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.