Lemon Tea Tree Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Leptospermum petersonii

The lemon-scented tea tree is a large shrub that grows up to 5 m in height, and is originally native to the rocky escarpments of eastern Australia. In the 1980's, many Australian plants, including lemon tea tree, tea tree, and several Eucalyptus tree species were successfully transplanted to South Africa. These plants thrive in the environment, and produce exceptional essential oils.

This Lemon Tea Tree oil is steam distilled from the leaves of trees naturally grown in Australia.This Lemon Tea Tree oil has bright, fresh minty and grassy top notes, a rounded lemon middle note and a herbaceous, lightly camphoraceous undertone. The overall aroma is similar to, yet smoother than that of Lemongrass or Citronella oils.

The high notes of this oil's aroma blend well with: Cajeput, Clove Bud, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary and Thyme.

Both Tea Tree and Lemon Tea Tree leaves were used by Australian aboriginal tribes to treat open wounds. Freshly crushed leaves were applied directly to the skin, and held in place with a mudpack. The medicinal effects of this poultice were so powerful that it helped combat infection in the wound and also overcome the potential for further infection caused by the non-sterile mudpack.

The Lemon Tea Tree oil was also used extensively by the Maori people of New Zealand for burns, infections and other skin irritations.

Antibacterial, Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Cictrisant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Fungicidal, Paracitide, Stimulant (immune system), Vulnerary. (See Definitions.)

Lemon Tea Tree has all of the medicinal properties associated with Tea Tree essential oil, yet has additional broad-range anti-fungal abilities. For more information on the therapeutic properties, see Tea Tree Oil.

• In a recent study at Charles Sturt University, Leptospermum petersonii oil was diffused (though vapor) and inhaled to observe if it would combat the fungi that cause Aspergillosis (a voracious lung infection). The pharmaceutical drugs normally prescribed to combat the condition were found to be substantially less effective than the inhalation of Lemon Tea Tree essential oil.
• Another study recently conducted in Australia by the Department of Health found Lemon Tea Tree essential oil applied topically was extremely effective at inhibiting growth of Candida albicans fungi through direct disturbance of the cell membrane.

Topical:

• Lemon Tea Tree is considered the ultimate natural mosquito repellent, and is effective on its own in a carrier oil. Because of its powerful nature, it should be diluted to near 2%, or about 20 drops per ounce. 12 drops Lemon Tea Tree, 4 drops Eucalyptus and 4 drops Cedarwood may be added to 4 ounces of water in a spray bottle and used on a dog's coat to keep away the fleas.
• It is also considered one of the best essential oils for eliminating odors. It may be diluted with water in a spray bottle and applied to the desired area. A few drops may also be added to any cleaning solution for the same effect.

Inhalation:

• Diffusion in dilution or in a straight-oil nebulizer

Ingestion:

• 1-3 drops per day orally diluted in water to combat infection

The main component in Lemon Tea Tree oil: citral, can be irritating to the skin, so adequate dilution is recommended: (3% or less) concentration. Test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction.

If ingesting the oil, using topically or aromatically during pregnancy please consult a physician prior to use.