Sacred Scents. September 2009 Essential oil of the Month: Tea tree. Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, HHP, CBS

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1 Sacred Scents September 2009 Essential oil of the Month: Tea tree By Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, HHP, CBS Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia Common Name: Tea tree, Ti-tree Why I love Tea tree: When I smell tea tree oil it reminds me of a tender and kind medicine. To me it has a very powerful aroma and I gently remind myself how soothing and versatile it is. I use tea tree for a wide variety of skin applications and lung congestion. It is a proverbial drug store in a bottle because of its many uses. Aroma and scent: Tea tree s aroma is sharp, medicinal, and camphorous. The essential oil is a pale yellowish-green to clear liquid. There are over 300 species and subspecies of tea tree. Of all the species, Melalueca alternifolia has the highest concentration of antiseptic and fungicidal characteristics. Native to and history: Melaleuca comes from the Greek word melas meaning black and leukos meaning white. It refers to the contrasting dark green foliage appearing black and contrasting to the loose, paper thin, white bark. This water resistant paper bark was used by the aborigines of Australia to make small canoes, knife sheaths and thatching for shelters. It still grows in its natural habitat of the northeastern region of New South Wales. The trees that grow in the Clarence-Richmond river area appear to have the highest levels of terpineol with corresponding lower levels of cineole. These two combinations make it perfect for healing purposes. This tree thrives in the wetlands. Harvesting the leaves and twigs for this oil is laborious. In 1930, tea tree was used as an antiseptic in dressing wounds. When added to hand soap, it is 60 times more effective than other disinfectants in eradicating typhoid. During World War II Dr. Jean Valnet used tea tree for battle wounds. In 1964 he published a comprehensive work entitled Aromatherapie which earned international recognition. 1

2 Did you ever wonder whey there are so many tea tree trees in San Diego? During the San Diego railroad days, the Melaleuca alternifolia trees were planted for railroad ties because the trees grow quickly. Tested showed the wood was too soft to be used as railroad ties. Chemistry: Tea tree has over 100 chemical compounds. This essential oil contains 35-70% monoterpenes, a powerful immune stimulating, anti-septic, with antimicrobial qualities. Monoterpenes are very beneficial due to their mildness and safety. Tea tree also contains 8-20% sesquiterpenes. Its properties are anti-inflammatory with a calming effect. The remaining small percentages of chemical compounds are important. The balance of tea tree oil constituents is a key factor in the therapeutic potential of this oil. Part of the plant: It has a paper like bark and small narrow leaves. There are over 30 species of tea tree in Australia. This essential oil is steam distilled from leaves and twigs. Tea tree may help the body recover from the following: acne, bacterial infection, blemishes, boils, cold sores, corns, cradle cap, dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, herpes, insect/spider/scorpion bites, itching, fungal infections, lice, psoriasis, rashes, seborrhea, sinus congestion, sunburn, tuberculosis Tea tree blends with: basil, bergamot, black pepper, all citrus oils, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, German chamomile, juniper, lavender, lemon marjoram, peppermint, pine, Roman chamomile, ravensara, rosemary, thyme Body, Mind and Spirit Connections: Tea tree is widely known for its anti-infectious properties. It stimulates the immune system to reinforce the lungs, heart and nervous system. This essential oil boosts morale as it lessens the effects of depression. It strengthens the immune system. Tea tree is an important essential oil to help people that are HIV positive. In 1936, the Medical Journal of Australia reported tea tree successfully treated diabetic gangrene. Research proves tea tree to combat throat and mouth issues, gingivitis and pyorrhea. In 1923, Dr. A.R. Penfold, curator and chemist at the Government Museum of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sydney conducted a study of the leaves of tea tree. He discovered their essential oils to be thirteen times stronger as an antiseptic bactericide than carbolic acid, considered the universal standard in the early 1900 s. In 1925, Dr. Penfold announced his findings before the Royal Society of New South Wales and England. 2

3 In 1996, K.A. Hammer, CF Riley and T.V. Riley state in their research paper Susceptibility of transient and commensal skin flora to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia able to kill harmful bacteria without greatly disturbing the normal beneficial bacteria in the body. Robert Tisserand wrote in the February 1998 issue of the International Journal of Aromatherapy research has shown that tea tree oil is four to five times stronger than the usual household disinfectants (i.e. hydrogen peroxide), and yet it stings far less when applied to minor abrasions. Contraindications and Precautions: Tea tree is a powerful disinfectant, non-irritating and non-toxic. It may be sensitive to the skin of some individuals. A prolong use of this essential may cause an allergic reaction. Avoid storing in plastic containers. Essential Oil Recipes: Aloe Vera baby wipe 2 drops tea tree ¼ cup aloe vera gel 2 cups hot filtered water Stir or shake until well mixed. Use only when the mixture cools. Spritz on cloth or wipe before using. Apply where needed. Avoid mucus membranes and the eyes. Compliments OB People s Co-op newsletter, July 2009 Mouthwash Glass of water Mix together and use as a gargle for a sore throat, mouth infection, or to eliminate bad breath Warts Apply 1 to 2 drops of undiluted tea tree and lavender daily. Cover the wart with a bandage afterward. Following successful treatment, healing can be promoted with Vitamin E and lavender. Cuts and burns Apply oil directly to a cut or bruise to disinfect, reduce pain, promote healing and prevent infection. It is a gentle healer. Weeping acne 1 oz. (30 ml) liquid hypo-allergenic facial soap Blend soap and oil well. Use the preparation to cleanse acne every morning and before going to bed. 3

4 Immune stimulating bath 12 drops tea tree Useful before infectious illnesses reach their full potential. Use when you begin to feel ill. Tea tree stimulates white blood cell production. Scalp and dandruff prevention blend 2 drops tea tree 2 drops cedarwood 2 drops lavender 2 drops rosemary ½ oz. carrier or base oil Blend together and apply to scalp. Athlete s foot bath 4 drops tea tree 4 drops lavender 2 drops sandalwood 2 gallons of warm water Combine the above ingredients and soak the feet. patchouli for sandalwood. It is a skin regenerator. You may substitute Shampoo enhancer 8 oz shampoo Blend ingredients together. It stimulates the function of the scalp and cleanses the hair. Fleas Bathe animal with mild soap and water and clip hair from hot spots. Mix one tablespoon tea tree oil into one cup water, put in a spray bottle and spray the animal well. Allow the mixture to work for a few minutes, then saturate a cotton ball with tea tree oil and dab onto raw areas. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to pet shampoo for regular bathing. Shampoo your pet in the bathtub so you can see the fleas and wash them down the drain. Did You Know: In New Zealand, tea tree is used as a binding agent in the manufacturing of mud bricks. Testimonial: I am slowly beginning to like the smell of tea tree oil. I find it the most effective of all the oils I tried for my skin issues. I found it less effective than patchouli for toenail fungus yet it is superior for all other skin issues like scratches, bruising, insect bites, cuts, itches, etc. It relaxes me and I feel better after I rub it on an area. J.D. 4

5 Quote of the month: "May the beauty you love, be what you do." Rumi Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and/or techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Resources: Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide - First Aid Kit in a bottle Cynthia Olsen Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit Gabriel Mojay Aromatherapy for Massage Practitioner Ingrid Martin Spa Bodywork, A Guide for Massage Therapists Anne Williams The Australasian College of Herbal Studies Manual The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple Dr. David Stewart Aromatherapy Handbook for beauty hair and skin care Erich Keller The Essential oil book Colleen K. Dodt Aromatherapy for the Beauty Therapist Valerie Ann Worwood Reference Guide for Essential Oils compiled by Connie and Allan Higley The Enchanting Art of Aromatherapy Salvatore Battaglia Aromatherapy for women and children Jane Dye Guide to Aromatherapy Susanne Blake Ayurveda and Aromatherapy Dr. Light Miller, ND and Dr. Bryan Miller, DC The Healing Aromatherapy Bath Margo Valentine Lazzara, C. Ht Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, HHP. CBS 5

Tea Tree Oil Fungus Fighter Skin And Scalp Treatment 2 Oz

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