Tea Tree, Lemon Essential Oil, Australia

Tea tree, Lemon Scented

Leptospermum petersonii, Leptospermum citratum

Myrtaceae family

Origin: Australia

This slow growing shrub is related to Tea Tree, and one can see certain similarities in the descriptions. The oil is steam distilled from the leaves.

Arctander

The oil is yellowish to dark olive or brownish yellow liquid with a very strong, fresh, sweet, yet somewhat sharp or pungent odor; reminiscent of lemongrass, lemon petitgrain and Java citronella in a sweet, well balanced mixture. It’s very powerful and diffusive, making it an excellent base for detergents or soap-flake perfumes of the citronella or the lemongrass-lemon type.

Arctander seems to regard this oil very highly indeed but in 1959 the future of Leptospermum citratum commercial distillation was not assured, due to the fact that essential oil yields are very low for the first 10 years or so of the plant’s life. But even though he fusses quite a bit about a looming future without lemon scented tea tree, I’m relieved to say that in 2020, we do have it available.

Battaglia

From The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy

Clinical aromatherapy uses include

Antiseptic: destroying airborne molds and bacteria when diffused

Against cold and flu.

Musculoskeletal System to treat joint inflammation and muscle soreness

Psychological to aid concentration and space clearing

Skin care for oily skin and acne

Blends well with

Peppermint, eucalyptus, fragonia, kunzea, tea tree, citronella, spike lavender, and niaouli

Best used by direct inhalation, in a diffuser, or massage/ointment. Not really good in the bath.