Tea Tree Benefits
Melaleuca alternifolia
Australia
Leaves and twigs
Tea Tree is the no 1 natural anti-septic, it is thought to be one hundred times more powerful than carbolic acid, and yet not poisonous to humans. It is known for its use in many conditions that require an anti-septic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal action. It is a powerful skin healer, and can treat eczema, acne, athletes foot, verruccas, warts, head lice, wounds and insect bites. It can also treat candida, thrush and cystitis. Tea tree is also known for its action in sucessfully treating colds, flu, bronchitis, catarrh and congestion.
PREPARATIONS:
Tea tree essential oil can be used topically on skin conditions as a first aid balm, the neat oil can be mixed with cream, oil or balm to create a skin salve. It can be added to the bath, to treat respiratory and skin conditions. Tea tree can be vapourised in an oil burner to create a sterile atmosphere that is anti-septic, this is a good idea for a sick room or all over the house if there is a virus or bacterial infection on the loose. See How to use Essential Oils
ESSENTIAL OIL NOTE
Top note
BLENDS WELL WITH
Rosemary, Clarysage, Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress, lemon, Geranium, Black pepper, Bergamot.
AROMA
A woody, medicinal fresh and sweet aroma.
Use 6-8 drops of essential oil in a bath and 2-4 drops of oil in an oil burner or diffuser. To make a blend in carrier oil or cream use 18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. See Essential Oil Dosage Chart
Tea Tree has been used by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years for treating wounds, skin infections, respiratory problems and headaches. Captain Cook actually brought the Tea tree plant home in the 18th century. The leaves were used by the explorer and his men to make a brew and treat scurvy. In the days before anti-biotics wounds would often lead to septicemia, however Tea tree was known to dissolve pus and make cuts clean. It was widely used in the 1930's by doctors and dentists who used it to keep infection at bay, and preserve a sterile environment. It was given to soldiers in the second world war as part of their first aid kit. The Australian government established a quality standard for this oil in 1985. Tea tree is the subject of extensive scientific research.
Terpinen as terpinen-4-ol, a-terpineol, globulol, viridifloral, monoterpenes as a-pinenen,
a-terpinene, y-terpinene, p-cymene, limonene, terpinolene myrcene, oxides as 1.8-cineole, 1.4-cineole, sesquiterpenes as aromadendrene, viridiflorene, cadinene, caryophllene, traces of acid.
None known. Can be used in safely in pregnancy. Avoid use with sensitive skin.
