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Tea
Tree - Melaleuca
alternifolia
A
small tree or shrub with needle like leaves and
heads of sessile yellow or purplish flowers native
to Australia. Captain James Cook of the British
Royal Navy is credited with naming this tree the
'Tea Tree' during an expedition to Australia in
1770. He noted in his ship's log how the local tribes
brewed a spicy tea from the leaves of a unique "paper-barked"
tree. The Australian Aboriginies have used the leaves,
bark and twigs of this tree extensively for centuries
- the leaves being particularly effective for skin
wounds : once pulvarised they would be placed over
a wound and held in place by a mud-pack.
Dr.
A. R. Penefold, a government chemist in Sydney,
was credited for beginning the human clinical research
and documentation of the many benefits associated
with Tea Tree oil in 1920. It was around this time
that the oil began being used commercially in dentistry
and surgery. In the Medical Journal of Australia
(1930) it stated that ". . . it dissolved pus
and left the surface of infected wounds clean so
that its germicidal action became more effective
without any apparent damage to the tissues ... most
efficient germicides destroy tissues as well as
bacteria...."
Tea Tree oil rapidly made its way into regular households
as a remedy for fungal infections, skin conditions
and infections, lice etc.. and as a general household
disinfectant. By WWII it was regarded pretty much
a "cure-all" and its antiseptic, antibiotic
properties had secured it a place as a regular component
in field dressing / first-aid kits among the Australian
and British army and navy - to be used to as a general
disinfectant and for treatment of a wide range of
wounds, tropical infections, head lice, trench foot
and the likes. So valued was Tea Tree oil that those
working in the processing of the oil were granted
exemption from military service to ensure sufficient
supply!
As
a non toxic, non irritating, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
and anti-viral oil, Tea Tree it is used to combat
a wide range of infecting organisms, and can be
used neat on the skin without irritating the mucous
membrane (although it should not be used by individuals
who are unfortaunte to suffer an allergic reaction
- as with all essential oils, if you are using it
for the first time you might like to consider a
small patch test at least 24 hours prior to use).
A drop of Tea Tree oil will help prevent cold sores,
and is effective on warts, verrucas, insect bites,
nappy rash and shingles and makes a superb remedy
for spots and blemishes. For fungal infections such
as athletes foot try adding a few drops to a salty
footbath, or apply topically to the skin. If you
suffer from patchy fungal infections on your skin
Tea Tree oil will clear it up in no time.
To treat sinusitis, catarrh, throat infections and
coughs, add a few drops of the essential oil to
a steam inhalation. Particularly effective at combatting
outbreaks of thrush - Tea Tree actually reduces
the rate at which the Candida organisms reproduce
and strengthens the body's ability to resist them.
Comb
neat Tea Tree oil through hair, or add to a shampoo
or carrier oil, for a particularly effective treatment
for head lice and nits, or to treat an itchy scalp
or dandruff problem. It’s mild analgesic effect
will bring instant relief to a burn or scald, and
the antiseptic properties will prevent infection.
Lethal
to a wide range of infective micro-organisms, Tea
Tree makes an excellent mouth and gum remedy - add
3 or 4 drops to a small cup of water and use as
a mouthwash or gargle, or dap on neat to problem
gums.
*
quote from Patricia Davis A-Z
of Aromatherapy - remedy for pre and
post op patients : " As a preventative measure,
Ti-tree has been used to build up the strength of
patients before surgery. By using the oil in baths
and massages for some weeks prior to an operation,
and continuing with massage (avoiding the immediate
area of the operation wound or scar) afterwards,
post-operative shock can be reduced."
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