Alternative Antibacterial Handwash (The Sunday Times, 15 January 2005)

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Q. I am a massage therapist and have used tea-tree soap as an antibacterial handwash for the past few years, but now I cannot bear the smell. Is there any other natural soap that has similar properties but smells nicer?



A. I alternate between using a tea-tree handwash and lemon myrtle liquid soap, which has the same strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, but with a wonderfully zingy, fresh citrus fragrance. Lemon myrtle is relatively new to the UK, but in Australia, where it was named Backhousia citriodora in 1853, in honour of an English botanist, it has been used as a bush food and natural remedy for centuries. Lemon Myrtle Pure Foaming Soap (£6.25) and Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil (£7.95 for 12ml) are available by mail order from Wellbeing (0121 444 6585, www.wellbeing-uk.com). The products use lemon myrtle from trees that are grown in a chemical-free environment, using organic fertilisers. It is harvested by removing the leaves on the side and top only, so each tree continues to flourish.



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