The aboriginal people of Australia have long used tea tree oil. Similarly
tea tree has a long history of use within the field of aromatherapy. In
World War Two, the producers and the cutters of tea tree were exempt from
military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated. The oil
was a highly valued product as it was issued to each soldier and sailor as
part of their kit in order to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.
Description of Tea tree:
The Tea tree is a small tree or shrub with needle-like leaves. It is also
domestically referred to as Ti-tree. It can grow up to 7 meters (20 feet) in
height and thrives in marshy areas, though it is now cultivated in
plantations. The tea tree is very robust. It is ready for cutting only two
years after its previous harvest. Tea tree oil is a yellowish green-tinged
essential oil with afresh camphoraceous odour. The light yellow tea tree oil
is produced by steaming the pine-needle-like tea tree leaves to force out
the oil which is used mainly in medicine, but also for industrial lubricants
and cosmetic products. The oil has a nutmeg-like smell. Tea tree oil
contains chemicals known as terpenoids which are believed to provide the oil
its medicinal properties. Australian standards were established for the
amount of one particular compound, terpinen-4-ol, which must make up at
least 30% and preferably 40-50% of the oil for it can be considered
medically useful.
Appearance : Thin liquid
Aroma : Medicinal, fresh, woody, earthy, herbaceous
Color : Pale yellow to colorless
Chemical constituents: Tea tree oil has various chemical
compounds that include Terpinen-4-ol, Alpha-Terpineol, Cineole, Pinene,
Alpha Terpenene, Beta-Caryophyllene.
Extraction: The tea tree oil is extracted by the steam
distillation of leaves.
Aromatherapy uses:
This is the greatest oil to fight viruses, bacteria and fungi. Wounds and
scrapes can be washed out with a mixture to disinfect the area. It clears up
wounds and is useful with acne, dandruff and head lice. It furthermore helps
to soothe sore muscles and generally fortifies the body. It has
antimicrobial, antiseptic, bactericide, cicatrisant, expectorant, fungicide,
insecticide, stimulant and sudorific properties.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Tea Tree essential oil is best known as a very powerful immune stimulant.
It can help to fight all three categories of infectious organisms (Bacteria,
Fungi, and Viruses) and there is evidence that tea tree oil massage prior to
an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post-operative shock.
It is used in vapor therapy and can help with colds, measles, sinusitis and
viral infections. Tea tree oil has been used for skin and hair and to combat
acne, oily skin, head lice and dandruff.
Tea tree oil when added to a hot bath help in relaxing the muscles. It also
helps in minor cuts and bruises. It is helpful incase of burns if applied
immediately by washing area with ice water, then applying drops of tea tree
oil to burned area helps to produce soothing and healing effect to the skin.
It is helpful in case of calluses and corns.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Tea tree oil is being used in number of applications like all purpose
cleaner, deoderizer, bedsores, dishwashers, humidifiers, plant sprays,
vaporisers etc. Tea tree has a marked oil dissolving and dispersing action,
which can help alleviate overly oily secretions of the skin. One way to take
advantage of tea tree's natural astringent action is to dilute 12 drops of
the oil in about three ounces of warm water and gently wipe freshly cleaned
skin with the mixture using a soft cotton ball. An oily scalp can also
benefit from an application of tea tree oil. Before shampooing, a gentle
massage with a few drops of the oil will gently invigorate the scalp and
help lift greasy deposits from the hair shaft. It act as a very good hair
conditioner. Because of the mild qualities of tea tree's terpinen content,
the oil can soothe cuts, scratches, sunburn and cold sores. Because it's
non-irritating, a single drop of the oil can be applied directly to minor
injuries once or twice a day.
Perfumery:
It has proved helpful in eau de Cologne, hair oils, powder
perfumes, hair washes and shampoo preparation.
Household products :
Tea tree oil is used for many household cleaning purposes.
Deodorisers :It includes the use of deodorisers for
misting the room with the application of tea tree oil.
Humidifier : The addition of drops of tea tree oil in to
the humidifier help in cleaning and refreshing the air.
Plant Spray : The addition of drops of tea tree oil to in
a bottle of water, alongwith drops of hydrogen peroxide helps in misting
plants with spray bottle.
Vaporizer : The tea tree oil mixture with water helps to
alleviate stuffiness, allergies, headaches and flu symptoms.
Washing Machine : : The addition of drops of tea tree oil
to each load of laundry will disinfect and leave laundry smelling clean and
fresh.
Tea tree oil : : may also be used to treat oral bacteria
that cause cavities, gum disease, and halitosis. Commercially tea tree oil
is considered an effective addition to antiseptic oral rinses and
toothpastes.
