Tea Tree Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Leaves and twigs
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Warm, Fresh, spicy-camphoraceous
Largest Producing Countries: Australia

Traditional Use: Employed in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles, germicides, and increasingly, in aftershaves and spicy colognes.

Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, stimulant (immune), and vulnerary.

Benefits: Abscess, acne, asthma, athlete’s foot, blisters, bronchitis, burns, candida, catarrh, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, ear and nose infections, fever, flu, fungal infections, herpes, immune system deficiencies, infectious illnesses, insect bites, local anesthetic, oily skin, prevents radiation burns or scalds, pruritis, respiratory problems, sinusitis, skin rashes, staph, strep throat, thrush, tooth and gum infections, tuberculosis, vaginal infections, veruccae, viral infections, warts, whooping cough, and wounds.

Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cananga, chamomile german, chamomile roman, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus globus, eucalyptus radiata, geranium, juniper, lavandin, lavender, lemon, marjoram, nutmeg, oakmoss, oregano, peppermint, pine, ravensara, rosemary, thyme linalol, and thyme red.

Of Interest: Because the water-resistant “paperbark” is so easy to peel off the tree, it was used extensively by the aboriginal peoples of Australia to make small canoes, knife sheaths, and thatching for shelters.  The pungent leaves were soaked in hot water and taken as a cure for cold coughs, and headaches – or they were simply picked from the tree and chewed.  In World War ll cutters and producers of tea tree were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated.  It was issued to each soldier and sailor for them to treat tropical infections and other problems of warfare, including wounds.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, with possible sensitization in some individuals. Not to be used internally.

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Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier).