Aromatherapy aficionados have long included tea tree oil in their arsenal. This light yellow or colorless liquid is obtained by steam distillation from the leaves of Melaleuca trees growing in Australia and Malaysia. The antiviral, bactericidal and antifungal properties of this essential oil make it an ingredient suitable for inclusion in medicinal and hygiene products.
Tea tree oil has nothing to do with the popular astringent-flavored drink. The source of this substance is evergreen trees belonging to the myrtle family. Their dryish leaves are rich in essential oils with a camphor-like scent. The substance used in cosmetics and medicine is obtained from plants of the species Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca leucadendra and Melaleuca viridiflora.
In the mid-1920s, it was discovered that tea tree oil was significantly superior in effect to one of the most popular antiseptics at the time, carbolic acid. The substances contained in the leaves of the plant are able to resist fungal and yeast infections, and negatively affect the development of a number of bacteria. The research results allowed doctors to use this drug in the treatment of infectious diseases of the skin, mouth and nasopharynx.
As a component of the composition for inhalation, tea tree oil is used for bronchitis, sore throat and sinusitis. Due to the antiseptic, expectorant and soothing properties of the substances contained in melaleuca leaves, preparations with this oil help to clear the respiratory tract.
Tea tree has the ability to have a wound healing effect, its essential oil is used in the treatment of burns and to neutralize poisons from insect bites. This substance relieves pain and disinfects the affected area. This drug is also used against parasites like scabies and lice. In lotions, creams and shampoos, tea tree oil is quite effective in helping to get rid of dandruff and acne.
The popularity of this substance is not least due to the fact that, unlike synthetic antiseptics, tea tree oil has no side effects. However, before using this drug, it is worth conducting a test and making sure that there is no individual intolerance. To do this, a small amount of oil is applied to the back of the wrist and left for an hour. Typically, tea tree does not cause irritation, but slight skin redness may occur. This reaction is considered normal.
