Oil of the Melaleuca Alternifolia -- "Tea Tree Oil"

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TEA TREE OIL

AN APPRECIATION OF ITS ORIGIN AND USES

1. WHAT EXACTLY IS TEA TREE OIL (MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA)?

Tea Tree Oil is the essence produced by the distillation of the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia, the medicinal tea tree. There are more than 300 varieties of tea tree, but only one is known to produce medicinal oil. The latest research shows that pure tea tree oil is an extremely complex substance, containing at least 48 organic compounds. These consist mainly of terpentines, cymones, pinenes, terpineols, cineol, sesquiterpenes, and sesquiterpene alcohols. The tree oil is also the first natural substance found to contain the organic compound viridiflorene. No single isolate of the pure oil accounts for all of the properties of tea tree oil. Nor is any one especially effective alone. It seems that all compounds work together in synergy to produce the maximum healing power. The best oil comes from only one small region in the world, the heart of beautiful and remote swamp country around Bungawalbyn Creek near Lismore, in northern New South Wales, Australia, and nothing has been found to improve the action of this oil straight from the tree.

The question of quality is very important when dealing with natural substances. Simply choosing the right botanical species does not guarantee good oil because of a phenomenon known as chemical variation within a species: trees which appear identical can produce quite different quality oils. There are plenty of Melaleuca alternifolia trees that are unsuitable because the obtained oil has such a high cineol content that it actually irritates the skin. Conversely the oil may be deficient in the desirable terpinen-4-ol and so promote only a marginal healing effect.

Unfortunately there are producers who are still not aware of the differences in oil quality which exist naturally, and who from time to time market an oil which is of poor quality. Oil with a high cineol content can be injurious to the user. A new official Australian standard requires that the terpinen-4-ol concentration of more than 30% and cineol the content be less than 15%. OUR PLANTATION GROWN OIL AVERAGES 5% CINEOL AND 38% TERPINEN-4-OL.

The Bundajalung Aborigines lived right alongside the ancient tea trees, and knew all about the medicinal properties of theses plants. Europeans first encountered the tea tree when Sir Joseph Banks collected samples in 1770. At the same time Captain Cook's sailors took the aromatic leaves from the tea tree and brewed them up in a "spicy and refreshing tea" to replace the beverage which they had brought with them on their voyage from England. The name stuck "Ti" being a later misspelling of the original common name. It was only after the first world war that people began to seriously study the oil's application in orthodox medicine.

2. WHY HAS THE POTENTIAL OF TEA TREE OIL NOT BEEN REALIZED?

a. Basically the historic development of the industry can be categorized as a cottage industry, working bush stands of Tea Tree utilizing labor intensive harvesting methods and outdated distillation technology.

b. Limited irregular supplies of Tea Tree oil have severely restricted its usage. The available bush stands of Tea Tree have continued to be depleted by both agricultural and urban development.

c. A general lack of the relevant technology required to establish and successfully manage large scale plantations of Tea Trees. Up until 1984 no large scale plantations of Tea Trees existed.

d. Large national/multi-national companies have not geared their product ranges to involve the utilization of Tea Tree oil, despite the usefulness of the oil's properties, since regular annual supplies could not in the past be guaranteed.

QUOTES ON TEA TREE OIL POTENTIAL

"Despite general acceptance of the oil's therapeutic properties and usefulness, its potential has not been realized. Commercial exploitation of Melaleuca alternifolia is limited to the working of natural stands and production has rarely exceeded 10 tons of oil per annum. Since Australia is the only source of the natural oil, the development of the industry has been restricted by supply.

3. MEDICINAL EVALUATIONS

In 1925 an astute New South Wales Government Chemist, A.R. Penfold, FCS, curator and economic chemist of the Technological Museum, Sydney, announced the results of laboratory experiments begun in 1922 before the Royal Society of New South Wales. The very high antiseptic power of this oil attracted his attention. It was 13 times stronger than carbolic acid, the universal standard of the time. Penfold's amazement led to much excellent research. By January, 1930 under the heading "A New Australian Germicide" the editor of the Medical Journal of Australia was able to report on pleasing results gained in General Practice by applying Tea Tree oil to septic wounds, carbuncles, and pus-filled infections. He wrote: "The results obtained in a variety of conditions when it was first tried were most encouraging, a striking feature being that it dissolved the pus and left the surfaces of infected wounds clean, so that its germicidal action became more effective without any apparent damage to the tissues".

Results began to flow in and appear in journals such as the Medical Journal of Australia, the Australian Journal of Pharmacy and its dentistry counterpart, the Journal of the National Medical Association (USA) and the British Medical Journal which, in 1933, stated that "The oil is a powerful disinfectant, but it is non-poisonous and non-irritant, and has been used successfully in a very wide range of septic conditions". Tea Tree oil was successfully used around the world in throat and mouth conditions, in dental treatment for pyorrhoea, gingivitis, nerve capping and hemorrhages. It was found to be most effective in dirty or pus-laden conditions, unlike and other antiseptic and it also had a remarkable effect on a broad spectrum of skin fungi including candida, tinea and paronychia. The scientific credentials of this rare oil were well established before the second world war. By the late 1920's tea tree oil was widely used both as a bush remedy and in medicine and dentistry. Demand from within Australia and overseas continued to escalate until the outbreak of war in 1939, and was never able to be fully satisfied.

At this time Tea Tree oil was considered such an essential commodity that cutters and producers were exempted from war service until sufficient reserves of the precious essence had been stockpiled to permit its standard issue in first aid kits for both army and navy units in the tropical regions. However, demand so outstripped supply that synthetic alternatives were developed. Although never as effective as Tea Tree oil, synthetic germicides quickly swept the post-war world as the wonder of "miracle drugs" (starting with synthetic penicillin) were taken up instead of natural products.

Never abundant in supply, Australian Tea Tree oil became almost impossible to buy after the war. It was not until many years later that the natural advantages of Tea Tree oil over these synthetics were appreciated. Tea Tree oil is in fact 4-5 times stronger than most household disinfectants yet is kinder to the skin and more versatile and safe in use.

4. HARVESTING

The traditional way is not conducive to increased production. Tea Tree cutters have to work in remote flood-prone wetlands where constant floods and rich pliable soils provide the perfect conditions for Melaleuca alternifolia. Harvesting tea tree is hard work! The suckers are cut off the stumps and each branch is stripped individually with the cane knife.

Modern methods developed by our affiliates, Australian Tea Tree Estates Pty. Ltd., include the commercial cultivation of tea trees in rows where cultivation and harvesting is done by mechanical harvesters specifically modified for the purpose.

5. DISTILLING THE OIL

To distill the oil, the leaves and terminal branches of the trees are steamed in vats more often called pots. The water is boiled with slow burning log fires and the steam passes up through the leaves, releasing the oil vapor from the hundreds of minute glands on each leaf. After filtering, each batch of Tea Tree oil is carefully analyzed, primarily to check that the chemical composition satisfies the Australian Standard requirements, and to meet rigid quality control specifications.

While the distillation process remains the same, the introduction by Australian Tea Tree Estates of oil fired pressure boilers allows a greater throughput of raw product and more efficient oil producing capacity.

In 1985, about 10 tons of Tea Tree oil were produced in Australia, which was barely enough to start feeding the potential world wide demand now estimated at 700 tons per annum. In the past, nearly all Tea Tree oil came from wild bush stands. Because of the hardships involved in this type of production and the vagaries of floods and natural disasters, Tea Tree oil has always been relatively rare. It is only to be found in one small area, around 200 square kilometers, in the whole world.

Australian Tea Tree Estates Pty. Ltd. is a recognized leader in research and development of commercial Tea Tree oil production on its land at Mullumbimby in northern New South Wales and is the only company that is selecting and tissue cutting Tea Trees for oil quality.

6. USES OF TEA TREE OIL - EXISTING AND POTENTIAL

There has been an enormous amount of research into the uses of Tea Tree oil and yet the surface has hardly been scratched.  The oil has a unique combination of compounds and 48 fractions have been identified. However, many others exist over and above those so far identified.  Even the experts aren't really sure why it works - only that it does.

Its uniqueness continues in that as a perfectly natural oil - it acts as the following:

a. A strong germicide.

b. A strong bactericide.

c. A strong fungicide.

d. And is mildly anaesthetic.

It also blends with most oils, steam, alcohol and can be used in spray and aerosol cans.

Tea Tree oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and virtually hypoallergenic without the side effects (such as inflammation) that can be associated with many synthetics.

The oil has uses in the medical, veterinary, dental, perfumery, cosmetic and flavoring industries. Its applications are far too many to mention here; however, a list of common ailments that could be treated by Tea Tree oil are listed below:

A. CUTS, ABRASIONS, ETC.

Unlike many antiseptics which either damage skin tissues, or are hampered by the presence or organic matter, Tea Tree oil is even more effective as a bactericide in the presence of pus. It preserves healthy tissue while destroying harmful bacteria thus promoting faster and more effective healing with less chance of scarring. Clean the wound and apply the oil direct to the affected area 2 or 3 times per day.

B. BURNS

Tea Tree oil is a non-greasy volatile oil, excellent for burns. Any oil not absorbed by the skin within 10 minutes will evaporate. As 'speed of treatment is essential, the burn should be flushed immediately with cold water, or packed with ice if available, for approximately one minute. If the affected area is too sensitive for application of the oil by a finger or cotton bud, it should be poured direct from the bottle on the burn. Alternate cold water and Tea Tree oil application for 5-10 minutes. Apply liberally twice daily for the next 3-4 days. Tea Tree oil can safely be applied to blistering and pussy burns.

C. SUNBURN

Dilute Tea Tree oil with a bland oil, such as coconut or olive oil, one part of Tea Tree oil to 10 parts of the other oil, spread over the affected areas and repeat as desired. This treatment is soothing, relieves the sting and limits blistering and skin loss. It may be used full strength in emergency.

D. SUN IRRITATION AND SORES

Apply pure oil daily to the affected part to check spreading. Repeat for up to 4 weeks. If no improvement is noticed, seek medical attention.

E. COLD SORES

Apply as early as possible. Some relief and reduction of spreading has been noted with regular use up to 7 days.

F. MOUTH ULCERS

Paint Tea Tree oil on -the ulcer with cotton bud or finger. If the taste is to strong, mix the oil with some saliva during application.

G. ASTHMA

Breathing can be assisted by adding Tea Tree oil to the floor of a hot shower. The oil mixes with steam and helps make breathing easier.

H. SINUS CONGESTION

To relieve congestion, rub a little Tea Tree oil on the nose and sinuses. Inhale the vapors by adding 5 drops to a steaming bowl of hot water, or to a vaporizer.

I. BRONCHIAL CONGESTION

As for sinus, for added relief, Tea Tree oil may be rubbed on the chest, sprinkled on the pillow or added to a handkerchief.

J. TINEA

There are at least 5 different fungi loosely described as tinea. Tea Tree oil can rapidly clear at least two of these. Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly and apply Tea Tree oil twice daily. If no obvious improvement is noticed within 7 days, discontinue treatment and seek medical advice. If the ailment responds to treatment, continue the application for up to two weeks.

K. RINGWORMS

Treatment as for tinea.

L. PIMPLES

Apply Tea Tree oil with finger or cotton bud 3 to 4 times on the first day, followed by 2-3 applications per day for the next 3 days.

M. PARONYCHIA. OR INFECTION UNDER FINGERNAIL

By reaching deep under the nail, Tea Tree oil can dramatically clear this stubborn affliction. Soak the infected nail in the oil for 1-2 minutes, 3 times daily for up to 2 weeks. Discontinue treatment if there is no improvement after a fortnight.

N. STINGS

Apply Tea Tree oil as soon as possible with finger or cotton bud. The faster the better.

O. AS A SKIN CLEANSER

A hot bath with the addition of 5 mls (one teaspoon) of Tea Tree oil is an invigorating experience.

P. AS AN ANTISEPTIC

Tea Tree oil is an excellent laundry additive. For nappies, woolen articles and general washing add 5 mls (one teaspoon) to each wash load.

Q. SHAMPOO

Tea Tree oil is a wonderful additive to standard shampoos. It will medicate the scalp, leaving it clean and bacteria free and hair will feel delightfully fresh.

R. TOOTHACHE AND INFECTED GUMS

Apply Tea Tree oil directly to affected gums. Use twice daily, for up to 7 days, but seek medical attention if problem persists. It is also useful to soothe teething pains in infants (dilute in baby's saliva when applying).

S. INFANTS' THRUSH IN MOUTH

Paint throat with a few drops of Tea Tree oil on a cotton bud, diluted with the child's saliva to reduce the strong taste. Repeat twice daily for 3 days. Discontinue if no improvement.

T. SORE THROATS

Gargling with a mixture of 3 drops of Tea Tree oil in a glass of warm water may give rapid relief. Repeat twice daily as required. If preferred, 3 drops of oil with honey or sugar could be swallowed or Sucked slowly.

U. VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS (CANDIDA ALBICANS)

1/4 teaspoon per cup of warm water or douching solution. Research has also shown excellent results by saturation of a few drops of oil in tampons.

Because of its wide range of uses for simple household problems, it pays to keep a small

bottle in the house and the glovebox of the car. You will no doubt find many additional

uses to those listed and your friends and neighbors may add to your list.

V. PETS AND LIVESTOCK

Washing horse blankets and pet beds: Add 1/2 teaspoon per 10 lb. of washing along with regular detergent.

Fleas and ticks: Add I tablespoon to 2 gallons of soapy bath water.

Mange: Shampoo as for fleas and ticks above, then mix I part Tea Tree oil to 3 parts olive oil and apply to affected area daily.

Ear Mites: Mix I teaspoonful Tea Tree oil with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and saturate affected area daily.

Ringworm and other fungus: Apply Tea Tree oil daily.