Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifolia is one of the most useful oils.
We use it all the time for pimples, boils, athlete's foot, fungal infections
and to prevent the onset of coughs and colds.
Tea tree oil comes from Australia. It is a newcomer to aromatherapy.
It was initially unpopular as it does not have a very pleasant smell. However,
due to its antimicrobial properties, it has gained popularity and can be
found in most modern pharmacies. Note: for sensitive skin, please dilute
3 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of almond oil before using it. It
can cause severe skin irritations in some individuals.
Composition and properties
It is made up mainly of Terpinene-4-ol, a terpene alcohol. The alpha-Sabines
and the terpinene give it anti-viral properties. It is active against fungus
and bacteria as well. It helps boost a person's immune system.
Uses
Acne
It is as standard treatment for acne. It is reputed to be as effective
as benzoyl peroxide, though its takes more time to be effective.
People who are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide can try using tea tree oil,
undiluted on the acne instead. A word of caution though. As little as 1
drop of undiluted tea tree oil has been known to cause severe irritation
on the skin of some individuals. Try a patch test first before putting
it on your face.
Boils
1 drop of tea tree oil applied twice daily on the boils should cause the
boil to subside in a week.
Flu
Take a bowl and pour boiling water into it. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil
in it. You could add 1 drop of lavender oil
to the mixture to boost its effectiveness. Keep you face 20 cm above the
bowl. Put a towel over your head and a bowl to keep the vapours in. Breathe
the vapours for as long as you can stand it. Then, go take a long nap.
NOTE. YOU SHOULD NOT TRY THIS IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA AS THE STEAM MAY TRIGGER
AN ASTHMA ATTACK.
Fungal infections
Athlete's foot and other inconvenient fungal infections respond well to
tea tree oil. To use, just apply it undiluted on the fungal infection at
least twice a day. Prolonged use of tea tree oil may result in dermatitis.
If that happens, switch to undiluted lavender
oil instead.
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo is a natural harmonious blend of essential oils, herbs, minerals, and vegetable protein highlighted and highly enriched with Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Peppermint.
Of the essential oils, Tea Tree is a very well known natural antiseptic. Rosemary and Eucalyptus condition and protect the hair and scalp from oxidizing elements while Peppermint, as a natural stimulant, gives a pleasant 'tingly' sensation.
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo is a tri-functional shampoo ideal for dry, flaky scalp and removing build up.
The Tea Tree
(melaleuca alternifolia) is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is an indigenous species to Northern New South Wales, Australia. The oil is found within the cells of the leaves, and as the Tea Tree is extremely fast-growing it is a constantly renewable resource. The crushed leaves were used as a general antiseptic by the Native Australians for thousands of years. Captain James Cook and his crew used the leaves as a substitute for tea, hence the name. Unlike the dilute tea, however, the concentrated oil should be used topically, not ingested.
Tea Tree oil is an effective bactericide killing a broad spectrum of bacteria and a range of stubborn fungi. It is safe for healthy tissue and does not inhibit normal cell growth and rejuvenation. Tea Tree oil is a powerful organic solvent and will actually dissolve the lumps of white blood cells which make pus.
The oil contains numerous chemicals known as
terpenoids. The oil kills fungus and bacteria, including those resistant to some antibiotics. A single blind study has shown topical application of 5% tea tree oil in people with acne is as helpful as benzoylperoxide and has fewer side effects. Tea tree oil contributes to an extremely effective antibacterial shampoo.
A double blind study found 100% tea tree oil applied topically was as effective as the antifungal medicine clotrimazole for people with athleteŭs foot fungus affecting the toe nails. Dilute solutions, containing no more than 5% tea tree oil, can safely be used as a very effective mouthwash.
Unlike many antiseptics, Tea Tree oil kills bacteria as effectively in the real environment of the body as it does in the test tube. Its solvent nature allows it to penetrate into skin layers, even reaching inaccessible sites such as the fingernails and toenails.
Price $6.34
Tea Tree Essential Oil 16 oz
The leaf of the tea, or ti, tree had a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of Australia before tea tree was 'discovered' by the crew of the famous English explorer James Cook. The aroma of the oil is warm, spicy, medicinal and volatile. It is occasionally used to scent spicy colognes and aftershaves. It blends well with lavandin, rosemary and nutmeg oils. Aromatherapy benefits: cleansing, purifying, uplifting.
Essential, absolute and resin oils are volatile, fragrant materials extracted from the root, bark, wood, seed, fruit, leaf or flower of a single plant. The plants used to produce these oils are grown on certified organic fields and are third-party certified by Quality Assurance International; no synthetic chemicals are used in growing or processing them. Steam distillation and cold pressing are used to extract the essential oil from the plant. Essential oils and absolutes are very potent and should always be used sparingly and in conjunction with a reliable reference. Essential oils contain the
odor, taste and medicinal properties of the plant itself, but in very concentrated form, with no base oil, alcohol, water or dilutants added.
The Tea Tree
(melaleuca alternifolia) is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is an indigenous species to Northern New South Wales, Australia. The oil is found within the cells of the leaves, and as the Tea Tree is extremely fast-growing it is a constantly renewable resource. The crushed leaves were used as a general antiseptic by the Native Australians for thousands of years. Captain James Cook and his crew used the leaves as a substitute for tea, hence the name. Unlike the dilute tea, however, the concentrated oil should be used topically, not ingested.
Tea Tree oil is an effective bactericide killing a broad spectrum of bacteria and a range of stubborn fungi. It is safe for healthy tissue and does not inhibit normal cell growth and rejuvenation. Tea Tree oil is a powerful organic solvent and will actually dissolve the lumps of white blood cells which make pus.
The oil contains numerous chemicals known as
terpenoids. The oil kills fungus and bacteria, including those resistant to some antibiotics. A single blind study has shown topical application of 5% tea tree oil in people with acne is as helpful as benzoylperoxide and has fewer side effects. Tea tree oil contributes to an extremely effective antibacterial shampoo.
A double blind study found 100% tea tree oil applied topically was as effective as the antifungal medicine clotrimazole for people with athleteŭs foot fungus affecting the toe nails. Dilute solutions, containing no more than 5% tea tree oil, can safely be used as a very effective mouthwash.
Unlike many antiseptics, Tea Tree oil kills bacteria as effectively in the real environment of the body as it does in the test tube. Its solvent nature allows it to penetrate into skin layers, even reaching inaccessible sites such as the fingernails and toenails.
