Enjoying a cup of tea is a wonderful time-honoured tradition shared around the world. However, many people do not pause to consider the ingredients in their tea or how they can be beneficial to our health and wellness.
Of the scores of beneficial herbs that are native to Australia, Lemon Myrtle is one of the best known and most popular. The herb has been a part of a traditional Aboriginal diet for over 40,000 years as a flavouring agent and medicinal aid.
Native Indigenous Australians often wrapped Lemon Myrtle leaves in paperbark and used it to add flavour to fish and various other meals. They would also crush and inhale the herb as a natural remedy for treating health issues such as headaches, muscle pain, wounds and stress.
With its calming and sedating abilities, alongside anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, it's no wonder this amazing herb is one of our favourite Australian native bush foods to use in many of Roogenic’s best teas and recipes.
Here, we’ll cover how lemon myrtle can help you gently detoxify and rejuvenate your body, along with some of the easiest ways to enjoy its benefits.
Why Lemon Myrtle Is Known as the Queen of Australian Herbs
Due to its high purity, health benefits, and long history of medicinal usage, Lemon Myrtle is often hailed as the Queen of Australian Herbs. Among all the citrus herbs and fruits, Lemon Myrtle has the highest citral purity. This fragrant compound has powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, along with the potential to promote weight loss.
In a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, citral has been shown to reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, leading to a reduction in weight gain.
Lemon Myrtle is also rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, that help prevent the production of free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, support a healthy immune system, and promote overall wellness and rejuvenation.
Affordable Way to Enjoy the Health Benefits of Lemon Myrtle
Australian native plants, such as Lemon Myrtle, have been utilised by Indigenous people for thousands of years. Consumed on a daily basis, Lemon Myrtle can help support a variety of functions in the body, including its natural cleansing process.
Wondering how to incorporate the health benefits of Lemon Myrtle into your daily life? Sipping a delicious, soothing cup of one of Roogenic’s medicinal teas is the most convenient, affordable way to enjoy the many benefits of Lemon Myrtle.
What are the Health Benefits of Lemon Myrtle?
Indigenous people used Lemon Myrtle for a host of benefits. Ongoing research shows that the herb has exceptional qualities that make it a powerful superfood to eliminate common health issues and promote wellness.
Some of Lemon Myrtle’s potential health benefits are quite amazing, such as:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders - Using Lemon Myrtle as a digestive aid can provide great results, especially if you struggle with bloating, nausea, and other common problems caused by irritable bowels, including pain. The herb helps to reduce inflammation, which can help ease aggravation in the digestive tract.
- Sinus Infections - At the first sign of sinus infection, consider turning to lemon myrtle. Its ability to eliminate germs and reduce inflammation are a powerful combination to help your sinuses.
- Bronchitis and Sore Throat - Because of its renowned anti-inflammatory action, lemon myrtle may reduce the swelling of lung passages. The herb will have a similar soothing effect on a sore throat that is inflamed.
- Women's Health Concerns - A number of women's health concerns improve by enjoying lemon myrtle tea. The herb is known to ease menstrual cramps because it helps muscles relax. It also reduces premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, especially bloating, headache, and irritability.
- Women can also benefit from Lemon Myrtle's detoxifying properties. Although some medical professionals suggest consuming it in small quantities, pregnant and breastfeeding women may drink Lemon Myrtle tea.
- Acne and Other Skin Conditions - The naturally occurring antiseptic properties found in this Australian native bush food can help heal skin infections and clear acne. A simple way to enjoy this benefit is to add Lemon Myrtle leaves to water then wash your face.
- Headaches - Indigenous Australians have used Lemon Myrtle to eliminate headaches for thousands of years. Although they ground the leaves and inhaled the herb, today relief comes from consuming the tea or massaging a bit of Lemon Myrtle essential oils on your temples.
- Depression - Enjoying Lemon Myrtle essential oil in an aroma diffuser can promote a feeling of wellbeing, relax the mind, and soothe nerves.
- Promote Oral Health - Lemon Myrtle can destroy bacteria that cause dental decay as well as those that lead to bad breath. It also relieves tooth pain and helps to heal mouth ulcers.
- Improves Your Sleep - If you occasionally struggle to get a good night of sleep, try Lemon Myrtle tea about an hour before you go to bed. It will help calm and relax your mind, so stress and troubling thoughts do not disturb your slumber. Add Lemon Myrtle leaves to a warm bath before bedtime to relax even more.
- Insect Bites - Not only does the intense lemon fragrance of Lemon Myrtle help repel insects, applying the essential oil to bites or stings can help relieve the pain and itch while preventing infection.
- Strengthens the Immune System - Lemon Myrtle contains powerful components that eliminate dangerous microorganisms and build the immune system to fight off infections.
- Ease the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Using Lemon Myrtle essential oil on painful joints can reduce the pain and inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Nutritional Information for lemon myrtle per 100g (frozen puree and dry weight)
What Nutrients Are Found in Lemon Myrtle?
[Dry weight Lemon Myrtle Nutritional Information - 100g]
Calcium 1583.15 mg - Maintains strong bones and teeth, helps regulate the heartbeat and muscle function
Copper 0.474 mg - Helps the body absorb iron, makes red blood cells, and protects cells from damage
Iron 5.77 mg - Supports the ability to focus, energy production, regulation of body temperature, gastrointestinal processes, and the immune system
Magnesium 188.4 mg - Supports energy production and muscle and nerve function
Manganese 1.28 mg - Helps with forming connective tissue and blood clotting and is needed for normal brain function
Molybdenum 5.5 µg - Necessary to help break down proteins in the body
Phosphorous 114.1 mg - Needed for the body to make protein to repair and grow, helps control how the body uses carbohydrates and fats and is vital for bones and teeth
Potassium 1258.7 mg - Helps maintain healthy kidney, muscle, and heart function
Sodium 19.20 mg - Balances fluid levels in the body, is necessary to send nerve impulses and helps control muscle contractions
Zinc 1.055 mg - Supports the Immune system and metabolism helps with wound healing
[Frozen Pureed Lemon Myrtle Nutritional Information - 100g]
Protein 8.3g
Carbohydrates 1.8g
Total Fat 1.8 g
Total Saturated Fatty Acids 0.5 g
Sugar 1.8 g
How To Cook With Lemon Myrtle
While sipping one of Roogenic’s Lemon Myrtle teas is a delicious way to enjoy its benefits, you can also cook with Lemon Myrtle if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.
Here are some of our favourite Lemon Myrtle Recipes:
- Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake
- Lemon Myrtle Roast Vegetable Salad
- Lemon Myrtle Roast Chicken
- Lemon Myrtle Crispy Prawn Salad
- Lemon Myrtle and Macademia Cookies
- Cinnamon Myrtle Porridge
- Lemon Myrtle Infused Biscuits
- Lemon Myrtle Honey Granola
Does Lemon Myrtle Have Negative Side Effects?
No significant side effects from drinking lemon myrtle tea have been noted. However, the essential oil has high amounts of citrine and should be diluted before applying to the skin.
Some practitioners suggest that babies and young children should not drink lemon myrtle tea, and the herb should not be used on their skin. Those with allergies to citrine can experience a rash if used on the skin.
If you have concerns about lemon myrtle, speak to your physicist or naturopath before consuming it or using it on your skin. No significant side effects have been reported by those using lemon myrtle oil in air diffusers.
Roogenic Products Containing Lemon Myrtle
At Roogenic Australia, we spend countless hours researching and testing the natural properties of the locally sourced ingredients used in our teas. It is our mission to support and promote Australian culture by creating native blends that provide potent health benefits. That’s why you’ll find Lemon Myrtle as a featured ingredient in many of our spices, honey, and teas.
Here’s a highlight of our favourite Lemon Myrtle products:
Organic Milled Lemon Myrtle - A 25g pouch of Organic Milled Lemon Myrtle offers many beneficial uses. Mix it to use as a wound-care ointment, add it to boiling water and inhale for a refreshing sinus tonic. You can even try it in your recipes. The list is almost endless.
Native Anti-Inflammitea - Relieve your body's inflammation by sipping Native Anti-Inflammitea. The delicious blend features lemony notes and a rich earthiness. It is also 100 percent caffeine-free.
Australian Honey Infused with Lemon Myrtle - Boost your immune system deliciously with raw Australian Honey Infused with Lemon Myrtle. Add this unique honey to your tea or use it in your favourite recipes.
Australian Olive Oil Infused with Lemon Myrtle and Pepperberry - The ways you use this Extra Virgin Australian Olive Oil Infused with Lemon Myrtle and Pepperberry are only limited by your imagination. It is a tasty way to enjoy lemon myrtle.
Women's Vitality - A delicious blend of lemon myrtle and other native herbs makes Women's Vitality the perfect choice for overall wellness and improved mood.
Native Relaxation Tea - Sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed with the help of Native Relaxation Tea. The tea is a tasty blend of lemon myrtle, lavender, and other organic Australian herbs. Enjoy a cup an hour before bed and get the rest you deserve.
Revive Tea - A lovely blend of green tea, lemon myrtle, mint, desert lime, and native lemongrass. Revive Tea is ideal when you need a pick-me-up so you can make it to the end of your day. (Note: This tea blend contains caffeine)
Native Happiness Tea - The lemon myrtle blended with ginseng, passionflower, mango, and other beneficial herbs make Native Happiness Tea a refreshing way to help ease stress and promote a feeling of wellbeing.
Native Relief Tea - The bright citrus flavour of Native Relief Tea comes from blending lemon myrtle and lemongrass with other native ingredients known for their ability to reduce aches and pains and relieve headaches and promote a feeling of wellbeing.
Native Detox Tea - Organic hibiscus, ginger, beetroot, and mint join lemon myrtle to make the Native Detox Tea a powerful way to reclaim your health and improve your life.
Start Enjoying the Health Benefits of Lemon Myrtle Today
Used medicinally by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years, Lemon Myrtle is notorious for its health benefits, high antioxidant content, and anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and gut supporting properties.
If you want to start enjoying the benefits of Lemon Myrtle for yourself, we invite you to try one of our naturopathically accredited teas or any other Roogenic Lemon Myrtle products.