Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves and stems of the Australian Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia). Although native to the State New South Wales in Australia (hence the name Australian Tea Tree) plant material has also been propagated in other areas of the world. The oil was used by Australian Aboriginal tribes as a natural antiseptic, and they also soaked the leave in boiling water to create a ¿tea¿. The first European settlers in Australia used to drink this tea.Tea Tree Oil displays a number of remarkable properties making it very effective for a wide range of complaints. The most important property of Tea Tree Oil is that it is effective against all three varieties of infectious organisms, namely bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Independent microbiological testing has confirmed the effectiveness of Tea Tree oil in fighting infection. DescriptionA tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar to cypress, with heads ofsessile pale flowers.DistributionNative to Australia but now has widespread presence throughout the world. History / TraditionsThe narrow-leafed paper bark Tea Tree melaleuca alternifolia is a member of the Myrtaceae Family. 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.Aborigines used a number of tea trees in medicine for coughs, colds. The leaveswere crushed and inhaled or soaked to make an infusion. Leaf washes were applied to pains, sores and burns.ExtractionEssential 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.USES 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 ofwounds, especially dirty or ones which contain puss. As an antiseptic it isvaluable for general skin care, spots, acne and blackheads etc. As a generaldisinfectant it is especially useful for respiratory or genito-urinary tractinfections 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). Ithas 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 apowerful anti-viral agent, Tea Tree is effective in fighting many commoninfectious diseases such as measles, chicken pox, flu, cold and shingles, aswell 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 thebody fight off all kinds of infection. Especially important if the body isalready in a weakened condition brought on by either stress, illness or the useof antibiotics or other drugs which have lowered the body's natural resistancelevels. It can be helpful to those who need to build up their strength before asurgical operation or for those suffering from chronic or long standingdebilitating illness. Its possible application to AIDS is also currently beingresearched. Contra Indications: NoneSafetyNon-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. Thestrength of Tea Tree oil should be respected and therefore large amounts shouldnever be used neat on the body or in particularly sensitive areas. Tea Tree Oil is extremely concentrated and must not be ingested (swallowed).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 at concentrations of approximately 5% (v/v).STEAM INHALATIONS2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head and inhale for5-10 minutes. To relieve congestion and fight infection.MASSAGE WITH TEA TREE OILAdd 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil and massage in for rheumaticpain. Twice daily.BATHING WITH TEA TREE OILAs a disinfectant measure add approximately 3-5 drops to the bath water. Helpswith skin infections.IMMUNE SYSTEM TREATMENTMassage once weekly with a blend of 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of baseoil. To help strengthen the immune system.Additional Information is available at http://teatreeoil.safarmer.net
