Our tea tree essential oil comes from Australia, where this oil was first used. Melalueca Alternifolia is the name of the tree, whose leaves give us this essential oil after steam distillation.

Since then, Australian Aborigines have used tea tree essential oil in a number of health conditions due to its antiseptic action, from skin disorders to viruses, allergies, infections and immune problems.

In addition to the unusual aroma reminiscent of camphor, tea tree essential oil, which has nothing to do with tea, is economical and acts as a natural antibiotic thanks to the hydrocarbons it contains, ie 14 terpenes.

Properties:

The tea tree owes its name to Captain James Cook, who, arriving off the coast of Australia in 1732, made a spicy and refreshing tea from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. So he named it “Tree Tea” and thanks to its antiseptic properties, it was widely used until the discovery of penicillin.

The term Melaleuca is a combination of two Greek words: the word mela (“black”) and white , a name that indicates the contrast between the black trunk and the white stems and branches found in plants of this family. The second synthetic Alternifolia has Latin roots and means that the leaves of the stem on one side are connected to the stem on the other side.

The documented benefits of tea tree essential oil include antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and soothing properties. You will find it in many health food and wellness stores. Recent research has highlighted the positive role of tea tree essential oil in the treatment of skin cancer.

Let’s look at the benefits of tea tree essential oil:

• Treatment of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
• Treatment of bacterial infections
• Treatment of fungal infections
• Treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris
• Treatment of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
• Onychomycosis
• Treatment of guarding
• Treatment of viral infections including herpes virus (herpes)
• Treatment of mild to moderate dandruff
• Prevention of lice
• Relief of the symptoms of moderate to severe gingivitis
• Relief of oral denture symptoms
• Treatment of ocular infections

Possible side effects

The tea tree is easily combined with lavender, honeysuckle and lemongrass essential oils, while we can use it locally and even insoluble, always according to the instructions of a specialist.

Possible side effects are skin irritation, allergic reactions, especially if you are allergic to other oils, such as eucalyptus and clove. In any case, a local application for pre-use testing is required.

Tea tree essential oil is poisonous, so it is forbidden to swallow and use it directly on open wounds, but also to use it during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Also, make sure that it is not accessible to pets, as taking it can even cause death. Many times we may experience drowsiness, instability, diarrhea, digestive disorders, rashes, flatulence, confusion or hallucinations. In any case, consult your doctor before taking.