Tea Tree oil is Probably the most famous essential oil to come out of Australia. Its unique compound, makes it active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is also a very powerful immuno-stimulant, and its regenerating properties promotes the production of collagen helping to renew the skin.

Tea Tree’s history:

The eighteenth-century sailors named the Melaleuca alternifolia Tea Tree, because the teas it made smelled like nutmeg from the leaves of the Tea Tree.  The oil extracted from the Tea Tree has been studies for medicinal purpose and has been used for decades. Documented advantages of Tea Tree essential oil include properties of eliminating viruses, fungi and bacteria. Also recognised as a powerful antiseptic and is famed for its ability to treat and heal wounds, due its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

The Aboriginals, native to Australia have used the Tea Tree leaves for their healing properties, and aside from making tea infusions with the leaves and inhaling the soothing scent, the essential oil has been used to treat cough and colds. They also used it on wounds; as a poultice they were excellent for preventing infections and healing wounds.

Tea tree is a wonder oil and can aid with the following:

• Its key quality is strengthening the immune system
• Powerful antiseptic in skin care
• Dampens acne breakouts
• Boosts immune system to help fight colds, flu, infections
• Aids respiratory system to cope with asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis
• Aids urinary system to combat cystitis and thrush

How to use Tea Tree essential oil

• In the bath: A few drops in a warm, relaxing bath, Tea Tree oil has been known to relieve dermal inflammation and respiratory discomfort.
• In a steamer: Add a few drops in a steaming bowl of hot water leaning over it to inhale the aromatic vapours with a towel draped over the head and the bowl, to help relieve congestion and  respiratory tract infections, can also help clear the sinuses. 
• Helps sleeping: Try a few drops onto the pillow to help the onset of deeper sleep by reducing anxiety.
• Hair care: Excellent for eliminating lice and nits, also soothing flaking dry skin this with its fungicidal properties can help eliminate dandruff while boosting circulation, thus stimulating hair growth.
• Detoxification:  Dilute with a carrier oil and used topically, Tea Tree can help eliminate internal bodily toxins by promoting perspiration.
• Skin healer: Tea Tree is most famed as a skin healer, especially for acne, and is used in many skin products, its ability to restore skin complexion and powerful antioxidant properties can slow the look of ageing.
• Aromatherapy & disinfecting room spray: As a disinfecting air spray, Tea Tree has natural, non-toxic, anti-microbial qualities making it the perfect air freshener to remove viruses, bacteria,  and mold from the environment.

Botanical name:  Melaleuca alternifolia.

Family:  Myrtaceae.

Origin: Native to Australia, New South Wales.

Aroma characteristics: Pale yellow/green liquid with a warm, fresh, herbaceous medicinal aroma.

Therapeutic properties

•Anthelmintic •antibiotic •antiseptic  •antiviral  •antifungal •bactericidal  •decongestant •expectorant  •immunostimulant  •stimulant  •vulnerary (wound healing).

Therapeutic uses

•Bacterial skin infections  •parasitic skin infection •respiratory tract infection •sinusitis •rhinitis,

•wounds •ulceration •pimples •acne •abscesses •head and body lice •athlete’s foot •fungal foot infection •warts •verrucas •immune system support •urinary system cystitis & thrush.

All the essential oils highlighted in this column are available at The Emporium of the Enchanted Forest (inside the VaVa Yoga Studio) or online, and you can explore our Apothecary and discuss any questions you may have with me, Ashlí.

Tea Tree

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