and flavonoids that support immune function and complement lemon myrtle's antioxidant effects.

Practical Tips:

Lemon myrtle leaf itself is the source — it is the herb. The dried leaf can be used as a culinary spice in cooking (similar to lemongrass or lemon zest in flavor) or steeped as a tea, which is the most practical daily-use food form. For people looking to support the same immune and antimicrobial pathways through diet, focus on other citral-rich plants: lemongrass, lemon verbena, and melissa (lemon balm) as teas or culinary herbs. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables will support the antioxidant and immune-modulating effects associated with lemon myrtle use.

What are the side effects of Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora)?

• Skin irritation or sensitization if essential oil is used undiluted
• Contact dermatitis with repeated undiluted topical exposure
• Mild digestive upset in some people with high-dose oral extracts
• Eye irritation if essential oil contacts eyes or mucous membranes
• Potential sensitization with prolonged, heavy aromatherapy exposure

Good to know:

Lemon myrtle is very safe in food and tea form. The essential oil is extremely potent — a 1% dilution is the maximum recommended for regular skin use, and it should never be applied undiluted or taken internally in oil form.

How much Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) should you take?

• Recommended daily: Tea: 1–2 teaspoons dried leaf per cup, 1–2 cups daily. Topical oil: dilute to 1% in carrier oil (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier) for skin use. Oral extracts/capsules: follow manufacturer guidance, typically 200–500 mg standardized extract. For molluscum treatment: 10% lemon myrtle oil in olive oil applied daily to lesions (clinical protocol).
• Best time of day: Tea can be enjoyed at any time; avoid strong essential oil aromatherapy close to bedtime as the citral may be stimulating for some. Topical application is best done after cleansing — morning or evening.
• With or without food: Tea and oral extracts are gentle and can be taken with or without food. Taking capsules with food reduces any chance of mild stomach upset.
• Time to effect: Topical antimicrobial effects begin within days of consistent use; molluscum lesion reduction typically seen over 3–8 weeks. Internal immune support: 2–4 weeks.
• How long to take it: For general wellness and immune support, daily tea use is appropriate long-term. For targeted conditions like molluscum or tinea, use consistently for the treatment course (4–10 weeks) then reassess. Concentrated topical oil use should be limited to the active treatment period.