History / Traditions The narrow-leafed paper bark Tea Tree MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA is one member of an extensive botanical family – the Myrtaceae. All plants belonging to this family are aromatic because they have glandular dots in their leaves which, when crushed, release essential oils of varying amounts and constituents. There are a large group of plants in Australia known collectively as TEA TREES. The fact that the same name is commonly used to describe a very diverse and wide spread botanical group of plants has led to some confusion. Also the fact that the essential oil derived from Melaleuca alternifloria has also been called Ti Tree oil, although Ti is the Maori name for the Cabbage tree (Cordyline Australis). Aborigines used a number of tea trees in medicine for coughs, colds. The leaves were crushed and inhaled or soaked to make an infusion. Leaf washes were applied to pains, sores and burns.

Extraction Essential oil by steam or water distillation from leaves and twigs.

Details of tea tree oil A pale yellowy-green or water-white mobile liquid with a warm fresh, spicy-camphoraceous odour.

Aromatherapy Uses of tea tree oil SKIN CARE: Abscess, acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff, herpes, insect bites, oily skin, rashes (nappy rash), spots, verrucae, warts, wounds.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough.

GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Thrush, vaginitis, cystitis, pruitis.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, fever, ‘flu, infectious illnesses such as chicken pox.

Antiseptic / Bacretrial Properties of tea tree oil Treatment of cuts, burns, insect bites, infected splinters and all kinds of wounds, especially dirty or ones which contain puss. As an antiseptic it is valuable for general skin care, spots, acne and blackheads etc. As a general disinfectant it is especially useful for respiratory or genito-urinary tract infections i.e. bronchitis and sinusitis or cystitis.

Anti-fungal Properties of tea tree oil Tea Tree’s effective treatment for ringworm, athletes foot, thrush (candida). It has also been used to combat fungal diseases affecting animals fish and plants.

Anti-viral Properties of tea tree oil Viruses are the invading organisms responsible for most epidemic illnesses. As a powerful anti-viral agent, Tea Tree is effective in fighting many common infectious diseases such as measles, chicken pox, flu, cold and shingles, as well as other viral complaints i.e. cold sores, verrucae and warts.

Immuno-stimulant Properties of tea tree oil It this context Tea Tree is of great value as a preventative remedy to help the body fight off all kinds of infection. Especially important if the body is already in a weakened condition brought on by either stress, illness or the use of antibiotics or other drugs which have lowered the body’s natural resistance levels. It can be helpful to those who need to build up their strength before a surgical operation or for those suffering from chronic or long standing debilitating illness. Its possible application to AIDS is also currently being researched.

Blends Lavandin, Lavender, Clary-sage, Rosemary, Oak moss, Pine, Cananga, Geranium, Marjoram and spice oils, especially clove and nutmeg.

Contra Indications None

Safety Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. The strength of Tea Tree oil should be respected and therefore large amounts should never be used neat on the body or in particularly sensitive areas.

Other benefits of tea tree oil Tea tree oil is employed in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles, germicides and increasingly in aftershaves and spicy colognes.

Recipes – Steam Inhalations 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head and inhale for 5-10 minutes. To relieve congestion and fight infection.

Recipes – Massage with Tea Tree oil Add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil and massage in for rheumatic pain. Twice daily.

Recipes – Bathing with Tea Tree oil As a disinfectant measure add approximately 3-5 drops to the bath water. Helps with skin infections.

Immune System Treatment Massage once weekly with a blend of 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil. To help strengthen the immune system.

Additional Information Principal constituents: Terpinene-4-01 (up to 30%), cineol, pinene, terpinenes, cymene, sesquiterpenes, sespuiterpene alcohols.

Courtesy : Kevala Centre Holistic Health