Tea Tree Essential Oil

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 Plantation^{1 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/