The Australian Aboriginal peoples have long appreciated the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree and recognized its healing potential. The Aboriginals would crush the highly aromatic leaves of the tree and then apply the paste to cuts, burns, infections and other skin irritations.
Over time it became known as the "tea tree" due to a local herbal remedy made from the leaves. A surprisingly hardy tree, it can re-grow even when cut down to the stump; a wonderful demonstration of its inner strength!
The essential oil commonly available and used today is made by steam distillation of the plant's leaves and twigs. The unique aroma is strong, medicinal and head-clearing, smelling somewhat of juniper or pine.
What to Look for When Purchasing Tea Tree Oil
When purchasing tea tree or any other essential oil, always choose the purest, highest quality oil available. Avoid those labelled "perfume oil" or "fragrance oil" as these are synthetic products and do not have any inherent healing properties. They may even prove to be harmful if mistakenly used in place of pure essential oils.
Tea tree oil is best purchased and stored in amber glass bottles and kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Do not purchase this oil in a plastic bottle as the oil is strong enough to dissolve plastic.
Conditions Which Could Benefit from Tea Tree Oil Treatment
This multi-use healing oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and pain relieving qualities. It is a great non-chemical option for disinfecting. As such, it can be of value in treating the following conditions:
- minor burns
- sunburn
- blisters
- acne
- cold symptoms
- cold cores
- respiratory infections
- warts
- ringworm
- athlete's foot
- yeast infections
- small cuts and scrapes
- insect bites
How to Use Tea Tree Oil at Home
The healing properties of the plant are carried in the essential oils extracted from that plant. In most cases, including in the case of tea tree oil, the benefit lies in the aroma as well as in the molecules being absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Tea tree oil is easily absorbed by the skin and can bring about rapid healing and relief from pain. It is a useful addition to the home first aid kit and is a must for travellers.
Tea tree is one of the very few essential oils which can be used "neat," meaning undiluted and directly on the skin. However, some people with very sensitive skin may find a neat application too strong. Always start with a dilution, one or two drops diluted in a cup of water to test skin reaction.
- for minor burns: apply neat to soothe the pain of initial burn, then apply neat or diluted a few times daily as needed
- for sunburn: add two to three drops to a bowl of cool water and apply using a soft washcloth. If the skin is too sensitive to be touched, apply the cool water and tea tree oil mixture using a spray bottle
- for acne: apply neat to clean skin using a cotton swab, or add a drop to topical acne lotion
- for colds and upper respiratory infections: add one to two drops to a vaporizor or to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors. Use caution around hot water and steam
- for athlete's foot - a few drops in a daily footbath
- for insect bites: apply neat or add to a tablespoon of aloe vera or other lotion
- add a few drops to a warm bath to ease cold or flu symptoms, take care to avoid the eye area
Cautions for Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is very strong and pungent. Use caution and always dilute first until a comfortable strength is found. Always wash the hands after using. Tea tree oil should not be used on pregnant or breastfeeding women or babies. Consult a trained aromatherapist about using it on older children or pets. Those with allergies should avoid using this oil. Do not use around the eye area and do not use internally. This article is not meant as a substitute for medical advice, always consult a doctor in the case or a severe burn or injury.
Shirley Boonstra-Rollpiller - Shirley Boonstra-Rollpiller has been happily involved in the Healing Arts in various forms for over a decade. She is a certified Level ...
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