About the Tree

This tree's name is derived from it's usage in Australia (from where it is a native) as a medicinal tea and later as a tea substitute, which is brewed from it's leaves. A member of the botanical family Myrtaceae, tea-trees were originally found growing in the swampy area along the northern coast of New South Wales. This species is the smallest of the melaleucas, often shrublike, the trunks and stems being long with the foliage growing near the tops, the needle like leaves looking quite similar to cypress. It's small blooms are in sessile heads and are either yellow or purplish tinged in color. It's growth is very prolific and when pruned to 2 feet from the ground it can grow a good thick foliage cover within 18 months. It has in fact become a pest of sorts in certain areas of Florida. Due to the rising demand of tea-tree essential oil, plantations are being established.

History

The Tea-tree has been called the Australian wonder due to it's healing properties, which had long been known by the aborigines who used it for many things. The Bundjaling used crushed leaves to make poultices for infected wounds and skin disorders. Captain Cook and his crew started brewing the leaves as a change from ordinary tea, for they found it's spicy flavor to be pleasant. The British colonists continued this use of the tea-tree's leaves, hence comes the name. The first publication on tea-tree was by an Australian chemist named A.R. Penfold who, in 1925, stated that it's oil was 12 times stronger than phenol. It was introduced into European use in 1927. Tea-tree's non-toxicity and effectiveness as a germicidal agent was mentioned by a paper in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1930. In 1937 tea-tree's antiseptic power was noted to increase by ten to twelve percent when in the presence of certain organic fluids, including pus, saliva and blood. Interest in the medicinal use of tea-tree oil diminished, however, after World War II, when the use of antibiotics started to become widespread. Tea-tree oil is still being studied to this day and is the most researched of any essential oil I can think of. It's use is once again on the rise due, in part, to it's strong and effective qualities and also, in part to the fact that the use of antibiotics has caused much concern about immune enhancement and mutating viruses. In France, physicians have been experimenting and researching the use of tea-tree essential oil for treatment of AIDS, and for strengthening the immune system prior to surgery. Tea-tree oil has been used commercially in soaps, toothpaste, gargles, deodorants, disinfectants, germicides and increasingly in spicy aftershaves and colognes.

Aromatherapy Uses

The Essential Oil

The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia is produced through steam distillation of the leaves and twigs and is imported from Australia. It is one of the few essential oils that can be used neat (undiluted) on the skin. The essential oil is a pale yellowish green to clear in color and has a warm earthy, spicy-camphoraceous like scent that blends well with woods, citrus, pine like fragrances, spice oils, as well as lavender, geranium and cananga odorata.

Chemistry of Tea Tree

The principle chemical constituents found in tea-tree are terpinene-4-ol (up to 30%), 1,8cineol (an oxide), d-<-pinene, terpinenes, cymene, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpine alcohols, among others. Though sesquiterpines and sesquiterpene alcohols can vary greatly in their properties it can be said that a.) - sesquiterpines generally are anti-inflammatory, cooling, and anti-allergenic and b.) - sesquiterpine alcohols in general have the characteristics of antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, liver stimulating, and stimulating glandular secretions as well as tonifying muscles and nerves, reducing congestion in the veins and lymphatic system, and having moderate antimicrobial effects. The chief properties of 1,8 cineol, which is an oxide (cyclic ether), include mucalyptic, anthelmintic, antiseptic, and expectorant and have an effect on disorders of the respiratory system. Turpinene and d-<-pinene are monoterpenes which contribute antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Cymene is a terpene hydrocarbon and may be useful as an anlgesic in rheumatic conditions.

Tea Tree's Therapeutic Properties for the Human Body

The actions of tea-tree essential oil include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrizant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immuno-stimulant, parasiticide, and vulnerary. It has the unique quality of being effective against all three varieties of infectious organisms; bacteria, fungus and viruses. Therapeutic properties on the human body are as follows: Circulatory - stimulates general circulation of the blood and lymph, supports and strengthens the immune system. Digestive - an aid for stomach viruses. Genito-urinary - good antiseptic for this system, treats cystitis, pruritis, urethritis, vaginitis, leucchorea,thrush, candida albicans and yeast imbalances, urinary infections, cleanses kidneys and helps break down stones. Muscular-skeletal - helps with over exerted, aching muscles and joints and aids in removal of uric acid buildup. Respiratory - excellent antiseptic, good during colds, flus, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, catarrhal conditions, coughs, pertussis, and tuberculosis. Skin- By far, one of the strongest antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal essential oils for skin care, it is good for oily skin, acne, abcesses, wounds, insect bites, athlete's foot, ring worm, nail fungus, rashes, psoriasis, blisters, burns, veruccae, chicken pox, herpes and warts. Periodontal care - very good in mouth washes for gum infections, thrush, throat infections, and mouth ulcerations.

The Psychological Effects of Tea Tree

Tea-tree is used for clarifying and balancing. It clears the head of confusing thoughts, calms disturbed imaginations, and calms the emotions. It will bring one back “down to Earth”.

Summing it up

Tea-tree essential oil should be in everyone's first aid kit right along with the lavender. It's a very safe oil to use and its wide range of therapeutic qualities make it indispensible.

Happiness and good health to All,

Jody L. Boda~Newell for Living Earth Herbalist Society

These newsletters are not meant to be used for diagnosing or to replace the care of a physician. All information contained in this newsletter is obtained through scientific research, years of research from other practicing aromatherapists and herbalists and my own personal experiences and research as a practicing aromatherapist and herbalist.

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