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Melaleuca alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree) Essential Oil. By Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN, Cert. Aroma, CNHP,. Synonyms for Tea Tree Oil. Australian tea tree oil Cymene Melaleuca oil Oleum Teebaum Terpinen TTO. Background. Latin Melaleuca alternifolia Family Mertaceae Name
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Melaleuca alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree) Essential Oil By Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN, Cert. Aroma, CNHP,
Synonyms for Tea Tree Oil • Australian tea tree oil • Cymene • Melaleuca oil • Oleum • Teebaum • Terpinen • TTO
Background • Latin • Melaleucaalternifolia • Family • Mertaceae • Name • “Tea tree” was named by botanist Joseph Banks who sailed with Captain Cook
Processing • Melaleucaalternifoliais a tree that grows up to 15’ high from seed with paper like bark • Tea tree oil (TTO) is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves • Most plantations and production is located in New South Wales, Australia
Characteristics • Aroma • Spicy • Color • White or pale yellow • Feel • Evaporates • Does not leave a stain on a perfume blotter
Blends • Blends well with • Bergamot • Rosemary • Lavender • Peppermint
Popular Uses Household Therapeutic Perfumery
Medicinal Properties • Known to have medicinal properties by Aboriginal natives • First discovered by modern medicine in 1920’s • Antimicrobial, antifungal, properties likely due to the compound terpinen-4-ol (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, 2011)
Components • Antimicrobial, antifungal, vasoconstrictive and stimulating properties likely due to the compound terpinen-4-ol (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, 2011 and ACHS, 2010) • Gamma-terpinenes contribute to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and bactericidal properties • Cineole helps expectorant action and insect repellent properties
Common Therapeutic Uses • Acne vulagris • Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot) • Halitosis (bad breath) • Onychomycosais (fungal nail infections)
Household Use • Purify drinking water • Household disinfectant • Add ½ -t to laundry load • Good for diapers
Perfumery • Fragrance in • Soap • Shampoo • Mouthwash • Detergent • Sweet middle note and soft tone as it dries (ACHS, 2010)
Research • Unclear scientific evidence for use (NSRC, 2011) • Only a limited number of high-quality studies have been publish focusing on human effects • Enough evidence to support further study
Contradictions • Do not use orally • Reports of nausea, diarrhea, confusion, or coma • Known reports of allergic contact dermatitis with skin can limit use for some clients (NSRC, 2011) • Perform skin patch test prior to use • Unclear scientific evidence for use (NSRC)
References • American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2010). Aromatherapy 101: Introduction to aromatherapy course manual, October 2010. Portland, OR: American College of Healthcare Sciences. • National Standard Research Collaboration. (2011). Tea tree oil (Melaleucaalternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tea-tree-oil/NS_patient-teatreeoil.