The tea tree – Melaleuca alternifolia – is native to Australia and has long been a popular household remedy among the indigenous people there (Aborigines). Europe got to know the tea tree through James Cook. The first records can be found with the botanist Dr. Joseph Banks, who came to Australia with the British circumnavigator James Cook around 1770. He observed how the Aborigines used a decoction of tea tree leaves to cure a wide variety of skin and wound problems.
Establishment of tea tree oil
Banks’ discovery, however, was forgotten again. It was not until 1925 that the essential oil was distilled and its antiseptic, bactericidal and fungicidal properties were scientifically proven. Today, tea tree oil is experiencing a real renaissance and not a few swear by its many effects, especially on the psyche.
Main ingredients of tea tree oil
Tea tree, like the popular essential oils cajeput and niauli, belongs to the myrtle family. Steam distillation of the leaves and twigs yields a fresh-smelling oil: tea tree oil. One ton of plant material yields about ten liters of tea tree oil after two to three hours of distillation. Pure tea tree oil has a clear to slightly yellow color and a fresh, spicy smell. However, the subjective assessment varies – for sensitive noses it smells rather unpleasant. The two main compounds to which tea tree oil owes its healing properties are terpinene and cineole. Tea tree oil is relatively expensive to extract, but good quality is crucial for the effectiveness of the essential oil – only the genuine oil also unfolds the desired effects. Therefore, you should buy only ecologically sound goods, other oils are often inferior in quality.
Application and effect of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. Tea tree oil is therefore suitable for all inflammatory skin problems, especially against pimples, acne or warts. In addition, tea tree oil shows a strong fungicidal effect, for example in nail fungus. There is also evidence of a good effect on colds. Mouth rinses for inflammation of the gums or gargling for inflammation in the throat – many have had the best experiences with it. The advantage of its use: tea tree oil is very gentle on tissues, which is an advantage when applying it against pimples. However, in a few cases, allergic reactions may occur. It is best to do a test on the skin before use to check if you can tolerate the oil. Contact with eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided at all costs – as with all essential oils.
Psychological effect of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has a strong psychic effect. The ingredients are very similar to those of marjoram – the little plant Wohlgemut. A high content of “skin and soul comforting” alcohols helps with anxiety and boosts self-confidence. Monoterpenes, as also found in pine oils, further support the effect. They give strength and determination when the soul is out of kilter and bring clarity to feelings and thoughts. Tea tree oil thus has a cleansing, clarifying, strengthening and balancing effect and helps with listlessness, listlessness and states of exhaustion. Tea tree oil is especially helpful for sensitive people who are quickly affected by stress and anxiety.
9 Tips for the use of tea tree oil for skin and hair.
- Pimples: apply tea tree oil pure with a cotton swab several times a day.
- Massage: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with pure vegetable oil (for example, avocado oil, almond oil, wheat germ oil or jojoba oil).
- Impure skin: drip ten drops into the bath water.
- Tension: Add ten drops to the bath water.
- Insect bites: Apply one to two drops pure on the insect bite.
- Cosmetics: Depending on your needs, add drops of tea tree oil to your cream, lotion or a base oil.
- Scalp – flaky, itchy and irritated: Add five to seven drops to shampoo and wash hair with it.
- Facial cleansing – impure skin: Put a few drops on a damp cotton pad and dab the face with it. The eyes thereby keep closed.
- Feet – tired, sore or smelly: rub a few drops between the toes pure and take foot baths.
3 Tips for the use of tea tree oil for mouth and throat care.
- Gargle for irritation of the throat, nose and gums: three to five drops in a glass of water or mouthwash.
- Tartar: Put a drop on the toothpaste and brush the teeth with it to remove tartar.
- Tooth decay: Put a drop on the toothpaste and the development of caries-causing bacteria is prevented.
2 Tips for the use of tea tree oil for laundry and household.
- Hygiene laundry: put about 20 drops in the machine and they provide special hygiene for laundry such as diapers, underwear, etc.
- Room care: add 20 drops to the wiping water. Tea tree oil inhibits the formation of mold in endangered rooms.
Mixtures with tea tree oil
Well suited oils to mix for skin and body care: rose or lavender. For blends in the fragrance lamp, baths or massages are recommended palmarosa, linaloe, lemon thyme, bergamot, rose and lavender.
