Native to Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, lemon tea tree is often misjudged as a blend of lemon and tea tree essential oils.

In actual fact, lemon tea tree is a unique substance, in the same aromatic family as tea tree but extracted from an entirely separate plant altogether.

Used by Australian aboriginal tribes and the Māori people of New Zealand to treat infections and skin irritations, lemon essential oil is now commonly used for its cleaning, aromatic properties.

Lemon tea tree essential oil is antimicrobial.

A popular ingredient in household cleaners, lemon tea tree shares its strong antimicrobial properties with both of its namesakes.

These properties are due to the presence of aldehydes in the oil – namely citral. Lemon tea tree oil is, on average, 70-80% citral.

This component has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help lemon essential oil to effectively clean surfaces and leave homes more hygienic.

It can help treat skin conditions.

The antimicrobial properties of the oil also make it an effective facial cleanser. Lemon tea tree oil is able to attack unfriendly bacteria in the pores of the face and leave skin cleaner and less oily.

It is also said to promote healing around spots and other irritated areas through cell regeneration, and its anti-inflammatory properties are often used to combat conditions such as acne and eczema.

Caution should be taken before applying lemon tea tree oil to the face, as it is a potent oil that can potentially be irritating to sensitive skin.

Make sure to heavily dilute the oil before use, and speak to a medical professional if unsure.

It’s a natural air-freshener and deodorant.

Lemon tea tree oil is known for its aromatic properties.

Some people consider it to have a stronger, more fragrant lemon scent than lemon essential oil itself.

These aromatic properties make it great for combatting odours, and it is often diffused or used in aromatic products in order to dispel unpleasant smells.

A small amount of diluted lemon tea tree essential oil dabbed on the person can also act as a natural deodorant and help to mask personal odour.

It can repel insects.

There has been a history of those in hot countries using lemon tea tree oil to repel pests such as mosquitos.

People claim that the strong, lemony smell of the oil drives away insects and acts as a natural repellent.

Diffusing lemon tea tree oil or adding it to candle recipes may help to get rid of pests.

Even though it exists very much in the shadow of its two more famous namesakes, lemon tea tree oil is a useful oil in its own right.

Its aromatic citrus scent is not only pleasant but cleansing, and the oil has been found to have an invigorating effect that lifts the spirit and awakens the senses.

Shop our lemon tea tree essential oil here.