Melaleuca alternifolia
Myrtaceae family
Steam distilled from the leaves of the swamp-dwelling tree. It’s a paper bark tree.
Tea tree is one of the most useful and ubiquitous essential oils used in aromatherapy. There are tons of studies with it, and it’s known first and foremost for its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
Weeping Tea Tree
Poem by Geoffrey Fafard
Tree that cries for me
Sheds no selfish ideals or leaves
Just sings to sunshine
Paperbarks To Tea Trees
Poem by vince gullaci
The back beaches
where fibro shacks
meet sand dunes
from veranda to ocean
a few steps away
through the tea trees
to the waves
only sand and blue sky
so magical when I dream
of paperbarks to tea trees.
to the waves
only blue sky
it is so magical
when I dream.
Arctander
Oil of Melaleuca Alternifolia is a pale yellowish green or almost water-white mobile liquid of a warm-spicy, aromatic-terpenic odor, reminiscent of nutmeg, cardamom, and sweet marjoram (!) but with a strong emphasis on the terpinene and terpineol notes. The flavor is warm-aromatic, somewhat burning, spicy and yet fresh, faintly camphoraceous, slightly bitter.
In perfumery, the oil is used for its warm-spicy, aromatic and fresh character, and blends well with lavandin, lavender, clove, rosemary, oakmoss…..
Battaglia
Tea tree has been clinically proven to have the following actions and attributes, and to be effective against:
Acne
Anti-bacterial activity
Anti-carcinogenic effects, against melanoma and other cancers
Anti-fungal activity
Anti-inflammatory activity
Anti-microbial activity
Anti-viral activity
Insecticidal activity
For Oral health
Aromatherapy uses include the following:
Genitourinary system
Immune System
Psychological
Respiratory system
As a restorative
For skin care
Blending for aromatherapy
This depends on the actions desired by the blend, and can include
Palmarosa, thyme linalool, lemon, manuka, ravintsara, oregano, melissa, clove, kunzea, bergamot, geranium, lavender, German chamomile, myrrh, basil, black pepper, lemon, lime, petitgrain, peppermint, eucalyptus, niaouli, spike lavender.
Can be used as a full body bath, foot bath, sitz bath, compress, massage oil, ointment, skin care, shower, inhalation.. there are so many ways to use this oil.
Older bottles of tea tree, which maybe in clear glass, have possibly oxidized, resulting in increased p-cymene, a skin irritant. Better to keep a fresh supply, and store away from sunlight, especially if the bottle is not dark glass and sealed.
The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy has a ton of Tea Tree information, including many case studies.
Safety Warning
As with most essential oils, dilute before using on skin. Perform a patch test before use if essential oil sensitivity is suspected. Do not take essential oils internally. Do not use on children or pets. Seek advice from a trained aromatherapist before using on people with compromised immune systems. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes.
Enfleurage makes no medical claims relating to any products, essential oils or otherwise, on our website or through social media. We are an essential oil company, not doctors, The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. We present our information in order to educate our customers on traditional and general uses of essential oils; in no way do we diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
You the customer are responsible for understanding the safe use of any and all of our products, including essential oils, and use them accordingly.