Tea-Tree Oil
(Melaleuca alternifolia)
What is Aromatherapy?
Description of Some Essential
Oils for BeginnersEucalyptus
globulus, E. radiata and others.
History of Aromatherapy
Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
Essential Oils for Relaxation
Tea-Tree Oil ( Melaleuca
alternifolia)
Treatment
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Other Names: Ti Tree Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Australian Tea-Tree Oil
Tea tree oil had been used by the aboriginal people of Australia. There
is a very long history of its use in aromatherapy.
Tea tree is a member of the Myrtaceae family. Other members of the family
are: Cajeput, Niaouli, Clove, Eucalyptus and Myrtle. An outstanding property
common to all essential oils from the Myrtaceae group is their anti-infectious
action.
Active Ingredients
Terpineol
Cineol
Pinene
Terpinenes
Various alcohols
Color
The oil may be pale yellow or almost colorless. It has a powerful medicinal
smell, a little like Eucalyptus.
Properties
Antifungal, antiseptic, anti-infectuous, anit-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericidal,
balsamic, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immono-stimulant,
parasiticide, vulnerary.
Applications
Tea tree oil has a wide range of applications.
1. Tea tree oil is active against all three categories of infectious organisms:
bacteria, fungi and viruses.
2. Tea tree oil is a very powerful immuno-stimulant. It increases the immunity
of the body against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
The immuno-stimulant action of Ti-tree is perhaps its most important property.
This property is very useful in the treatment of debilitating illnesses
such as glandular fever, and for people who repeatedly succumb to infections
or who are very slow to recover from any illness. It is one of the most
important oils for helping people who are HIV positive.
Acne
Tea tree oil is great in skin-washes for acne. Several of the formula for
acne contain tea tree oil. If you prefer you can alternate tea tree oil
with Lavender and Bergamot.
Colds and Flu
Tea tree oil is valuable for colds, influenza and the infectious illnesses
in children.
For best results, use tea tree oil in the bath at the first signs of a cold
or flu. One of the first signs that the oil is working is that it will stimulate
profuse sweating. This will stop a cold or 'flu developing. Otherwise, it
will reduce its severity and also will help prevent secondary infections.
Tea tree oil will fight the infection rather than suppress it like some
of the cold medicines do.
Cold Sores
Tea-tree oil is an effective treatment for cold sores. At the first burning
sensation that precedes the blisters, dab it on the area directly. If you
prefer you can mix this with a little alcohol such as vodka. (See the caution.)
Anti-fungal
There are a number of essential oils which are active against bacteria and
viruses. However, not many oils are effective anti-fungals. Fortunately
tea tree oil is an effective anti-fungal oil.
Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for fungal infections such as:
Ringworm
Athlete's foot
Candida albicans
Ti-tree helps to control the fungal infections by reducing the rate at
which the organism reproduce and by strengthening the body's ability to
resist them.
Shingles and chickenpox
Apply the oil exactly as described under cold sores.
Painful spots on the skin preceding menstruation
Some women get large, inflamed and often painful spots around the nose and
chin in the days preceding menstruation. Tea tree oil is great remedy for
this condition. A single drop of Ti-tree dabbed on each spot rapidly reduces
the heat and pain and clears the spot up quite quickly.
Verrucae and warts
Place a single drop of Tea-tree oil on the center of verrucae and warts
every day. Cover it with a plaster or bandage. It may take several weeks
to see any result. But it is effective in the long run.
Pre and Post Surgical Care
Tea tree oil has been used to build up the strength of patients before surgery.
Use the oil in baths and massages for some weeks prior to an operation.
Continue with the massage (avoid the immediate area of the operation wound
or scar) after surgery to reduce the post-operative shock.
Catarrh and sinusitis
Inhale the oil in a vaporiser.
Tea tree oil at times of Epidemics
Tea tree oil is a very effective remedy at times of epidemics to prevent
you from catching it. It strengthens your immune system and help body fight
the invaders.
How To Take
There are several ways in which you can take tea tree oil. Bath is one.
You can apply it directly to the skin (See the caution.) You can use inhalations
in burners and vaporisers. It can be used mixed in a protective cream for
diaper rash. There is a wide range of commercial products based on Ti-tree
oil: lozenges, toothpastes, lotions, creams, etc.
Caution
For most people, the oil can be used directly on the skin. However, people
with sensitive skins should use Ti-tree cautiously at first. Use a diluted
form. Even as little as 3 drops in a full bath for an adult has been shown
to have the anti-infectious action.
