Terrific Tea Tree

After lavender the second most well-known essential oil is probably tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), it is hugely popular in cosmetics and many people around the globe are familiar with some of the main benefits of the oil. Tea tree is from the myrataceae family and grows on the warmer, wetter east coast of Australia.

The aborigines have long used tea tree essential oil, they used to crush the leaves in the hand and inhale the volatile oil to help with headaches and colds although it was actually captain cook who gave the oil it’s name we know today in 1777 as they used to brew a tea from the leaves to prevent scurvy.

There have been many clinical studies on tea tree and it’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, it is considered to be quite unusual in that it has a broad spectrum anti-microbial activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is these studies that suggest why the oil can be so beneficial for acne, candida fungal diseases and verrucae.

Davis says that tea tree oil is a very powerful immunostimulant, so when the body is threatened with any infection tea tree increases its ability to respond. Going on to recommend the oil for illnesses such as glandular fever and people who repeatedly contract infections. Mojay states that on an energetic level the oil can be used to eradicate harmful pathogens and strengthen the defensive Qi as well as invigorate the heart and build confidence within.

The oil is also useful for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, herpes, insect bites and dandruff. As with essential oils they should always be diluted and advice sought from a qualified aromatherapist on their use. Whilst tea tree is thought to be non toxic if it has oxidised too much the higher levels of para-cymene can cause skin irritation including chemical burns. In fact tea tree is the most reported essential oil for burns and reaction so please seek the advise of a professional aromatherapist before using.

References

Hammer KA at al, In vitro activity of essential oils, in particular Melaleuca alternifolia. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 1998; 42(5): 591-595. Cited in Australian Tea Tree by C.Dean, the 2nd Australasian Aromatherapy Conference Proceedings, Australia, 1998.

Lawless J. The encyclopaedia of essential oils. Element Books Limited, Great Britain, 1992.

Mojay G. Aromatherapy for healing the spirit. Hodder and Staughton, UK, 1996.