Botanical atlas
Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora
Long before European settlement, Aboriginal peoples of Queensland's rainforest coast crushed lemon myrtle leaves both as a food flavoring and as a traditional remedy for headaches, colds, and skin complaints, prizing the leaf for a lemon fragrance sharper than any citrus fruit. Lemon myrtle carries the highest known concentration of citral of any plant on earth, which is what gives the crushed leaf its startling, sherbet-bright scent. Australian bush tucker cooks later carried the leaf into modern kitchens, where it became one of the signature native flavors of Australian cuisine. Traditionally, a simple leaf tea has been sipped after meals to settle the stomach and to soothe a scratchy throat.
In tradition.
Long before European settlement, Aboriginal peoples of Queensland's rainforest coast crushed lemon myrtle leaves both as a food flavoring and as a traditional remedy for headaches, colds, and skin complaints, prizing the leaf for a lemon fragrance sharper than any citrus fruit. Lemon myrtle carries the highest known concentration of citral of any plant on earth, which is what gives the crushed leaf its startling, sherbet-bright scent. Australian bush tucker cooks later carried the leaf into modern kitchens, where it became one of the signature native flavors of Australian cuisine. Traditionally, a simple leaf tea has been sipped after meals to settle the stomach and to soothe a scratchy throat.
Traditional preparations.
Traditionally sipped to soothe a scratchy throat and settle the stomach after a meal.
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried, crushed lemon myrtle leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain and drink warm.
Traditionally used to help clear a stuffy head during a cold.
Add a small handful of fresh or dried leaves to a bowl of just-boiled water, drape a towel over your head, and breathe the fragrant steam for 5 to 10 minutes with eyes closed.
Safety.
Lemon myrtle leaf is fine as a culinary flavoring or mild tea in ordinary amounts. The essential oil, though, is highly concentrated in citral and should never be taken internally or applied undiluted to skin, and should be kept well away from children and pets.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies lemon myrtle from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how lemon myrtle is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about Lemon MyrtleHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.