TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read):
Lemon myrtle essential oil is one of the most versatile natural products you can keep at home, and winter is when it earns its place. With a citral content of 90-98%, it's genuinely antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial. Most people use it in a diffuser and stop there. Here are eight practical ways to get more out of every bottle, from clearing winter congestion to freshening closed-up cupboards.
P.s. I'm using it to freshen up my office each day, with a quick spray each morning!
Why Lemon Myrtle Oil is Different
Not all essential oils are equal, and lemon myrtle stands apart for one specific reason: citral content. Australian lemon myrtle has a citral content between 90-98%, the highest of any plant in the world. That's what gives it genuine antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties rather than just a pleasant smell.
Our 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil is distilled and bottled directly from Australian plantations on the north coast of NSW. It's available in 10mL, 20mL, and 50mL glass bottles. Because it's pure oil, a few drops go a long way, so a single bottle lasts considerably longer than you'd expect.
One important note before we get into the uses: never apply essential oil directly to skin without diluting it first. Always mix with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) or water before skin contact.
8 Practical Winter Uses
1. Diffuse for Warmth and Cleaner Indoor Air
When homes close up for winter, indoor air quality drops. Diffusing lemon myrtle oil disperses antimicrobial particles into the air, which helps reduce airborne bacteria in closed-up rooms. The uplifting, citrusy fragrance also counters the flat mood that shorter days can bring. Add 5-8 drops to your diffuser and run it for 30-60 minutes at a time.
2. Steam Inhalation for Colds and Congestion
Add 3-4 drops to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water, drape a towel over your head, and breathe slowly for a few minutes. The antimicrobial steam helps clear congestion and the lemon myrtle fragrance is genuinely soothing when you're run down. This is one of the most effective and underused applications of the oil.
3. DIY Surface Cleaner
Mix 10-15 drops with water and a splash of white vinegar in a spray bottle for a genuinely antibacterial surface cleaner that works on benchtops, tiles, and hard surfaces without synthetic chemicals. If you'd prefer a ready-made version, our All Purpose Surface Cleaner uses the same lemon myrtle essential oil and is already formulated for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry use.
4. Boost Your Hand Sanitiser
Add a few drops to your existing hand sanitiser for both the antibacterial benefits of lemon myrtle and a fragrance that's far more pleasant than straight alcohol. It works particularly well in winter when hands are washed more frequently and skin gets dry from constant sanitising.
5. Add to Your Bath
Mix 5-6 drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut oil works well) before adding to a warm bath. The oil disperses evenly and you get the full aromatherapy benefit without the oil sitting on the surface. A warm lemon myrtle bath at the end of a cold day is genuinely restorative.
6. Freshen Your Laundry
Add 5-6 drops to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. It leaves laundry smelling clean and fresh without synthetic fragrance, and the antibacterial properties give an extra level of cleanliness to towels and bedding. Particularly useful in winter when laundry takes longer to dry and can develop a musty smell.
7. Cupboard and Wardrobe Freshener
Place a few drops on a cotton ball and tuck it into the corner of a cupboard, wardrobe, or storage area. Closed-up winter spaces develop stale smells quickly. The lemon myrtle fragrance keeps things fresh and the antimicrobial properties help prevent mould and mildew in damp areas. Replace the cotton ball every few weeks.
8. Natural Insect Deterrent for Indoor Spaces
Mix 10 drops with water in a small spray bottle and mist around doorframes, windowsills, and entry points. As the weather cools, insects look for warm indoor spaces. Lemon myrtle's natural properties make it an effective deterrent without the harsh chemicals found in conventional insect sprays.
A Few Practical Notes
Store your bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve the citral content and extend shelf life. Because the oil is so concentrated, the 20mL bottle is a practical starting point for most households. The 50mL is worth considering if you plan to use it regularly for cleaning and laundry as well as aromatherapy.
The oil is food-grade, so it can also be used in cooking and baking in very small quantities. A single drop in a salad dressing, marinade, or baked good adds a clean lemon flavour without the acidity of lemon juice.
FAQ: Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil Questions Answered
Q: Is lemon myrtle essential oil safe around pets?
Use with caution around pets, particularly cats, who are sensitive to essential oils. Diffuse in well-ventilated rooms and ensure pets can leave the area if they choose. Avoid applying diluted oil directly to pet fur or skin without veterinary advice.
Q: Can I ingest lemon myrtle essential oil?
Yes, in very small quantities. Our oil is food-grade and suitable for use in cooking. A single drop is typically enough for a whole recipe. Do not consume large quantities of any essential oil.
Q: What's the difference between lemon myrtle oil and tea tree oil?
Both are Australian native oils with antibacterial properties, but they work differently. Tea tree has a medicinal, camphor-like scent and is commonly used for skin conditions. Lemon myrtle has a clean, bright citrus scent with a higher citral content, making it more versatile for household, culinary, and aromatherapy use.
Q: How long does a bottle last?
Because it's pure oil, a little goes a long way. A 20mL bottle used regularly for diffusing and occasional household use typically lasts 2-3 months. The 50mL is better value if you plan to use it for cleaning and laundry as well.
Q: Is lemon myrtle essential oil safe during pregnancy?
Consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy. As a general rule, diffusing in well-ventilated spaces is lower risk than topical application, but individual advice from your doctor or midwife is always the right approach.
Q: What size bottle should I buy?
The 10mL is a good starting point if you're new to lemon myrtle oil. The 20mL suits regular household use. The 50mL is the best value if you plan to use it across multiple applications including cleaning, laundry, and aromatherapy.
Ready to get more out of your winter routine? Shop 100% Pure Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil in 10mL, 20mL, and 50mL, distilled and bottled on Australian soil.