Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca teretifolia)

Honey myrtle is not a myrtle in the strict sense. Melaleuca teretifolia is a relative of tea tree; true myrtle is Myrtus communis. The two share the family Myrtaceae and little else. The aroma is lemon, not the cineole freshness of Myrtle, Green (No. 2185).

01 · Origin

A shrub of Western Australia with slender, cylindrical leaves, a feature recorded in its species name. This oil is distilled from the twigs and leaves, grown conventionally in Australia.

02 · Chemistry

Geranial and neral, together known as citral, dominate. Myrcene, geraniol, trans-isocitral and nerol follow. The profile is close to that of lemongrass, softened by the alcohols. Citral-rich oils are handled at low dilution on the skin.

03 · In Practice

Bright lemon at the top, with a rounded, faintly honeyed sweetness underneath. A top note. Diffusion, room fragrance and dilute massage blends. Blends with lavender, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, rosemary, cedarwood and sandalwood.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.