Tea Tree Essential Oil

Latin Name: Malaleuca Alternifolia

Part of the plant used: leaves and twigs

Origin: Australia

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

In early times, it seems that the leaves of this tree are infused to make tea, which is how the name came about. Tea tree essential oil is the concentrated liquid compounds steam distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil is claimed to have valuable antiseptic and antifungal properties due to components called terpenoids, and it is currently used in many personal care products and medications.

Tea tree essential oil is said to be good for relieving congestion, cold, cough, and flu. It has been used to cure acne, fungal infections, dandruff, vaginal infections, hemorrhoids, athlete's foot, and is believed to relieve sore muscles and joint injuries. When added to bath water, it helps control bacteria. Tea tree oil should not be taken internally. It is usually used only on adults and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.

The tea tree has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times in eastern Australia. Aboriginal Australians have been known to have been using the crushed leaves to heal cuts, burns, sores, and infections for hundreds of years. They inhaled the oils from the crushed leaves to relieve coughs and colds. They sprayed this oil on the wounds and applied a poultice. They infused the leaves and made tea to soothe the sore throat. It was between 1920 and 1930 that the essential oil of this tree began to be known and used for its antimicrobial properties in Europe.