Essential Oil 50ml - Tea Tree

Latin Name: Malaleuca Alternifolia

Plant part used: leaves and twigs

Origin: Australia

Extraction method: steam distillation

In early times it seems the leaves of this tree were infused to make tea, which is how the name came about. Tea Tree Essential oil is the concentrated liquid compounds steam-distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil is claimed to have valuable antiseptic and antifungal properties due to components called terpenoids, and is now used in many personal care products and medicines.

Tea tree essential oil is said to be good for relieving congestion, cold, cough and flu. It has been used to cure acne, fungal infections, dandruff, vaginal infections, haemorrhoids, athlete's foot, and is thought to alleviate sore muscles and joint injuries. When added to bath water it helps to control bacteria. Tea tree oil should not be taken internally. It is usually used only on adults and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not use if pregnant or lactating.

Tea tree has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times in Eastern Australia. The Aboriginal Australians are known to have been using the crushed leaves to heal cuts, burns, sores and infections for hundreds of years. They inhaled the oils from the crushed leaves to relieve coughs and colds. They sprinkled this oil over wounds and applied a poultice. They infused the leaves and made tea to soothe sore throats. It was between 1920 and 1930 that the essential oil from this tree began to be known and used for its antimicrobial properties in Europe.