Tea Tree Oil - the “medicine cabinet in a
bottle”
Antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal, tea tree oil has
long been used as a traditional medicine by the native Australian aborigines for
centuries. Modern tea tree oils uses include remedies for various problems
including acne, thrush, herpes, dandruff, skin abrasions and athlete’s foot. The
high levels of antimicrobial agents found in tea tree oil have made it one of
the most widely used natural oils in medicinal and cosmetic products, most
notably in first aid and skin care products.
The origins of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil originated from the province of New South Wales,
Australia. The native aborigines were already familiar with the benefits of
using tea tree oil for years, but it is Australian scientist Arthur Penfold that
is credited with discovering the many benefits of tea tree oil during World War
ll. It was developed and mass produced for the soldiers’ kits (to treat wounds
and skin abrasions), and was also added to cosmetic products, potions and
lotions.
The oil itself is extracted from the leaves of the melaleuca
shrub, a tree native to Australia. Many countries now produce tea tree oil such
as China, the USA and many European countries but pure, high-grade tea tree oil
can only be made in Australia.
The harvesting process
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of melaleuca trees
which are grown on large plantations. Every 12 - 18 months, the trees are
trimmed with mechanical forage harvesters and the collection of twigs and leaves
are then transported to the distillation factory. The trees do not need to be
cut down before harvesting and some trees can yield tea tree oil for 10 years.
Tea Tree Oil extraction
The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of
the melaleuca plant through steam distillation. Here’s how it works:
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The plant materials are placed in specially designed stills
where they are steamed.
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The rising vapors are forced through a condenser, where the
temperature is suddenly lowered.
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The steam then condenses and separates into a mixture of
essential oil and water.
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The essential oil is extracted from the water to produce
100% pure tea tree oil.
Some uses for tea tree oil:
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Antiseptic skin treatment (for cuts, scrapes, burns, boils
and lesions)
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Antifungal treatment (Athlete’s foot, thrush)
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Antiviral treatment (HPV/Herpes)
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Acne remedy
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Lice treatment
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Insect repellents
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Sinus decongestant
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Antibacterial cleaning agent
Popular tea tree oil products:
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ABC (Australian Body Care) face care products
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The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil face wash and cover stick
-
Thursday Plantation products (toothpaste, mouthwash,
footspray)
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Dr. Brandt Pores No More pore refining cream
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Decleor Aromessence Night Balm
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Ord River Tea Tree antiseptic cream
Did you know....?
tea tree oil can even kill microbes that are resistant to antibiotics! |
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