BOTANICAL NAME :Melaleuca alternifolia
ORIGIN OF TEA TREE OIL
It is a small tree from New South Wales in Australia, similar to Cypress, with needle-like leaves and heads of sessile yellow or purplish flowers and grows to about 7 meters (20 feet) high and thrives in marshy areas, though it is now cultivated in plantations. Even when this tree is cut down, it flourishes and is ready for cutting again in two years. The oil is only produced in Australia where the Aborigines used it for a long time for a variety of medicinal purposes. In World War II, the producers and the cutters were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated. Each soldier and sailor was issued with some as part of their kit, to treat tropical infections and infected wounds. Tea tree oil is an ingredient of soaps, creams, lotions, deodorants, disinfectants and air fresheners.
EXTRACTION
It is extracted from the leaves and twigs by steam distillation and the yield is about 1.8%.
PRECAUTIONS
Tea tree oil is considered a safe oil, as it is non-toxic and non-irritant, but some individuals so show sensitizing to this oil, and it should be used with this in mind. It should not be used on deep wounds or near the eyes, ears, nose or internally. Please remember that it is a most powerful oil, but using it unwisely could result in problems.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The therapeutic properties of tea tree oil are antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, bactericide, cicatrisant (cell healing), expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific.
USES
• Tea tree oil is very important in the health of the immune system, as it acts as a immuno-stimulant and increases the body's ability to fight off any infections, while it also is used to revive the mind and body after shock.
• The world over, this oil is used with great effectiveness to ward of infections of any kind, and it is active in all three varieties of infectious organisms:
• It can help with influenza, cold sores, catarrh, glandular fever and gingivitis.
• A course of massage with tea tree oil before an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post-operative shock.
• Apart from the superb anti-infectious properties of tea tree oil, it is also most effective to help clear bronchial congestion, asthma, coughs, sinusitis, whooping cough and tuberculosis.
• On the genito-urinary system, it can be used to help clear vaginal thrush, cystitis and genital infections in general and on the skin, it clears abscesses, acne, burns, herpes, oily skin, athlete's foot, cold sores, blemishes, diaper rash, warts, sunburn and infected wounds, while fighting dandruff on the scalp.
CERTIFICATION
MRT gives the product which is grown under the stringent organic standards of NPOP, NOP, and EU certification by LACON, GERMANY.
