Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Synonyms: Melaleuca linariifolia var. alternifolia
Extraction Method: Steam distilled from the leaves and twigs
Main places of production: Native to New South Wales in Australia, it is also commonly produced in South Africa.
Key constituents:
- Terpinen-4-ol
- g-Terpinene
- a-Terpinene
- Terpinolene
- 1,8-Cineole
- a-Terpineol
- p-Cymeme
- a-Pinene
- (þ)-Aromadendrene
- Ledene (viridiflorene)
- d-Cadinene
- (þ)-Limonene
Interesting facts:
- Crushed leaves were used by the Aborigines to treat wounds and heal skin.
- The oil was included in battlefield first aid kits to treat infections prior to the use of antibiotics
- It has needle like leaves and produces white flowerheads
- Tea tree is from the Myrtaceae family, and has two relatives that have similar properties; Niaouli, which is mainly used for skin complaints and respiratory issues, and Cajuput, which is used for respiratory complaints.
- Tea tree is known as the “herb of the angels” because it has so many spiritual uses.
Actions:
- antiseptic
- toning
- stimulating
- antifungal
- deodorising
- decongestant
- diaphoretic
- immunostimulant
- analgesic
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antiviral
- cicatrisant
- expectorant
- hypotensive
- tonic
- vermifuge
- vulnerary
Historic, Traditional, and Folklore Physical Uses:
- colds and flu
- bronchitis
- asthma
- catarrh
- rhinitis
- sinusitis
- cystitis
- thrush
- urethris
- herpes
- warts
- herpes
- trichomonas
- bad breath
- ulcers
- gum disease
- athletes foot
- ringworm
- acne
- corns
- callouses
- whitlows
- boils
- wounds
- burns
- convalescence
- cold sores
- scar tissue formation
- dandruff
- greasy hair
- pimples
Historic, Traditional, and Folklore Emotional and Psychological Uses:
- mood lifting
- self control
- post social exhaustion
- refreshing
Historic, Traditional, and Folklore Spiritual and Energetic Uses:
- air element
- earth element
- neither yin nor yang
- planet mercury
- moon
- aura cleansing
- protection
- space cleansing
- energy drain
- spiritual healing
- dream states
- crown chakra
- purification
Oil descriptive: Colourless or pale yellow with a fresh, spicey, strong, medicinal, camphoraceous aroma.
Scent note: Middle
Blends well with: Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme.
Cats and dogs: There are multiple recorded cat deaths and some reported dog deaths following direct application (of pure oil) and severe toxicity symptoms on inhalation in cats. NOT safe for diffusing around cats and should be avoided around dogs.
Warnings, cautions and contraindications:
- Do not use on or around babies under 6 months
- Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Do not use if you have eczema or dermatitis
- Do not use if you have an immune disease
- Not safe for people who have a history of liver or kidney disease
- Do not use internally
- If you have any other diagnosed health condition, or take other medications or supplements, please speak to a professional before use.(Feel free to contact us via webchat - we are qualified and insured to advise you)
Find our essential oil ranges here here:
Essential Oils | Oil Burners & Diffusers – HIPPIE Life UK
*Applications and properties are based on traditional folklore and provided for entertainment purposes only. They are not necessarily proven health claims and are not intended to treat or cure any illness or disease. Always see your doctor!
Please seek advice from a holistic vet or qualified veterinary aromatherapist if planning to use essential oils on animals as their safe and effective use is different on animals. We are only qualified and insured to advise on human use where animals may be present within the environment, not the use of essential oils on the animal itself.
Sources: HIPPIE Essential Oil Supplier safety and certification sheets, "Little Book of Essential Oils", and "Essential Oils" both by Neal's Yard Remedies, "Essential Oil Safety" - Robert Tisserand and RodneyYoung, www.enchantedaromatics.com
