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Tea Tree
Melaleuca alternifolia
Aroma
Spicy, intensely medicinal, fresh. For many people who have experienced the benefits of Tea Tree Oil, this scent has become equivalent to the scent of healing. Tea Tree has won a reputation as a 'cure all' because of its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. In aromatherapy, tea tree essential oil is employed for its physical, rather than emotional or aesthetic nature. This isn't to say that the strongly medicinal aroma of tea tree is offensive.
Physical Healing
Tea Tree is one of the few essential oils which can be put undiluted on the skin. It is the first suggestion for athlete's foot, nail viruses and other fungal infections. Often used in anti-acne remedies, as well as in an aromatherapy vaporizer to combat the flu and other viral infections. It is also recommended as the remedy for a vaginal candida infection.
A "Miraculous" Oil — it is the most effective and non-toxic antibacterial and anti-fungal essential oil. Stimulates the immune system. Excellent for all types of infection, burns, wounds, insect bites/stings, tooth and gum infections. The antiviral properties assist the healing of colds, flu and cold sores, asthma, bronchitis. The anti-fungal properties are beneficial in alleviating athlete's foot, warts, ringworm. Tea Tree oil is excellent for skin problems such as rashes, dandruff and acne. A must have for first aid kits.
Some of the most effective aromatherapy uses for tea tree oil are cosmetic in nature. For instance, tea tree has a marked oil dissolving and dispersing action, which can help alleviate overly oily secretions of the skin.
Suggested Uses
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.
Because of the mild qualities of tea tree's terpene 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.
For a soothing sunburn treatment, tea tree is especially effective when paired with lavender oil. Add five drops of tea tree and 11 drops of lavender oil to three ounces of cool, distilled water. Place this mixture in a bottle with a spray atomizer attachment and mist sunburned areas whenever cooling relief is needed.
Blends Well With
Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender and any citrus oils — Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, and Sweet Orange.
Safety Information
Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 211.]
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