Oil properties

Tea tree oil has a light spicy, rather pungent smell and is very pale in color. The viscosity is watery.

Tea tree or also referred to as Ti-tree is a small tree from New South Wales similar to Cypress, with needle-like leaves and heads of sessile yellow or purplish flowers.

It grows to about 7 meters (20 feet) and thrives in marshy areas, though it is now cultivated in plantations.

Even when this tree is cut down, it flourishes and is ready for cutting again in two years.

This oil is only produced in Australia and the Aborigines used it for many medicinal purposes.

In World War Two the producers and the cutters of Tea Tree were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated.

Tea Tree oil was issued to each soldier and sailor as part of their kit to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.

Tea Tree is an ingredient of soaps, deodorants, disinfectants and air fresheners.

Extraction

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs by steam distillation and the yield is 1.8%.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of Tea Tree oil are: Terpinene-4-ol, Cymene, Pinene, Terpinene, Cineole etc.

Precautions

Tea Tree oil is usually without any contra-indications but it may cause sensitization in some people.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of Tea Tree oil are: anti-infectious, antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, expectorant, fungicide, immune-stimulant, insecticide and stimulant.

Uses

Tea Tree oil is very important in helping the immune system to fight off infectious diseases. 

It is active in all three varieties of infectious organisms: 

• bacteria, 

• fungi and 

• viruses.

It can help with influenza, cold sores, catarrh, glandular fever and gingivitis.

A course of massage with Tea Tree oil before an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post-operative shock.

Tea Tree oil could help clear bronchial congestion, asthma, coughs, sinusitis, whooping cough and tuberculosis.

On the genitourinary system Tea tree oil could be effective to help clear vaginal thrush, cystitis and genital infections in general.

Tea Tree oil could help clear abscesses, acne, burns, dandruff, herpes, and oily skin; also valuable for athlete's foot, cold sores, blemishes, diaper rash, warts, sunburn and infected wounds.

Summary

Tea Tree oil is a very powerful immune stimulant and helps fight infections of all kinds and helps clear the skin.

Burners and vaporizers

In vapor therapy Tea Tree oil can help with: colds, measles, sinusitis and viral infections.

Blended oil or in the bath

As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, Tea Tree oil can assist with: arthritis, colds, dermatitis, infections, scalp disorders, sinusitis, viral infections, nettle rash, babies colds and coughs, bronchitis, minor children's infections and for sweaty feet.

Wash/ applied directly/ neat

Used as a wash, applied directly or used neat, Tea Tree oil can help with: abscesses, bed sores, acne, boils, lice, dandruff, wounds and animal or human bites.

Mouthwash

Tea Tree oil can be used as a mouthwash for: gum infections, mouth ulcers, throat infections and tonsillitis.

Although essential oils normally blend well together, Tea Tree oil blends particularly well with Cinnamon, Clary sage, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, and Rosemary.