What is tea tree oil?
Tea Tree Essential Oil, commonly known as Melaleuca, is one of the most popular oil used by essential oil users and aromatherapist. It is useful for both the body and the home. Please read on to find out why you need it!
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What is Tea Tree Essential Oils History?
Native to Australia, tea tree has been used for centuries by the Aborigines for its medicinal properties. In 1732 Captain James Cook, a British explorer, named it tea tree by observing its tea like qualities when he brewed a tea from the Melaleuca tree. It was first used in the 1920’s commercially and since then has been tested and studied for its chemical properties and uses.
How is Tea Tree Essential Oil Grown and Harvested?
Melaleuca alternifolia is a tree found in Australia that grows 20 feet tall and up to 15 feet wide. It has small needle like leaves. It grows quickly in moist environments. It is native to Southeast Queensland and Northeast coast of New South wales of Australia. From what I could find, the Melaleuca tree is harvest every 12 to 18 months on a plantation. The leaves and twigs are chopped up to prepare for steam distillation extraction.
What is Tea Tree Used For?
It is found in many hygienic products such as lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Tea Tree has many therapeutic benefits including treating acne, dandruff, athlete’s foot, lice, and nail fungus to name a popular few. It is known to kill bacteria’s and fungi when used topically. Tea Tree also has anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties which makes is a good disinfectant.Tea tree oil has many uses and benefits. It is found in many hygienic products such as lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Tea Tree has many therapeutic benefits including treating acne, dandruff, athlete’s foot, lice, and nail fungus to name a popular few. It is known to kill bacteria’s and fungi when used topically. It may help fight cough, congestion, and the common cold. Tea Tree also has anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties which makes is a good disinfectant in homemade cleaning products. It has been known to kill household mold, simply add tea tree to a spray bottle with water and spray on the mold. Diffuse it to help eliminate airborne germs.
Personal Uses
My family uses Tea Tree for an assortment of ailments. We use it topically as a wart removal. Also used to ease aggravation of hang nails and torn cuticles and to help heal small minor wounds such as a papercut. I use it in my hair tonic for hair growth.
Keep Reading: How to Grow Your Hair Naturally with Essential Oils
Is Tea Tree Essential Oil Safe for Use?
Tea Tree Oil is safe for ages 6 months and up including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This oil is also safe for dogs, but not cats. Please practice proper dilution when using topically. Fractionated coconut oil will work just fine for dilution. Tea Tree oil may cause skin irritations or rash on sensitive individuals. To test this, do a patch test by placing a small amount of oil on a small area of skin. If a rash, burn, or red mark occurs, then discontinue use. Tea Tree Oil should never be ingested as it is toxic when taken internally. As always you should research your oils to be sure they are what you need.
This information is for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any medical condition. Please consult your health professional if you have any questions.
What is the Dilution Rate of Tea Tree Essential Oil?
The dilution rate is quite high compared to other essential oils. At 15% dilution rate you can use it for many skin issues such as bug bites, rashes, irritations, and warts. Inhaling tea tree oil can help clear up mucus and help with minor respiratory issues. It’s scent can take some getting used to as it is a very woody, earthy smell.
Overall tea tree is a great essential oil to have in your oil reserves cabinet.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Tea Tree Oil or Melaleuca
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Source: Leaf
Key Constituents: Terpinen-4-ol, y-Terpinene
Maximum dilution: 15%
Scent: Resinous and slightly musty
Blends Well With: Lavender, lemon, clary sage, cypress, geranium,
Shelf Life: 2 years
Did you find this post helpful? Please let me know in the comments!
Resourses
One of my favorite resources is Lea Jacobson form Using Essential Oils Safely. She has a ton of free resources such has 30 days of Free Essential Oil Safety Files and a Learning Center with tons of information. You can get free recipes, what to do in an essential oil emergency, information about EO’s during pregnancy and so much more! Simply click HERE to find out more!
For a list of uses and recipes please visit Healthline.com
Sources
MayoClinic.org Click HERE
University of Michigan Health Click HERE
TeaTree.org Click HERE
Tisserand, R and Young, (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2ed. Churchill Livingstone
Purchon, N and Cantele (2014) The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness. Robert Rose, Inc.
