Melaleuca alternifolia Australian Tea Tree Essential Oil By
Melaleuca alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree) Essential Oil By Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN, Cert. Aroma, CNHP,
Synonyms for Tea Tree Oil Australian tea tree oil Cymene Melaleuca Oleum Teebaum Terpinen TTO oil
Background Latin Melaleuca alternifolia Family Mertaceae Name “Tea tree” was named by botanist Joseph Banks who sailed with Captain Cook
Processing Melaleuca alternifolia is a tree that grows up to 15’ high from seed with paper like bark Tea tree oil (TTO) is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves Most plantations and production is located in New South Wales, Australia
Characteristics Aroma Spicy Color White or pale yellow Feel Evaporates Does not leave a stain on a perfume blotter
Blends well with Bergamot Rosemary Lavender Peppermint
Popular Uses Household Therapeutic Perfumery
Medicinal Properties Known to have medicinal properties by Aboriginal natives First discovered by modern medicine in 1920’s Antimicrobial, antifungal, properties likely due to the compound terpinen-4 -ol (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, 2011)
Components Antimicrobial, antifungal, vasoconstrictive and stimulating properties likely due to the compound terpinen-4 -ol (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, 2011 and ACHS, 2010) Gamma-terpinenes contribute to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and bactericidal properties Cineole helps expectorant action and insect repellent properties
Common Therapeutic Uses Acne vulagris Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot) Halitosis (bad breath) Onychomycosais (fungal nail infections)
Household Use Purify drinking water Household disinfectant Add ½ -t to laundry load Good for diapers
Perfumery Fragrance in Soap Shampoo Mouthwash Detergent Sweet middle note and soft tone as it dries (ACHS, 2010)
Research Unclear scientific evidence for use (NSRC, 2011) Only a limited number of high-quality studies have been publish focusing on human effects Enough evidence to support further study
Contradictions Do not use orally Reports of nausea, diarrhea, confusion, or coma Known reports of allergic contact dermatitis with skin can limit use for some clients (NSRC, 2011) Perform Unclear (NSRC) skin patch test prior to use scientific evidence for use
References American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2010). Aromatherapy 101: Introduction to aromatherapy course manual, October 2010. Portland, OR: American College of Healthcare Sciences. National Standard Research Collaboration. (2011). Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel). Retrieved from http: //www. mayoclinic. com/health/tea-treeoil/NS_patient-teatreeoil.
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