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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.
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Tea tree oil
Description
A tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar to cypress, with heads of
sessile pale flowers.
Tea tree oil
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.
Tea tree oil
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.
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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.
Tea tree oil
Extraction
Essential oil by steam or water distillation from leaves and twigs.
Aromatherapy Uses of tea tree oil, health benifits
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 / Bacretrial 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.
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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.
Recipes - Massage with Tea Tree oil
Add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil and massage in for rheumatic
pain. Twice daily.
Recipes - 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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