Essential Oil Profile: Tea Tree
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Image Credit: By Tangopaso [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Latin Name: Melaleuca
alternifolia
Plant Family: Myrtaceae
Plant Part Used: Leaves
Extraction Method: steam distillation
Scent: Medicinal,
camphor-like aroma
Color: Clear
to pale yellow
Viscosity: Thin
Shelf Life: 2 years
Max Dermal Use Level: 15%
Notes (Perfume): Top
(to Middle)
Phototoxic: No
Safe for Kids: Yes
Safe for Pregnancy: Yes
Safe for Breastfeeding: Yes
Safe for Ingestion: No
Chemical Families: monoterpenols,
monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes
Primary Chemical Constituents: Terpinene-4-ol,
y-Terpinene, a-Terpinene, Terpinolene, 1,8-Cineole, a-Terpineol, p-Cymene,
a-Pinene
Blends well with:
(Worwood, 2016, p. 626)
bergamot,
black pepper, chamomile german, chamomile roman, elemi, eucalyptus lemon,
eucalyptus radiata, fragonia, geranium, ho wood, lavandin, lavender, lemon,
manuka, orange (sweet), palmarosa, peppermint, ravensara, rosemary, tangerine
General Information
Tea
tree essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) which is native
to Australia. It is believed that the name “tea tree” was coined by Captain
James Cook, a British explorer, who used the leaves of this tree to make a tea.
For many generations, the Aboriginal people of Australia have used tea tree as
a natural treatment for cuts and wounds due to its antiseptic properties. It is
also for the same reason that military personnel during World War II included
tea tree oil as part of their first aid kit to be used for disinfecting wounds.
Therapeutic Properties
(Worwood, 2016, p. 626)
Antibacterial – prevents and kills bacteria
Antifungal – prevents the growth of fungi
Antiseptic – prevents and kills microorganisms which include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa
Antiviral – prevents
the growth of viruses
Decongestant – reduces nasal congestion
Immunostimulant - stimulates the immune system
Vulnerary – heals
wounds
Uses and Benefits
Heals Cuts and Wounds
Tea
tree oil is best known for its antibacterial properties that’s why it is often
use to treat cuts and wounds in order to prevent infection and to promote
healing. Dilute 1 – 2 drops of tea tree oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil, soak
a cotton ball in the solution and dab on the affected areas twice a day until
the wound closes.
Treat Acne
Tea
tree essential oil has an ability to prevent and fight pimple-causing bacteria,
so you can combine it with lavender or sweet orange essential oil to create a
facial serum for people with oily and/or acne-prone skin.
Disinfect Room and Surfaces
You
can make your own antibacterial spray with tea tree oil that you can use to
disinfect room, surfaces (e.g. kitchen countertop), yoga mat and toys. The
formula is simple: 25% ethyl alcohol (190 proof / 95%) + 73% distilled water +
2% tea tree essential oil.
Triclosan-Free Hand Sanitizer
Most
hand sanitizers available in the market contain an antibacterial agent called triclosan. Some studies say that
frequent exposure to triclosan might contribute to making bacteria resistant to
antibiotics. For a safer alternative to triclosan, you can make your own hand sanitizer using tea tree essential oil.
Relieve Cold Symptoms
Tea
tree essential oil has antiviral properties so it can be used to fight or
prevent the symptoms of common cold which is caused by many different viruses.
The best method for treating colds with tea tree oil is through inhalation
(e.g. via diffuser or steam inhalation) which can help decongest nasal
passages.
Treat Dandruff
Because
of its antifungal properties, tea tree essential oil is said to be effective in
treating dandruff which is caused by a fungus called Malassezia. In fact, this clinical study shows that daily use of shampoo with 5% tea tree oil for 4 weeks can reduce
dandruff by 41%.
Safety Information
- No known contraindication with any medical drugs, procedures and conditions.
- Tea tree essential oil should not be taken orally because it is toxic when swallowed.
- Tea tree essential oil can cause skin sensitization to some people, most especially at high concentration. Even though its maximum dermal limit is 15%, cosmetic regulatory agencies recommend using maximum of 1% for cosmetic products that are used daily on the skin (e.g. moisturizer).
- Oxidized tea tree essential oil should not be used as it can cause skin sensitization (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
References:
Tea
Tree Essential Oil. Retrieved from https://www.anandaapothecary.com/tea-tree-essential-oil
Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). London: Elsevier.
Worwood, V.A. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. Novato, CA: New World Library.
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