"Back to Basics" - Top Ten Single Oils - Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)

Today is day four of my series "Back to Basics".



Melaleuca

Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca), also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is extracted from the leaves of tea tree plants through steam distillation. These plants are native to Australia. The main chemical components of melaleuca are gamma terpinene and terpinen-4-ol, but this oil has over 90 different compounds which makes it one of the most versatile single oils. For centuries, Australians would crush the leaves and use the oils to clear respiratory ways and apply directly to the skin for a cooling effect.

terpinen-4-ol

gamma terpinene

Primarily, this oil's benefits include cleansing and soothing skin and nails*, promoting a healthy immune system*, and providing protection from environmental and seasonal threats*. Tea tree oil is best known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Melaleuca is commonly used internally (in empty veggie capsules) to help support immune system function*, in facial cleansers to treat/prevent acne and soothe irritated skin*, on nails to treat fungal infections*, and in spray bottles for household cleaners.

In our home Melaleuca is our "first aid" oil. We use it as an antispetic for wounds by mixing one drop with a teaspoon to tablespoon of coconut oil and applying to the wound to prevent infection*. It is also well-known for its antifungal properties and we have used it to treat nail fungus*. My dad picked up a nail fungus while in the Middle East during the first Gulf War and we have used this and Oregano to help treat it*. We have also successfully treated pink eye (conjunctivitis) and ear infections with tea tree oil*.

Melaleuca can be used aromatically, topically, and internally and though it can be applied neat (no dilution) I recommend always diluting if you apply anywhere on your face. If you use essential oils on little kids, you should ALWAYS dilute.

tea tree branch

Links:
doTERRA Product Page: Melaleuca
doTERRA Product Video: Melaleuca
Buy Melaleuca here

Research:

Aroma Tools. (2015). Modern essentials: A contemporary guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils (7th ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: AromaTools.

Keszei, A., Brubaker, C. L., Köllner, T., Degenhardt, J., & Foley, W. J. (2010). Functional and evolutionary relationships between terpene synthases from Australian Myrtaceae. Phytochemistry, 71(8), 844 - 852.doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2010.03.013

Keszei, A., Hassan, Y., & Foley, W. J. (2010). A biochemical interpretation of terpene chemotypes in Melaleuca alternifolia. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 36(6), 652 - 661. doi:10.1007/s10886-010-9798-y

Kondoh, T., Yamada, S., Shioda, S., & Torii, K. (2005). Central olfactory pathway in response to olfactory stimulation in rats detected by magnetic resonance imaging.Chemical Senses, 2(30 Supplement 1), 172 173. doi:10.1093/chemse/bjh169

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.