Description

Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, or Australian tea tree oil as it is more commonly known, is a native Australian plant with many remarkable properties. When crushed and distilled, the leaves of this plant yield a 100% natural oil which is an antiseptic, a fungicide, and a mild solvent.

As a completely natural product, tea tree oil has many uses, some of which include:

• Medicinal purposes
• Skin care and hygiene
• Hair care
• Pet care
• Miscellaneous uses, from insect repellent to the relief of the symptoms of arthritis.

Tea tree oil's major active component is terpinen-4-ol (typically 30-40%). This compound is responsible for tea tree oil's antibacterial and antifungal properties.

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Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Some of the dozens of products available that contain tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil has many applications, due to its remarkable properties. Examples include:

For medicinal purposes    Infections, minor burns, cuts, sore throats, ingrown or infected toenails, sunburn, tinea, ulcers, golden staph, cold sores, pimples, and acne can all be treated using tea tree oil.

Skin care    Deodorants, soaps, hand creams and lotions, and an entire range of personal hygiene products are available that contain tea tree oil. Its soothing and antibacterial properties can be used to treat nappy rash, psoriasis, acne, and many other skin conditions.

Hair care    Anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners are available that use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can also be used to treat damaged hair.

Pet care    Some dog shampoos contain tea tree oil.

Arthritis    Tea tree oil relieves some of the painful symptoms of arthritis.

Other uses    Tea tree oil can be found in toothpastes, mouthwash, and lozenges used to soothe a sore throat. Tea tree oil's antibacterial action can also fight bad breath, foot odour, thrush, and rashes.

More applications of tea tree oil are still being discovered.

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Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a 100% natural product. It is made entirely from a renewable natural resource and is completely environmentally friendly. The growing of tea trees is carefully managed to ensure that the plantation's natural environment is undisturbed.

Although allergic reactions to tea tree oil have been known, their incidence is extremely low when compared to synthetic products. Cases have been reported where the application of tea tree oil healed an infection that had survived a twelve-month course of antibiotics.

Australia exports tea tree oil to many countries, and also manufactures tea tree oil based products locally. Buying Australian made products provides a valuable boost to this country's exporters.

Northern Rivers tea tree plantation