Tea Tree
The information in these articles are not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA
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Tea Tree oil displays a number of remarkable properties making a very effective
oil for a wide range of complaints. Foremost and what makes Tea Tree outstanding
in comparison to other remedies, is that it is active against all three
varieties of infectious organisms: Bacteria Fungi and Viruses. Independent
microbiological testing has confirmed the effectiveness of Tea Tree oil in
fighting infection is further backed up by its ability to protect itself and to
respond appropriately.
Description
A tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar to cypress, with heads of
sessile pale flowers.
Distribution
Native to Australia. Other varieties of tea tree oil have been cultivated
elsewhere, but Melaleuca alternifolia is not produced outside Australia, mainly
is New South Wales.
History / Traditions
The narrow-leafed paper bark Tea Tree MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA is one member of an extensive botanical family - the Myrtaceae. All plants belonging to this family
are aromatic because they have glandular dots in their leaves which, when
crushed, release essential oils of varying amounts and constituents. There are a
large group of plants in Australia known collectively as TEA TREES. The fact
that the same name is commonly used to describe a very diverse and wide spread
botanical group of plants has led to some confusion. Also the fact that the
essential oil derived from Melaleuca alternifloria has also been called Ti Tree
oil, although Ti is the Maori name for the Cabbage tree (Cordyline Australis).
Aborigines used a number of tea trees in medicine for coughs, colds. The leaves
were crushed and inhaled or soaked to make an infusion. Leaf washes were applied
to pains, sores and burns.
Extraction
Essential oil by steam or water distillation from leaves and twigs.
Details of tea tree oil
A pale yellowy-green or water-white mobile liquid with a warm fresh,
spicy-camphoraceous odour.
Aromatherapy Uses of tea tree oil
SKIN CARE: Abscess, acne, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff, herpes, insect bites, oily skin, rashes (nappy rash), spots, verrucae, warts, wounds.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough.
GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM:
Thrush, vaginitis, cystitis, pruitis.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Colds, fever, 'flu, infectious illnesses such as chicken pox.
Antiseptic/Bacterial Properties of tea tree oil
Treatment of cuts, burns, insect bites, infected splinters and all kinds of
wounds, especially dirty or ones which contain puss. As an antiseptic it is
valuable for general skin care, spots, acne and blackheads etc. As a general
disinfectant it is especially useful for respiratory or genito-urinary tract
infections i.e. bronchitis and sinusitis or cystitis.
Anti-fungal Properties of tea tree oil
Tea Tree's effective treatment for ringworm, athletes foot, thrush (candida). It
has also been used to combat fungal diseases affecting animals fish and plants.
Anti-viral Properties of tea tree oil
Viruses are the invading organisms responsible for most epidemic illnesses. As a
powerful anti-viral agent, Tea Tree is effective in fighting many common
infectious diseases such as measles, chicken pox, flu, cold and shingles, as
well as other viral complaints i.e. cold sores, verrucae and warts.
Immuno-stimulant Properties of tea tree oil
It this context Tea Tree is of great value as a preventative remedy to help the
body fight off all kinds of infection. Especially important if the body is
already in a weakened condition brought on by either stress, illness or the use
of antibiotics or other drugs which have lowered the body's natural resistance
levels. It can be helpful to those who need to build up their strength before a
surgical operation or for those suffering from chronic or long standing
debilitating illness. Its possible application to AIDS is also currently being
researched.
Blends
Lavandin, Lavender, Clary-sage, Rosemary, Oak moss, Pine, Cananga, Geranium,
Marjoram and spice oils, especially clove and nutmeg.
Contra Indications
None
Safety
Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. The
strength of Tea Tree oil should be respected and therefore large amounts should
never be used neat on the body or in particularly sensitive areas.
Other benefits of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is employed in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants,
gargles, germicides and increasingly in aftershaves and spicy colognes.
Recipes
Steam Inhalations
2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head and inhale for
5-10 minutes. To relieve congestion and fight infection.
Massage with Tea Tree oil
Add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml (1oz) of carrier oil and massage in for rheumatic pain. Twice daily.
Bathing with Tea Tree oil
As a disinfectant measure add approximately 3-5 drops to the bath water. Helps
with skin infections.
Immune System Treatment
Massage once weekly with a blend of 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base
oil. To help strengthen the immune system.
Additional Information
Principal constituents: Terpinene-4-01 (up to 30%), cineol, pinene, terpinenes,
cymene, sesquiterpenes, sespuiterpene alcohols.
courtesy : Kevala Centre Holistic Health
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Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. As a result, it can cause drowsiness, poor muscle coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. In rare cases, some people develop allergic reactions, such as inflammation of the skin.
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USES:
Renewed worldwide interest in natural medicines has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of tea tree oil and the range of available tea tree products. The table below gives a brief description of the range of uses of tea tree oil and tea tree oil products.
USES AND BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL
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Head Lice
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Tea tree oil can kill head lice; soak combs and brushes in tea tree oil and hot water solution to kill eggs and lice
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Acne
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Using tea tree oil soap and cream heals and prevents acne (Carson et al., 1994)
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Dandruff
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Using tea tree oil shampoo can calm inflammation and soothe irritated scalps
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Cold sores
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Tea tree oil kills the germs and bacteria causing cold sores
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Rashes
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Tea tree oil speeds healing of skin ailments and rashes (Hammer et al.,1994)
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Athletes Foot
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Massaging tea tree oil into affected areas soothes, heals and prevents further outbreak (Hammer et al., 1994)
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Insect bites
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Washing with tea tree soap and applying lotion can take the itch and/or sting from insect bites
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Burns
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Oil and lotions clean burns, soothe, and prevent bacterial infection (Faoagali et al., 1997)
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Mouthwash and Inhalant
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The vapour from tea tree oil can be inhaled to soothe sore throats, and tea tree mouthwashes refresh and prevent bad breath (Shapiro et al., 1994)
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Aromatherapy
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Pure tea tree oil used in an oil burner cleans the air and creates a relaxed mood
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Home care
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Tea tree oil cleaning products are available
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Laundry
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Tea tree oil laundry detergent is available
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Massage
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Adding 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to plain massage oil can be used on the entire body for a complete relaxation sensation
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