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The Scoop on Tea Tree Oil

"Because it (tea tree oil) has the unusual ability to penetrate beneath the surface of the skin it can help to clear up 'blind' pimples which often take so long to heal... [Regarding arthritis] Tea Tree oil has the special property of being able to penetrate through the skin to work on the tissue beneath, and its mildly anaesthetic qualities give relief from the pain... Tea tree oil has mild anaesthetic antiseptic qualities which will greatly reduce any risk of infection..." (Drury, Susan. Tea Tree Oil: A Medicine Kit in a Bottle. Lindfield: Unity P, 1991.)

Parts Used
Volatile oil distilled from the leaves

Common Uses

How Tea Tree Oil Works
Tea Tree Oil contains substances called terpenes which have a powerful antibacterial action. Terpenes are able to kill many bacteria, including some that are resistant to standard antibiotics, like staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria are so weakened that the body is able to destroy them.

Side Effects
In some cases tea tree oil can cause irritation to the skin and vagina, however it is generally considered safe for external use.

Safety Issues
Do Not Take Internally. As with many essential oils tea tree oil is toxic if ingested.

Worth Noting
Be sure that the oil you use is from Melaleuca alternifolia. Since tea tree oil has become so popular other species are sometimes used and these can cause skin irritation and be less effective.

The History of the Tea Tree
The Tea Tree is a small tree native to areas of wet or swampy ground in New South Wales or southern Queensland in Australia. The oil, which is distilled from the leaves of the plant, has a pleasant nutmeg odor and is pale yellow in color.

Europeans were first made aware of the Tea Tree by Captain Cook after his expedition to Australia in the 18th century. It is said that his crew made tea from this aromatic plant - hence it's name.

The settlers soon discovered however, as the native Aborigines had long before, that this plant has many valuable uses. They used it to treat burns, cuts, insect bites, athletes foot and other skin complaints and soon the Tea Tree became a valuable part of their medicinal arsenal.

During World War ll Tea Tree Oil was added to machine cutting oil in munitions factories in Australia. This was done to reduce the number of infections caused by cuts and abrasions to the workers hands.

Tea Tree Oil became popular again in the late 1970's and since that time a Tea Tree industry has evolved. You can find Tea Tree in a wide range of products including skin ointments, shampoos, soaps and toothpastes.

It has been widely studied to examine it's effectiveness against a variety of complaints including acne, athletes foot, corns, skin and vaginal infections, as well as it's ability to kill antibiotic resistant bacteria like staphylococcus aureus. These studies have shown very positive results.

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More Tea Tree Oil Testimonials
Tea Tree Oil is among the most famous and sought after antiseptic agents. It has so many powerful advantages that it plays a major role in any well-planned first aid kit.

"Aborigines used to call this the healing tree. Much folklore has devloped around its properties, but it is certainly a potential germicide and fungicide and it produces no toxicity. Cuts, grazes and all manner of skin problems are said to respond."
(Rennie, Philip. Business Revew Weekly, November 17th, 1989)

"University of Western Australia's microbiologist Associate Professor Tom Riley said their studies has yet to find a bacterial that was not destroyed by the topical use of the oil." (Geo Australasia. March/April 1996, Vol 18 #2, p.9)

"This oil is unusual in that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses." (Lawless Julia. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Element Book Ltd., 1995)

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