Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that has a strong aroma similar to nutmeg. It is a light yellow to almost clear colored oil and is squeezed out of the steamed leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia. The trees are naturally occurring in Australia although tea trees are now also grown in California. It was given the name “tea tree” when the British explorers used the leaves of the tree to brew tea. The antiseptic use of tea tree oil has also been practiced for hundreds of years, although it was in the early 1920s when scientists finally began paying attention to the tree’s very special properties.
The main properties of tea tree oil include strong anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-viral benefits when used. Due to this, tea tree oil use has become very popular. The oil can be used in conditioners or shampoos to treat dandruff or deal with parasitic pests like head lice. It is also known to help treat respiratory problems such as runny nose, bronchitis, coughs, sore throats and a lot more.
When employed in aromatherapy, this essential oil is said to offer soothing and calming effects on the spirit, mind and body. While undergoing aromatherapy, it is believed the things that make you worry are temporarily forgotten, thereby increasing chances of complete and total relaxation. Several drops of tea tree oil combined with a base massage oil, like almond oil, can alleviate joint and muscle pains. The inhaled aroma from this solution enhances psychological and physical well-being.
This essential oil has been used in the aromatherapy industry for a long time. But it should also be noted that tea tree oil is only applied on the skin and it must not be taken internally because it can be very lethal to the liver if consumed.
The benefits of tea tree oil are widespread. As more studies about tea tree oil uses are being conducted, the list of benefits and therapeutic value of this essential oil continues to increase.