Tea Tree Essential Oil: A Guide to Uses and Benefits
Botanical Name - Melaleuca Alternifolia
Note - top
Country of origin:
Australia
Primary Benefits
Bacterial, viral and fungal conditions
Insect repellant
Disinfectant
Low immunity
Colds and respiratory
Aromatic Description
Herbaceous, green, leathery
Collection Method
Steam distillation
Plant Part
Leaf
Please note: this article is for information only and in no way should replace the advice of a health professional.
I love how native people around the world were so familiar with the plants in their indigenous areas and how well they understood the flora and fauna.
History
What is the history behind tea tree
Aboriginal Australians, indigenous people of the Australian mainland, have used Melaleucas for centuries. It’s been well documented that the Bundjalung Aborigines in eastern Australia used tea trees to treat ailments including coughs, colds, and sore throats by inhaling the smell from the crushed leaves, and drinking an infusion of Melaleuca tea. They would use tea trees to treat skin infections, bug bites, stings, and minor wounds by putting crushed leaves from the plant on the affected area, and then sometimes cover it with warm mudpack.
The Bundjalung people’s legend of princess Eelemani tells the story of how the princess left her true love and family to journey along the coast of New South Wales. She didn’t know the way and worried about the journey home to her love and her family. During her travels, she spoke to the gods about the earth and planets, and in return, they gave her magical Melaleuca seeds. With the help of the birds, princess Eelemani scattered the seeds along her journey. The seeds grew instantly, seeking the sunlight. The papery white bark was different from the other trees and in the moonlight the bark was reflected, lighting her way home.
Legend goes on to say that over the eons, the Bundjalung people learned of the magical properties of the trees as well. Just as the trees protected the princess, they found that the leaves protected them against skin ailments and infections.
In more recent history, the name was coined by the British explorer Captain James Cook. He noticed the indigenous people used the leaves to make a tea that smelled like nutmeg.
By World War II, tea tree was a popular remedy, and Australia soldiers carried it in their first aid kits.
Where do Tea Trees Grow
Tea trees are native to the warmer regions of Australia where they grow wild in tropical and subtropical swampy areas. You’ll find many different types of tea trees, each with its own dramatic variations in needle and blossom shades. One of the most attractive features is the trunk, with its gorgeous, papery bark. If you are thinking of growing a tea tree, note that the tree can get 20 feet (6m.) tall. It spreads out too, to 10 or 15 feet (3-5m.) wide.
How Long does Tea Tree Take to Grow
The lifetime of a Tea Tree is about 30 to 80 years. At many plantations, during harvest, the trees are cut back to a stump from which it regrows for another crop. There are no seedlings to replant from one year to the next. Yields can fluctuate depending on weather conditions from year to year. Typically, they can produce 10 to 12 tonnes of oil.
Tea Tree Oil Benefits
At a glance:
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Immune Stimulant
Deodorising
Some common complaints that tea tree knocks out of the ball park:
Head lice
Insect bites
Blisters
Cold sores
Eczema
Athlete’s foot
Dandruff
Respiratory conditions
Around the house it’s great for disinfecting surfaces, your laundry, eliminating unpleasant odours.
It is reputed to cleanse, purify, and rejuvenate the skin, to promote healing and relaxation, to enhance and support immune function, and to eliminate bacteria, both on surfaces and in the air.
Tea Tree Essential Oil in the Home
Tea Tree essential oil contains several beneficial compounds: 4-Terpineol, gamma-terpinene, 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpinene. These compounds give tea tree it’s antimicrobial properties and will help reduce airborne pollutants, allergens, and odours around your home.
This is what makes tea tree essential oil a great natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, helping to disinfect surfaces and eliminate unpleasant odours.
6 Reasons to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil in Your Home
Antimicrobial properties: Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial agent, which means it can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This makes it a great alternative to chemical-based disinfectants and cleaning products. It can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces, as well as to treat skin infections, such as acne, athlete's foot, and nail fungus.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce redness and swelling. This makes it an effective treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It can also help reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Antiseptic properties: Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, which means it can help prevent infections. It is often used to treat cuts, wounds, and insect bites. It can also be used to clean and disinfect minor injuries.
Respiratory health: Tea tree oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on respiratory health. It can help reduce congestion and improve breathing, making it an effective treatment for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. It can also be used to help prevent colds and flu.
Oral health: Tea tree oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on oral health. It can help reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. It can also help reduce bad breath.
Hair and scalp health: Tea tree oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on hair and scalp health. It can help reduce dandruff and dryness, and it can also help promote hair growth. It can be added to shampoos and conditioners or used as a scalp treatment.
What to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil For
When diffused, Tea Tree Essential Oil boosts immunity, fights infections, reduces anxiety, and relieves insomnia as well as congestion. It also eliminates airborne bacteria.
In a massage, Tea Tree Essential Oil detoxifies and disinfects the body, soothes inflammation, and relieves the pain of minor burns, sores, bites, and cuts.
In a bath, Tea Tree Essential Oil heals skin conditions, and it relieves inflammation as well as respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and the flu.
In cosmetics, Tea Tree Essential Oil lightens scars, disinfects pores, and replenishes skin’s natural oil balance.
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