History
Indigenous people of
northern New South Wales in Australia have been using the healing properties of
the tea tree oil for millennia.
The following methods were
used to release the essential oils in the leaves to benefit respiratory ailments
and cuts and wounds.
1. Leaves were crushed to release the aroma that was
then inhaled
2. Rocks heated in a fire were placed in the creek; leaves
would be placed in the resulting steam that would release the oils3.
3. Crushed leaves were applied as poultices to help heal
cut and wounds1.
Recent history
It is thought that the name originated from
Captain Cook’s description of one of these shrubs as he saw local indigenous
people brew leaves to make an infusion to drink instead of tea2.
It is only after World War I
that scientists began to seriously study the application and use of tea tree
with Arthur Penfold, a leading chemist, discovering its potency, which was 12
times higher than carbolic acid, the used remedy at the time.
In the 1930’s and 1940’s tea
tree was seen as the near perfect antiseptic. Demand grew which meant that producers
and cutters were exempt from military service until enough tea tree essential
oil was gathered. Australian soldiers carried it in their first aid kits during
World War II as it was safe to apply neat to prevent infection, help
with tinea and repel insects.
With the advent of synthetic
antibiotics - cheaper and easier to develop in larger quantities though less
effective - tea tree was forgotten with the industry collapsing. It resurfaced
however in the mid 70’s with Eric White convinced that tea tree had a place in
modern society and he successfully created Thursday Plantation1 2.
Origins of Tea Tree
Tea tree is an Australian
native. In New South Wales, Australia, Lake Ainsworth has the colour of tea
from the surrounding tea trees. The Bundjalung aborigines swam there to heal
any sores, wounds or skin problems. Today the tea tree is carefully cultivated
in plantations2.
Benefits
Tea tree has
many benefits from stopping the bleeding of gums to neat application on cuts
and wounds to vaginal suppositories.
This powerful
essential oil has been found effective in eradicating fungi and yeast
infections such as infected feet, tinea in the nails and candida. It also has
applications for the scalp where it gets rid of dandruff, prevents head lice
and clears the scalp of dead skin. Added to toothpaste, it controls bacteria
thus maintaining good oral health. Dabbed on acne, it kills the responsible
bacteria and scientific studies have shown “the
oil has proved capable of dispersing infectious material and debris trapped
within wounds”2
Research is
still taking place uncovering more and more benefits of this amazing oil.
NOTE OF CAUTION: This article is of general interest
only and not replacing medical advice; please consult a general practitioner,
naturopath and/or a qualified aromatherapist with any medical concerns.
Essential oils need to be stored in a cool, dark spot and in an airtight
bottle.
References
1. Thursday Plantation. The history of tea tree. Retrieved from: http://www.thursdayplantation.com/page/Tea-Tree-Oil/
2. Tenelli, K. (2011). Nature’s Plus, the energy supplements. The microbe fighter.
Retrieved from http://www.naturesplus.com/healthlibrary/libdetail.php?sf=3&criteria=sf&fullArticle=yes&articleID=20110703&articleAuthor=Karen%20Tenelli&articleTitle=The%20Microbe%20Fighter&articleMagazine=Energy%20Times&articleDate=July%203,%202011
3. Essentially Australia. Tea tree essential oil. Retrieved from: https://essentiallyaustralia.com.au/shop/tea-tree-essential-oil/
