Introduction to Tea Tree Oil
The first official report of its use by a doctor was in the
Medicinal Journal of Australia in 1930 where a Sydney surgeon wrote of its wound healing and antiseptic properties.
During World War II, tea tree oil was added into machine “cutting” oils in munitions factories in Australia. This is said to have greatly reduced the number of infections due to abrasions on the hands of workers caused by the metal filings and turnings (slivers).
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea Tree Oil is a volatile essential oil obtained by steam distillation of freshly harvested foliage of Melaleuca Alternifolia, one of about 200 species of Melaleuca indigenous to Australia. The oil is clear, colourless to pale yellow, with a characteristic odour.
The Many Uses of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is considered to be both antiseptic (able to destroy bacteria capable of causing infection) and an antimicrobial (may destroy or prevent growth of microbes which are any tiny living things including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses). It is used medicinally in the treatment of many conditions, the most common being prevention or treatment of acne, fungal infections, yeast infections and a wide variety of skin conditions.
Tea tree oil works against bacteria and microbes in a similar way to disinfectants as it disrupts the cell membranes of destructive microorganisms, and disables the proteins within them, basically “de-activating” them so they cannot multiply and cause health problems. The main active constituents in tea tree oil are chemical compounds called terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, and linalool.
Where Can You Use Tea Tree Oil?
There has been created as a handy guide that you can keep in your home, cottage, office or even your camper! You may be surprised how many ways a small bottle of tea tree oil can be used. If you are unsure about what kind of tea tree oil to look for, I recommend a 100% tea tree oil from a trusted supplier.
You
should be able to find this useful essential oil at your
local natural health retailer, pharmacy or grocery store. To further assist you in overcoming any health challenges you identify while reading this book, I have included nutritional supplement recommendations related to each condition or symptom.
Modern Uses and Benefits For Tea Tree Oil
The substances found in tea tree oil are useful in the fight against bacteria, fungus and viruses, which is why it is helpful in fighting illness and cleaning germs around the home and office. Some consider tea tree oil a miracle ingredient because it has proven effective for the following modern uses:
Skin care
First Aid
Household cleaning
Hair care
Aromatherapy
Feminine care
Chronic illnesses
Dental care
Of
course there are many more uses of tea tree oil that we will cover throughout this book, but these are just a few of the most common uses. Tea tree oil has the ―big three‖ antimicrobial properties.
Reference site:
http://www.plantshospital.com/tea-tree-oil-unknown-benefits/
