Tea Tree Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia

The common name of 'tea tree' used for some species of Leptospermum is derived from the practice of early Australian settlers soaking the leaves in boiling water to make a herbal tea rich in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). A native Australian species that typically only reaches 7-10 feet tall, it has constantly exfoliating bark and fragrant evergreen leaves.

Tea tree essential oil is distilled from the leaves of what appears as a tall grass. Orginally from Australia, tea tree, along with many eucalyptus species, have been successfully transplanted to South Africa, and our distiller produces an incredible line of highly therapeutic, quality oils.This Tea Tree essential oil has a fresh, pungent and herbaceous top note, a slightly spiced medicinal and camphoraceous middle note and a balsamic, earthy undertones.

Given the powerful pungency and complex nature of Tea Tree essential oil, it is not usually blended.

The Aborigines in northeastern New South Wales have used Tea Tree oil as a healing herb for many generations. A poultice of the leaves is commonly used to treat skin infections, cuts and wounds due to it's antibacterial and antifungal properties.

In 1923, an Australian government scientist, Dr. A. R. Penfold, conducted a study of Tea Tree essential oil and discovered it to be 12 times more potent as an antiseptic bactericide than carbolic acid (the standard medical treatment at the time). Tea Tree oil became recognized, according to the British Medical Journal in 1933, as "...a powerful disinfectant, non-poisonous and non-irritating".

Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-infectious, Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Antiviral, Cicatrisant, Expectorant, Stimulant (immune and nervous system), Sudorific, Vulnerary. (See Definitions.)

Dermatological:

• Insect repellent
• Soothes insect bites
• Treats athlete's foot fungus
• Can combat and heal acne
• Can heal warts
• Treats dandruff
• Soothes and repairs burns and blisters
• Can be effective against various burns

Psychological:

• Effective anti-depressant

Genito-Urinary System:

• Combats Candida
• Can prevent herpes outbreaks
• Treats vaginitis and cystitis

Respiratory System:

• Effective relief of asthmatic symptoms
• Can quell bronchitis, and laryngitis
• Treats sinusitis and whooping cough
• Strengthens lung function

Circulatory System:

• Increases blood flow to the brain (can be beneficial to memory capacity)
• Strengthens and tones the heart

Immune System:

• Fights infections (bacterial, viral and fungal) without harming healthy tissue

Oral:

• Treats mouth, gum and lip issues such as herpes and canker sores
• Combats mouth ulcerations and infections

Topical:

• It can be used 'neat' (undiluted) as a treatment for cuts and scrapes
• As an insect repellent, apply drops to exposed areas
• Mix Tea Tree oil 50/50 with Lavender for a soothing, natural anti-bacterial topical treatment for children

Internal:

• Dilute in water for a mouth rinse
• Tea Tree essential oil is particularly effective at treating Candida infections in many regions of the body:
• Vaginal suppositories can be 'spiked' with a small amount of the oil.
• In incidences of 'Thrush', where Candida fungus has infected the throat, it is recommended to take one drop at a time 3x a day until the infection subsides.

Tea Tree essential oil has also been studied for its effect against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the 'superbug' causing infections in immune system compromised hospital patients. This antibiotic resistant staph has been effectively treated with Tea Tree oil in some cases; however, a blend of well-known antimicrobial oils may have a better effect against this particular rare, yet dangerous, infection. Excellent choices to boost Tea Tree's potency are Geranium, Lavender and Oregano. (Another study noted that a Methicillin-resistant strain of staph bacteria was most susceptible to a blend of Geranium essential oil and Grapefruit Seed Extract, or GSE.

Tea Tree oil is a non-toxic, non-irritant but may cause skin sensitization in some individuals. Therefore, always test an area with a small amount before liberal applications for treatment. If pregnant or breast-feeding, please consult a physician before use.