Backhousia citriodora
Lemon Myrtle
Myrtaceae
Identity
- Common Name
- Lemon Myrtle
- Scientific Name
- Backhousia citriodora
- Botanical Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native Region
- Subtropical eastern Australia
- Cultivation Regions
- Australia
- Plant Parts Used
- Leaves
- Synonyms
- Lemon-Scented Myrtle, Sweet Verbena Tree
- Caffeine Level
- Caffeine Free
An evergreen shrub with glossy lanceolate leaves rich in lemon-scented essential oil and small fluffy clusters of white flowers; the leaves are used.
Historical Background
Lemon myrtle has been an Indigenous Australian fragrant bush plant for millennia, its intensely lemon-scented leaves used as a tea and flavoring. Today it is one of Australia's most prized native botanicals, brewed for a bright, caffeine-free citrus cup.
Earliest recorded uses: Indigenous Australian traditions; a fragrant lemon-scented bush tea.
Traditional preparations:
- Leaf infusion
- Bush lemon tea
- Culinary flavoring
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Indigenous Australian Traditions
Fragrant lemon bush tea for calm and immunity.
Modern Herbalism
Bright caffeine-free citrus cup.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Intensely citrus-lemon, fresh, clean
Tea Information
Safety & Cautions
Research Summary
Lemon myrtle has a tradition as a fragrant calming, immune, and antioxidant tea; preclinical work shows strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activity from citral. Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for infection or any disease, though it remains a bright, caffeine-free cup.
Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.
References & Sources
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