Tea Tree Oil
Botanical Name: Melameuca alternifolia
Common Method of Extraction: Steam distillation
Parts Used: Leaves
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: The aroma of tea tree oil is fresh, warm and spicy.
Largest Producing Countries: Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
Traditional Use: Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds that can kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi.Terpinen-4-ol which is present in the oil increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign elements. The germ-fighting properties of tea tree oil make it a prized natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing. Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer by killing several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenza. Tea tree oil may help keep irritating insects away.Tea tree oil had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents. Tea tree oil can be used for many purposes, like keeping skin, hair and nails healthy. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties help control underarm odour related to sweating. Tea tree oil’s bacteria-fighting properties make it a perfect natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants. Tea tree oil can be used to treat and sterilize minor cuts and scrapes by killing S. aureus and other bacteria that can cause infection in open wounds.
Blends Well With: Tea tree oil blends well with bergamot, basil, chamomile, black pepper, clary sage, cypress, clove, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender, marjoram, lemon, oakmoss, nutmeg, oregano, peppermint, pine, revensara, thyme, rosemary and ylang ylang oils.
Of Interest: Tea tree oil has been used as an old-style medicine by Aborigines of Australia for centuries. These native Australians press tea tree leaves to extract the oil, which is then inhaled to treat coughs and colds or applied directly to the skin for healing. Tea tree oil is a powerful weapon against acne and is helps get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies. Tea tree oil fights germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath. A chemical free mouth wash can be made by adding a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and mixed but make sure that mouth wash you are making is not to be swallowed. It can become toxic if swallowed.
Safety Data: Tea tree oil is overall safe but it should not be consumed because it may be toxic if swallowed. The oil should be stored out of reach of children. It is better to do a test on the small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reactions happen. This is very important because some skin types may develop dermatitis by using this oil. People with sensitive skin may develop skin irritation while using this oil. Try avoiding using this oil on pets. Tea tree oil makes an effective all-purpose cleaner which also sanitizes surfaces. It does not leave hints of chemicals which you wouldn’t want your family members or pets coming in contact with.