An exquisit and delightful essential oil with tangy pine-camphor notes of the more commonly known Tea Tree oil with a novel tease of uplifting citrus. Though they share part of the common name, they are not related by genus. Add it to suitable carrier oils for a bright, energizing massage blend or diffuse in kitchens and bathrooms to foster a wonderfully vibrant aroma. Like Tea Tree essential oil, Lemon Tea Tree has a global reputation among complementary wellness practitioners for positively supporting the treatment of diverse, minor, nagging conditions of the nails, scalp and skin. It has a more pleasing aroma than Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and is often used interchangeably, though the chemistry differs between the two plants.

Lemon Tea Tree reaches heights of a tall shrub or small tree and is cultivated as an ornamental. Lemon Tea Tree leaves are distilled commercially for the essential oil which contains citronellal, citral and pinene. The first published report was under the name Leptospermum citratum in 1918 and was further investigated scientifically for its action in the early 1940’s.

Oily and adolescent skin can benefit from this essential oil and it is often utilized in cleaning formulas. Its pleasant aroma lends itself well to diffusion. It blends well with woody notes such as Cypress and Sandalwood. Similar to Lemon Myrtle in odor, its bright, clean aroma also makes a good room spray. In Australia, the plant is employed as an herbal tea. It is grown in plantations in Kenya, South Africa, Guatemala and Australia where leaves are harvested for the essential oil which is produced by distillation.