Acne, zits, skin infections, sunburn, light burns, dandruff, oily hair, infantile eczema, herpes, warts, abcesses, boils, sores, infections of the respiratory tract, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), caries, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, yeast infections (Candida albicans), cuts and bruises ...
Composition :
100% Melaleuca alternifolia oleum (with minimum content 35% terpenes, less than 5% cineol and over 50 other bio-active components)
Part used :
Leaves (vapor distilled) - origin: Australia
The Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), also known as Narrow-Leaved Tea Tree, Narrow-Leaved Paperbark or Snow-in-Summer, is a tree or tall shrub in the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native to Australia. It grows to about 7 meters (23ft) in height, with linear leaves 10 – 35 mm (0.4-1.4in) long and 1 mm (0.04in) wide. White flowers occur in spikes 3 – 5 cm (1-2in) long. Small woody, cup-shaped fruit are 2 – 3 mm (0.1in) in diameter.
The oil is extracted by distilling the leaves; it is a lightly yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. For centuries it has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It is considered among the most intriguing substances, as it contains about 50 organic complexes. In aroma therapy, Tea Tree oil probably covers more treatment options than any other oil.
Tea Tee oil in medicinal terms is a appetizer, digestive, diaphoretic (promoting perspiration), emetic (promoting vomiting), weakly febrifuge (reducing fever) and tonic. It acts on the liver and kidneys, purifies the blood and is a excellent tonic for the digestive system. Externally, the fresh green herb is said to be a good application to wounds and sores. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as Camomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis).
Note: For economical reaasons, Tea Tree oil is sometimes stretched with therapeutically less effective varieties (e.g. Melaleuca linariifolia or Melaleuca dissitiflora); when purchasing Tea Tree oil, look for a minimum content of 35% terpenes and maximum content of 5% cineol.
History: The name Tea Tree is misleading, as the plant does not produce tea leaves for drinking traditional tea. When Captain James Cook visited Australia in 1770, Aborigines brewed a aromatic tea made from leaves of the Melaleuka Tree. The Bunjalung Aborigiones traditionally prepared poultices from the leaves for treatment of open wounds and skin irritations. In the Australian outback even today, Tea Tree oil is part of any first-aid kit.
Use: Tea Tree oil has a very broad range of uses; below find a dozen or so examples.
Sunburn, light burns: apply a few drops to the affected areas.
Arthritis, varicose veins, bruises, muscle pain: mix 3-5 drops with a cream or lotion and apply to the affected area.
Hair care, dandruff, infantile eczema: before shampooing / washing, massage 4-5 drops lightly onto scalp / skin. Add a few drops to the shampoo / cleansing agent. After washing, apply / distribute evenly another 2-3 drops.
Herpes, warts, abcesses, boils: apply 1 drop several times per day on affected area
Gingivitis, caries : after brushing teeth with a toothpaste, apply 1 drop on brush and massage into gums
Athlete’s foot, nail fungus : wash affected are and lightly massage / rub 2 drops several times daily. For disinfecting purposes, cover entire foot daily.
Smelly feet : bathe feet once a day in a foot bath, adding a dozen drops to the water. Massage feet subsequently rubbing a few drops into the hands.
Cuts and bruises : apply 1-2 drops onto affected areas.
Lice (also for pets, plants): apply a few drops diluted or undiluted onto affected area(s).