Melaleuca Alternifolia 

A History and guide on one of Australia's gifts to the world. 

History

   Melaleuca(commonly known as tea tree) is a plant indigenous to coastal Australian regions, but now grows more abroad from exportation. Used by natives of Australia for ages, it's uses historically seem to mirror its applications today. Australian Aborigines utilized the leaves often to treat topical infection and rashes, as well as using the steam from the soaked leaves to fight off colds. Even today, these are some of the primary uses of tea tree and it's oil. 

   One of the first Western explorers to bring tea tree into popularity was a James Cook, a British explorer captaining the H.M.S. Endeavor which found it's way to Australia in 1770. He was introduced to the plant and it's properties by the Aborigines he encountered. Tea tree as a distilled essential oil as we know it today, wasn't founded until the early 1900s. 

Properties 

   Tea tree boasts an extensive amount of studies starting as early as the 1800s, regarding its properties and what their capabilities and applications can be. Prominent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal characteristics define its best attributes, but certainly not limited to. Also effective in relieving itch, and aiding in alleviation of respiratory complications. Though some of it's closer cousins seem more well suited specifically for aiding the respiratory system, for now we'll focus on Melaleuca A. in order to avoid great lengths of reading.



Applications & Use

    Tea Tree oil has been studied and applied in a variety of controls and methods. Topically is easily the most frequent, aromatic diffusion also being a large method of use as well. Like all other EOs(essential oils) it's most effective when fresh, age is a factor and can contribute to degradation of the oil so having a reputable supplier is helpful if you wish to utilize it in your health practices.
   Some of the most common applications include acne treatment(in dilution), treatment of dandruff(often added to a shampoo), an alternative to fight tinea.

   Topically it has been known to be useful in aiding the body's natural ability to fight infections, reduce histamine reactions and clean surface abrasions. It can be used in wound care, though isn't extremely gentle but will suffice if you are worried about infection in a surface wound. Rashes, and other skin conditions can benefit from tea tree application. Even ringworm and other tinea infections have also been known to clear up from frequent use of full strength tea tree. Though it is recommended to dilute for sensitive skin, especially young childen. Dilution of tea tree oil is not only recommended, but cited as being more effective for certain types of applications than use at full strength. Many suggest a solution of 2.5-5% to be highly effective against several known bacteria. From personal experience, I find full-strength use to be most effective for athlete's foot, and the feet tend to be less sensitive, with less risk of any irritation.

    Aromatic use is also possible with tea tree. If used for purposes of fighting the spread of bacteria and other general sickness, you'd do well blending it with other potent oils for this purpose. EOs such as clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, etc. also display similar properties than can complement Tea Tree. Though it has the potential to be effective all on it's own. Steamed Melaleuca leaves were a widely used remedy in Australia for aiding breathing difficulties and fighting respiratory infection.

    Adding a few drops to hot or steaming water and inhaled is an extremely potent method of aromatic inhalation. Again, other oils can aid and enhance the desired effect of Tea Tree. 

I hope this brief guide and introductory finds to be useful. There is of course plenty of other reading to further your knowledge of use and application of tea tree oil. Another good source for info can be found at: http://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/tea-tree-oil.asp