Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Location: Tea Tree grows in Australia.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is colourless with a fresh, sharp, pungent and camphorous aroma.
Description: A small tree with small leaves, growing up to 6 metres and found in marshy areas; now cultivated on plantations.
Background: Long used by the Australian aborigines for medicinal purposes. It was used by the British colonists as a substitute brew for tea, hence its present name. Tea Tree was introduced into European use in 1927.
Properties: Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, stimulant and expectorant.
Uses
Urinary System-Good for cystitis.
Respiratory System-Valuable for colds and flu, relieving catarrh and sinusitis.
Skin-Very effective in clearing infected wounds, especially when there is pus. Tea tree is excellent for all types of skin problems, particularly those affecting feet(Athletes foot, corns, callouses and verruca’s). Also good for warts and pierced ear and nail- bed infections. An effective treatment for cold sores, shingles and chicken pox. A good cleanser and deodoriser.
