This pure essential oil of Lemon Tea Tree is steam distilled from the
leaves of certified organically grown plants in South Africa. There is a great range of quality found in Lemon Tea Tree ~ This is an exceptionally nice, very potent variety. We've compared it others, and always find this one significantly stronger, with a brilliant lemon-like aroma.
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.
About the Oil
This Lemon Tea Tree oil is steam distilled from the leaves of trees naturally grown in Australia.
Aromatherapy Notes
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.
Traditional Uses
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.
Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature
Antibacterial,
Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Cictrisant,
Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Fungicidal, Paracitide, Stimulant (immune
system), Vulnerary.
Lemon Tea Tree has all of the medicinal properties associated with Tea Tree essential oil, yet has additional broad-range anti-fungal abilities.
- 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.
Application and Use
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
Safety
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.