Tea Tree a relative of the myrtle, is a large evergreen tree native to the north-east coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the most important local medicines used by the Aborigines. Their knowledge of its powerful healing properties has been passed from generation to generation for thousands of years. The leaves are the source of Tea Tree oil, which is really only used externally in modern medicine and Aromatherapy.
Medicinal Properties of Tea Tree
Tea Tree oil contains more than forty eight compounds, but it is chiefly composed of terpinen-4-ol, which is a powerful antiseptic. It acts against many bacterias, fungi and viruses and also has immune boosting and tissue healing action. It is also as insect repellent which may be of use to keep mosquitoes off and as a preventative for head-lice (nits).
Tea Tree Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend tea tree oil for over 50 different disorders, hence there are too many to list here. It is generally used for topical infections such as Acne, athletes foots, thrush and where there is injury to help prevent disease and speed up tissue repair.
Other Tea Tree Information
Tea Tree oil has been used by the Australian army as a disinfectant since World War I and by dentists for oral hygeine since the 1930’s. Today, it is used in some hospitals and is proven to be effective against the MRSA bug (methycillin resistant staphlococcus aureus). Tea Tree oil is a pure, safe substance that deserves a home in every home medicine chest. It is also available commercially in shampoo, lotions, creams, talcum powder and foot sprays. lozenges are available to help keep infection from the mouth and throat.
Side Effects of Tea Tree
Tea Tree should not be applied neat to the skin when it is broken or rashes, near eyes, nose, mouth, or genital regions.
When using tea tree for the first time, test on a small sensitive area of skin, wait 24 hours before using it on larger areas.
Tea Tree is safe for external use during pregnancy and when breast-feeding.
Only use Tea Tree oil internally with guidance from a naturopath.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Tea Tree.
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