There are several different kinds of Tea Trees but the one with the most
potent medicinal oil is called Melaleuca alternifolia. It belongs to a
sub-species of the Myrtaceae family, which also includes Clove, Eucalyptus
and Myrtle. Tea Tree is native only to the northeast area of New South
Wales, Australia, where it has long been used by the aboriginal people as an
antiseptic. It develops into a tall upright shrub with papery bark and is
covered in white flowers during the spring and summer. The needlelike leaves
and small branches are picked throughout the year and distilled to produce
Tea Tree essential oil. The oil is a highly effective topical antibacterial
and antifungal, and by far the most important of the Melaleuca oils used in
aromatherapy.
Perhaps, the most important property of Tea Tree essential oil is the
powerful immunostimulant action, which is especially useful in debilitating
illness such as glandular fever and for people who repeatedly succumb to
infections. Tea Tree is also valuable for colds, influenza and the
infectious illness of childhood. It can be used in a bath sitz to stop a
cold or flu developing, or reduce its severity and help to prevent secondary
infections.
Tea Tree essential oil is also valuable in the treatment of abscesses, acne,
asthma, athlete's foot, bronchitis, catarrh, cold sores, coughs, cystitis,
dandruff, herpes, insect bites and stings, pruritus, respiratory ailments,
ringworm, sinusitis, thrush, tuberculosis, vaginitis, verrucae, warts and
whooping cough.
Tea Tree essential oil has warm, spicy, camphoraceous top notes with
pungent, medicinal undertones.
Tea Tree can restore energy depleted by everyday stress. It can reduce
or alleviate mental fatigue and exhaustion. It is calming and centering
during times of emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, panic
and stress.
Tea Tree essential oil is one of the few aromatherapy oils that may
be used undiluted on the skin; however, caution should be exercised if
the oil is used neat or in high concentration.
Do not take essential oils internally or use without the guidance of a
qualified practitioner. The information provided here is for general use
only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Pregnant women should always consult their physician prior to using.
