Tea Tree
“Good for anxiety, can help relax emotions,
and promote clarity of mind”
Latin name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Description of plant: An evergreen bush or tree growing to 2–30 m tall, with dark green to grey-green leaves and often with flaky, exfoliating bark, native to Australia
Nature of oil: Clear or very pale yellow with strong clean medicinal aroma. Head-clearing, stimulating and cooling
Method of oil extraction: Steam distillation of the leaves and twigs
Blends well with: Eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, pine, rosemary
Specific precautions required: Use sparingly. Can cause minor skin reactions; use high concentrations with caution. Don't use tea tree oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Stress-relieving properties include: Good for anxiety, can help relax emotions and promote clarity of mind
Medical properties include: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; good for acne, allergic skin reactions, athlete’s foot, bad breath, dandruff, cold sores, ringworm, fungal nail infections, burns, insect bites/stings, cold and flu, sore throats, thrush, cystitis
Sources
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil; http://www.femhealth.com/teatreeoil.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tea-tree-oil/NS_patient-teatreeoil
- Wildwood C. Aromatherapy. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 1996.