Spotlight on Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil

 TEA TREE (MELALEUCA) OIL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

Native to Australia, although now cultivated for their oil in other parts of the world, including Egypt and the United States since the 1980’s, tea trees have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicine for eons. They used poultices from the leaves to treat wounds, and inhaled the oil from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and respiratory ailments.

The name ‘tea tree’ is a misnomer since it is actually a paperbark tree and not a tea tree. The name was phrased after Captain Cook, in his expeditions to Australia in 1770, saw the Aboriginals boiling the leaves and mistakenly assumed they were making tea. However, his crew made tea from the leaves and later also brewed a type of beer from it. Which begs the question, can tea tree oil be ingested? It is most certainly not recommended since tea tree oil is mildly toxic.

Benefits of tea tree oil was anecdotal until the 1920’s when an Australian chemist, Arthur Penfold, researched the properties of tea tree, and demonstrated that the antiseptic properties were up to 13 times more powerful than the standard antiseptic of the time. Thus began a flurry of research and the commercial tea tree industry was born.

Incidentally, tea tree oil was issued to all Australian soldiers as part of their first aid kit during World War II. It was considered so important, due to its ability to treat wounds as well as foot fungus (trench foot), which previously hospitalised thousands of soldiers, that producers of the oil were excluded from the drafting process until there were adequate supplies of the oil for the hospitals and all the soldiers’ first aid kits. 

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, which is derived from the leaves by way of steam distillation, took a back seat after the war with the emergence of effective antibiotics, but the demand for more natural products saw its re-emergence in the 1970’s and large scale commercial production began. Today it is estimated that every home in Australia possesses at least one bottle of tea tree oil, and around the world it is one of the most important and popular aromatherapy oils. 

So why is this “medicine cupboard in a bottle” so popular? What are the benefits of tea tree / melaleuca oil? How do you use it? Read on for the uses and benefits of tea tree oil which extend beyond just caring our physical health.

HOW TO USE TEA TREE (MELALEUCA) OIL

The therapeutic properties of natural tea tree oil can be administered by way of a diffuser, vaporiser, topical application, or as a massage. 

TEA TREE OIL (MELALEUCA) USES AND BENEFITS

• Tea tree oil is wonderful for the skin when mixed with a carrier oil. It cleanses, soothes and restores the complexion, and is renowned as a natural remedy for acne and breakouts due to its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  It inhibits P. acnes, the acne causing bacteria, and is as effective as the most well known and commonly used over-the-counter chemical remedy. Tea tree oil deeply cleanses, tones, and purifies the pores, and helps to regulate sebum to balance oily or dry skin. By supporting rapid healing, tea tree oil can help to reduce the occurrence of dark spots and scars. 
• Diluted tea tree oil calms and soothes skin irritation and inflammation. It relieves contact dermatitis, eczema, insect bites, diaper rash, hives, poison ivy, shaving rash, and prickly heat, and eases the symptoms of psoriasis. It’s antiviral effect combats the herpes virus which can help with cold sores, and it is an effective wart remover. Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties can eliminate fungal infections, and is known to prohibit the candida species, relieving athlete’s foot, in addition to nail and skin fungal infections. Meanwhile it acts as an antiseptic to prevent wounds and burns becoming infected, and supports wound healing. 
• Tea tree oil helps to support hair health without the use of chemicals, providing a healthy scalp which is imperative to hair health. It regulates oil production on the scalp, soothes dry and flaking skin and treats dandruff.  Incorporating tea tree oil into your hair care regime, by adding 2 drops to the palm of your hand and mixing with your usual amount of shampoo, can reduce inflammation and issues with blocked hair follicles tea tree oil which may prevent future hair loss, and deter brittle hair. Its ability to boost circulation may actively stimulate hair growth. You can also make a conditioning hair mask by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba, argan or almond oil. Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for lice. Mix three to five drops of tea tree oil with three tablespoons of a carrier oil and apply to infested hair for 30 to 40 minutes. Tea tree mixed with coconut oil can also act as a deterrent during a lice infestation as they actively dislike the smell of both, or just add a few drops to your normal shampoo or conditioner.
• Diluted with a carrier oil and applied as a massage, tea tree oil can bring pain relief from arthritic afflictions, relieve sore muscles, strengthen and stimulate the immune system, and help to eliminate bodily toxins. It can also help to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome when applied to the wrists. 
• Adding some tea tree oil to a warm bath is particularly recommended for anyone suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, as it helps to facilitate the body’s immune system, In addition to elimating bodily toxins and cleansing the pores, a tea tree oil bath can reduce respiratory ailments, including sinus pressure and associated headache. Soothes away muscular aches and pains, and reduces pain and inflammation associated with illness and arthritis. Helps to combat and heal skin conditions and fungal infections, such as thrush or ringworm, soothe cuts and burns, and is particularly helpful for the elimination of scabies. Also known to be effective for the elimination of a bladder infection.
• Cold, flu, sinus infection or other respiratory ailments? Let tea tree oil come to the rescue. It has expectorant properties to prevent nasal and respiratory congestion, combats a fever, relieves dizziness and fatigue, allays the pain and pressure of a sinus headache, soothes aching joints, and eliminates harmful bacteria. For optimum results use a vaporiser (or add a few drops to some hot water in a bowl, cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and breathe in the steam). Gargle a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with warm water to soothe a sore throat, but remember don’t swallow! Plus, apply as a chest rub.
• Treat your feet to a warm foot soak with tea tree oil. Cools, soothes and revives tired or swollen feet. Tea tree oil disinfects and deodorises, relieves inflammation, boosts healing for any cracks or cuts, and is helpful in the treatment of fungal infections such as athletes foot, verrucas, and nail infections. Analgesic properties will also bring relief for painful bunions.
• Make a warm compress to relieve muscular aches and pains by soaking a cloth in water, adding some tea tree oil, and then applying to the desired area. Also recommended to relieve cysts and boils. A cold compress can soothe bites, plus bumps and bruises.
• Calm your body and mind by diffusing tea tree. Allays anxiety, reduces stress and relieves insomnia, whilst boosting immunity and fighting infections. Meanwhile the fresh, herbaceous, and camphorous aroma will banish any bad odours and purify the air, eliminating any airborne pathogens. For enhanced effects, add some lavender oil.
• With the necessity for hand sanitizers and constant handwashing in the world right now, tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial and antiviral properties come to the forefront. Tea tree oil can help to help to kill viruses and bacteria responsible for illnesses such as E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Plus it is more effective against MRSA than some antibiotics. Add some tea tree oil to your regular handwash and sanitizer for extra protection, or make your own handwash/sanitiser. 
• Tea tree oil is an extremely powerful anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used essential oils as a home treatment for hemorrhoids, since there is evidence that it can help to shrink them. Treatment with tea tree oil will reduce itching, burning, pain and discomfort and promote healing.
• Support oral health by adding one drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water to make your own chemical free mouthwash – do not swallow! The solution is also a great way to disinfect your toothbrush. 
• Did you know that tea tree oil is a natural chemical-free insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away? In studies it has shown to be more effective than the common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents. Dilute tea tree oil in some water and rub or spritz onto the skin. Also deters bees, bed bugs, fire ants, fleas, flies (including horse flies), spiders and ticks. You can also sponge the top of the rubbish bin to stop flies, and spray on ant trails in the garden. Diffused in the home, tea tree oil will also deter insects
• Dirty hairbrushes? Make-up brushes? Dry brush? Clean them weekly with warm water and tea tree oil. Make-up sponges are magnets for bacteria – utilise the disinfect properties to inhibit fungi and bacteria.
• Stop using toxic chemical cleaners in your kitchen and bathroom, and use the power of tea tree oil. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil, 3/4 cup of water and a 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and use it as a disinfectant spray to remove mold and mildew, and make the wall tiles, floor and countertops sparkle. Can also be sprayed on houseplants to remove any mold. Plus it will purify the air at the same time.
• Tea tree oil makes a great natural laundry freshener, especially if the laundry is musty or starting to mould. Add some tea tree oil to the laundry water in the case of a scabies, ringworm or other contagious infection, and for any cotton diapers. Don’t forget to also spray some on any “fragrant” shoes to freshen them up and eliminate odour.

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Tea tree, botanical name Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as paperbark and honey-myrtle, is native to Australia, in particular Queensland and New South Wales, although it is now cultivated in other countries including Egypt and the USA. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family which also boasts myrtle, clove, guava, allspice, and eucalyptus. Several varieties from the melaleuca genus are also known as tea tree although the industry predominately centers around Melaleuca alternifolia.

Melaleuca alternifolia grows to a height of approximately 6 meters, and has a papery bark which peels off in strips, and soft needle like leaves. In late spring or early summer the tree is covered with white or cream fluffy spikes of flowers, followed by woody seed pods. The trees are revered for their beautiful flowers in addition to the precious oil which is extracted from the leaves and twigs by steam distillation.

CHEMISTRY OF TEA TREE (MELALEUCA) OIL & THEIR PROPERTIES

Tea tree oil contains over 100 chemical constituents, with the main active chemical components being:

• terpinen-4-ol – antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant agent, antisepsis
• gamma-terpinene – antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, antimicrobial, antioxidant
• 1,8-cineole – analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, expectorant, mucolytic
• αlpha-terpinene – antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, insecticidal
• αlpha-terpineol – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-microbial,anti-fungal, immune system stimulant, insecticide
• para-cymene – analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory

  SOURCING TEA TREE (MELALEUCA) OIL

When searching for a natural oil or essential oil, it is always best to look for an oil which has been manufactured from start to finish with one souce, thus ensuring its integrity.
If you would like to add tea tree oil to your oil collection, look no further than Nefertiti for natural oils and herbs: https://nefertiti-eg.com/shop/aroma-oils/tea-tree-oil/ 

Nefertiti uses best practises, natural fertilizers only, and their extensive experience, to produce the best plants for their exclusive use, from their own farm in Al Fayoum, one of the richest agricultural regions in Egypt. The oils are extracted in their own factory, using the environmentally friendly fashion of modern cold press technology or steam distillation, using no other solvents, and ensuring a constant supply of optimum high quality oils.
All natural oils produced using the cold press method are done under the control of the Egyptian State and the Egyptian Ministry of Health. In recognition of their never-ending strive for quality, all of the products are certified. Certifications obtained include: COA certificates and ISO awards in Quality Management System, Environmental management system, Occupational Health & Safety, Food Safety Management System, to name just a few.

OILS THAT BLEND WELL WITH TEA TREE (MELALEUCA) OIL

Tea tree oil with its fresh herbal aroma blends well with other herbal essential oils, for instance eucalyptus and marjoram, as well as refreshing oils like peppermint and all citrus oils, particularly lemon, grapefruit and bergamot. Or try a blend with lavender, geranium or rose.  

CAUTION

• Like all essential oils, tea tree oil should never be applied directly to the skin due to its high concentration and must be diluted with a carrier oil. A ratio of 2 drops per 5 ml of dilution with a suitable carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil is adequate.
• Always conduct a sensitivity test before applying to the skin. To do this, apply a mix of the essential oil and carrier oil to the inside of the elbow, wait 24 hours and check if any reaction occurs. 
• Do not ingest.
• Not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
• Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
• Use for children under 3 years old is strongly discouraged.

If you are limited to just one essential oil, make sure it’s tea tree oil, and incorporate it into your daily beauty and cleaning regime to enhance your health and beauty.