The benefits of Lemon Myrtle Tea and why it is so popular

In this article, we explore the origins, health benefits, flavours and versatile use of Lemon Myrtle Tea, a native Australian herbal remedy with deep traditional roots. Use the table of content to jump ahead:

• What is Lemon Myrtle Tea?
• The origin of Lemon Myrtle tea and why it is popular
• The health benefits
• What does it taste like?
• The signatures of Lemon Myrtle
• How does it compare to other citrus herbs
• Which of our products contain lemon myrtle leaf?

What is Lemon Myrtle Tea?

Lemon Myrtle tea is a fragrant infusion made from the dried, crushed leaves of Backhousia citriodora, a native Australian plant found in the subtropical rainforests of eastern Queensland and New South Wales. Known for its bold, citrusy aroma, Lemon Myrtle tea is celebrated for its distinctly Australian flavour, thanks to its high concentration of lemon-scented essential oils.

The origin of Lemon Myrtle Tea and why it is popular

Lemon Myrtle has a rich Indigenous heritage, with traditional use spanning thousands of years for its medicinal, sensory and culinary properties. It is known as a deeply restorative plant and a symbol of resilience. Indigenous communities used Lemon Myrtle in a variety of ways, from wrapping fish in its paperbark to infuse dishes with its vibrant aroma, to crushing the leaves and inhaling their vapours to ease headaches, calm the body and relieve upper respiratory congestion. The leaves were also used as a natural antiseptic for treating minor wounds, bites and stings.

Following colonisation, the plant was formally named Backhousia citriodora in 1845 by botanist Ferdinand von Müller, in honour of his colleague, English botanist James Backhouse, and in reference to the tree’s strong lemon-scented foliage. It is also known by other common names such as Lemon Ironwood, Lemon-Scented Verbena, and Sweet Verbena Myrtle and is often misspelled as lemon mertal or lemon mytle. With its soft green leaves and delicate, cloud-like clusters of flowers, Lemon Myrtle is now a familiar feature in gardens and hedges along Australia’s eastern coast.

Interest in Lemon Myrtle grew during the late 18th century, and by the early 19th century, studies of its antibacterial properties helped establish its place in the modern household. Today, its essential oil is widely used in cosmetics and cleaning products. More recently, Lemon Myrtle has gained popularity as a functional food, with growing recognition of its health benefits echoing its traditional Indigenous uses.

What are the health benefits of lemon myrtle?

Lemon Myrtle leaves contain a remarkably high concentration of citral (90–98%), a powerful essential oil responsible for many of the plant’s health benefits. This oil works synergistically to support several body systems, including the immune, respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.

Research has shown that Lemon Myrtle offers antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory properties. These contribute to improved outcomes for respiratory issues such as sinusitis, colds, flu and bronchitis, as well as for skin conditions, low immunity and digestive problems like bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammation.

Its rich nutritional profile includes a broad spectrum of macro and micro minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, manganese, copper, molybdenum and lutein, a carotenoid and precursor to vitamin A.

Lemon Myrtle also boasts a high potassium-to-sodium ratio, which supports cellular function by maintaining the electrochemical gradient necessary for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart rhythm, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

Incorporating Lemon Myrtle tea into a daily wellness ritual can provide a range of benefits:

• Boosts immunity, particularly during colder months, thanks to its antioxidant and vitamin C content
• Supports respiratory health with natural decongestant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects
• Aids digestion through carminative and antimicrobial properties
• Enhances mental clarity while calming the mind, body and spirit

What does it taste like?

Lemon Myrtle tea has a captivating aroma with zesty citrus notes and a rich lemon-lime flavour. Its taste closely resembles lemon, lime, or lemongrass, making it a popular substitute for these ingredients in both recipes and beverages. During the Second World War, Lemon Myrtle was originally used as the flavouring in lemonade before being replaced by lemongrass. Whether served hot or cold, Lemon Myrtle tea is refreshingly smooth with a naturally light sweetness.

In the kitchen you can use the dried, ground leaf as a seasoning for seafood, chicken or roasted vegetables, or even stir it into salad dressings and sauces for a zesty twist. We’ve used it for baking and love the result: Lemon Myrtle cake recipe

What are the ‘Signatures’ of the herb?

The Doctrine of Signatures is an ancient belief that plants bear natural “signs” indicating their intended uses. According to this idea, the physical characteristics of a plant, such as its colour, shape, texture, taste, scent, or even where it grows, reveal its healing properties. While this concept is not supported by modern science, it dates back to early thinkers like Galen and Plato and was later championed by Aristotle.

In the case of Lemon Myrtle, its “signatures” are reflected in its aroma, foliage and flavour:

• Its bright, citrus scent suggests cleansing, uplifting effects and mental clarity, linked to nervous system support.
• The essential oil released from its crushed leaves hints at protective and purifying qualities, supporting respiratory health.
• Its vibrant lemon-lime flavour points to its ability to stimulate digestion and invigorate the body, beneficial for digestive health.

Lemon Myrtle vs. Other Citrus Herbs: How does it compare?

Compared to other citrus herbs like lemongrass, lemon balm or lemon verbena, Lemon Myrtle stands out for its exceptionally high citral content, giving it a more intense and uplifting lemon flavour. While lemongrass has an earthy undertone and lemon balm leans slightly minty, Lemon Myrtle delivers a sharper citrus hit without bitterness.

Which of our products contain Lemon Myrtle Leaf?

Lemon Myrtle is used in three of our teas. Australian Breakfast and Australian Bush Blush from the Australian collection and Lemon Lime Bitters Iced Tea from the Iced Tea collection. If you enjoy baking, you might also like to try making our Lemon Myrtle cake, perfect for a delightful afternoon high tea.

Lemon Myrtle is more than just a vibrant citrus-scented herb, it’s a time-honoured botanical with deep roots in traditional wellness and everyday nourishment. Whether sipped as a soothing tea, infused into your favourite recipes, or embraced for its restorative properties, the herb offers a gentle yet powerful way to support your health naturally. By reconnecting with this unique Australian plant, we invite its calming, cleansing energy into our modern rituals, honouring the wisdom of the past while nurturing wellbeing in the present.

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