Tea Tree is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the tree found only in Australia and Tasmania. Some of its main chemical constituents are terpinene-4-ol, cineol, pinene, and terpenes.
Tea tree is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral essential oil with the added capability of also being a powerful immuno-stimulant. For those individuals who are immune compromised or are slow to recover from illnesses, this oil is a valuable addition to any regular regime. It is invaluable for colds, flu and infectious illnesses and, when used at the first sign of these illnesses will stimulate profuse sweating, which is a valuable response to infection. On many occasions this will be enough to stop the illness from developing and if not, may greatly reduce the severity and help to prevent secondary infections. It does this not by suppressing the infection but by actively battling it.
Neat tea tree has been used directly on cold sores and pimples with great results. Keeping moderation in mind, there should be no ill effects from applying directly to the skin. Warts can be removed by placing a drop directly on the wart and covering with a bandage daily until it has disappeared. This may take several weeks, but here, patience is a virtue!
When used in a face wash, Tea Tree is great for treating acne (alternate with lavender and bergamot). As an antifungal, Tea tree is great for ringworm and athlete’s foot as well as helping to control candida albicans (yeast). Studies now have revealed that Tea Tree used as a preventative measure on patients before surgery causes the patient to build up strength and therefore recover faster post operatively.
This oil blends well with Clary Sage essential oil, Clove essential oil, Geranium essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Marjoram essential oil, Nutmeg essential oil and Rosemary essential oil.
