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Tee Tree Oil
( Melaleuca alternifolia )
Family
Melaleuca
Synonyms
Tea Tree
Character
Antiseptic, antifungal,
antibacterial, anesthetic, immuno-stimulant, natural insecticide
Description
The tea tree is a relatively
small tree indigenous only to the northeast coast region of New South Wales
and Queensland in Australia. The tree grows along swampy, lowland regions
and has a long trunk. It grows less than twenty feet and produces vivid
green, feathery leaves and bright yellow clusters of flowers. Cropping the
leaves of these trees seems to stimulate enhanced growth and regeneration.
Leaves that have been harvested can completely regrow within an 18 month
period. While more than 50 members of the Melaleuca genus exist, the
oil from the M. alternifolia variety has been the subject of intense
interest and new research over the last ten years. The leaves of the plant
are used medicinally and have a long history of traditional aboriginal use.
Today, tea tree farms exist to meet the demand for the oil. When distilled
the leaves produce a colorless oil which smells like eucalyptus or camphor.
Phytochemistry
Tea tree oil contains over 45
organic compounds consisting of terpenes, cymones, pinenes, terpineol,
ceniol, sesquiterpenes, and sesquiterpene alcohols ( NOTE: The oil extracted
from the leaves contains a lemon-tinted volatile oil with a distinctive
nutmeg-like fragrance. This medicinal oil is obtained by a process called
steam distillation. Oil of melaleuca is also specified as terpinen-4-ol type
and requires a minimum content of terpinen-4-ol and 1-8 cineol. )
Traditional rain forest use
The Bundjalung aborigines who
inhabit northern areas of New South Wales have long been aware of the
healing properties of tea tree oil. Bathing in ponds where the leaves had
decayed was common because contact with water full of the oil was considered
extremely curative. They also chewed on tea tree leaves to treat colds or
mouth sores. Macerations were used on cuts, burns, insect bites, infected
wounds and a vast variety of skin afflictions. Decoctions were ingested for
the general treatment of disease and inhaling mashed leaves as a snuff was
used to treat upper respiratory conditions.
Modern medicinal applications
Tea tree oil is used to treat
acne, athlete's foot, boils, burns, gingivitis, herpes, impetigo, insect
bites, mouth ulcers, psoriasis, ringworm, sinus infections, skin infections,
vaginitis, yeast infections, thrush, tonsillitis and wounds.
Authentication
Significant research supports the
impressive antiseptic properties of tea tree oil studies confirm it contains
antibacterial compounds which can be 12 times more effective than carbolic
acid. These studies support the notion that the oil is a powerful germicide
and fungicide with the ability to dissolve pus and waste debris typical of
wounds, burns, etc. Numerous studies using tea tree oil for acne, athlete's
foot, fungal nail infections and vaginal infections have proven its
efficacy.
Safety
Tea tree oil is considered safe
if used topically. The oral consumption of teas, etc. is not recommended as
a toxic reaction could occur. |
