Scents & Sensibility Newsletter - Volume
II - Issue 14 - May 29, 2001
Tea Tree Oil - The Unsurpassed Home Remedy
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
In the wilds of Australia, there are over
300 varieties of the Melaleuca alternifolia
or tea tree, but it is from the leaves of
the tree which grows in the north along the
coast of New South Wales that produces the
best oil. This small tree or shrub, with
its needle-like leaves and small yellow or
purplish flowers, thrives in marshy areas
in the wild, but is now grown in plantations
for the production of the oil.
Tea tree oil is probably best known for
its antibacterial and antifungal qualities
and is so well regarded in these two attributes
alone that it is standard issue for the Australian
military. However, there is much more to
tea tree oil, enough to fill volumes and
the subject of many scientific studies and
we will attempt to touch on some of these
marvelous characteristics here.
A Brief History
Australia was discovered in 1770 by Captain
Cook while exploring for the British, but
the tea tree and its oil had been use for
its therapeutic properties for over 40,000
years by the Aborigines. It was during the
20th century that tea tree was first studied
by mainstream scientists for its antiseptic
qualities. It was believed that tea tree
was thirteen times more powerful than carbolic
acid and yet non toxic to humans. The publication
of these early results prompted a surge of
interest and consequently more studies into
this amazing oil began. The results were
astonishing; as well as being antiseptic,
tea tree oil is bacteriacidal, antifungal,
antiviral, cordial, expectorant, germicidal,
insecticidal, parasiticidal and a stimulant
to the immune system.
Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils
that is safe to use 'neat' or undiluted and
so, is excellent to apply to wounds for cleansing
and to speed healing. One of the most famous
uses of tea tree is as an antifungal for
which it is unsurpassed. Use directly on
athelte's foot, ringworms, yeast infections
and it will relieve the itching while destroying
the cause and condition your skin to boot,
(pun intended).
Mixed with a carrier oil, tea tree can be
massaged into the skin to improve the immune
system, healing after surgery and to soften
dry skin. Tea tree can clear up the scars
caused from acne and chicken pox and relieve
the pain of sunburn. Used in a hair rinse,
tea tree can ease dandruff and evict headlice.
It is also good for middle ear infections.
All in all, no household should be without
tea tree oil