Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora).
If you live in a Tropical or Subtropical climate this is a great tree to grow with many uses and a delightful aroma. Wait until it flowers and you smell the tiny, fluffy honey blooms! Its uses are many!
It’s been used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years to treat:
- Cold and flu symptoms (chew the leaves)
- Stomach ulcers (tea)
- Skin conditions (leaf rub)
Lemon Myrtle has the highest level of citral (the active ingredient in citrus plants) of any plant tested. This gives it antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal properties. Nutritionally, the leaves are high in calcium, vitamins A, E and folate.
Commercially, it’s used in soaps, lotions and cleaning products.
Fresh or dried leaves add extra flavor to chicken, fish, shortbread, cheesecakes and make a lovely hot or iced tea.
Longer Australian Bush Tucker articles can be found here.