Tea Tree Oil HISTORY Sir Joseph Banks, the famous botanist on Captain Cooks Endeavour" named the paperbark trees around Botany Bay "Tea Tree" and the name has stuck. Sir Joe thought the fine, almost weeping, leaves may provide a substitute for brewing tea. Perhaps he tried a brew - if he did, he would have quickly realised that Bushells and LanChoo had nothing to fear. However, generations of Australians would benefit from their own first aid plant-unique to Australia, and with a growing international reputation. Old timers around Grafton can remember local aborigines using the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia for folk remedies. There are nearly 300 varieties of tea tree - only one produces the medicinal oil. The oil was a popular Aussie remedy with early settlers. My father, a jackaroo in his youth, always had on hand a bottle of tea tree oil, and a bottle of eucalyptus oil - "first aid in bottles" he called it. Australian servicemen during "the great war" saw at first hand the oils usefulness in healing, and were probably responsible for its popularity rising in the 1920's and 30's. Laboratory reports in 1922 to the Royal Society of NSW attested to the oils high antiseptic powers, many times stronger than those antiseptics in common use. Medical publications in Australia, U.S.A. and Great Britain reported on the powerful disinfectant being used successfully in treating septic conditions, particularly in the presence of pus and fungi. The writers Air Force unit in World War 2 suffered an outbreak of "athletes foot", most of us did not know the word "tinea" then. Tea tree oil from the units medicos cleared it up. After World War 2 the world turned to synthetics and away from natural products. The 1970's resurgence back to nature found the natural advantages again appreciated. Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Australian Tree - Melaleuca alternifoia. Its powerful antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties make this oil very versatile. Tea Tree Oil is often used for treating minor skin problems such as preventing infections of cuts and scratches or to topically treat acne, cold sores or fungal problems. Tea Tree oil dissolves lumps of white blood cells, which make up pus, making it easier for the body to fight infection. Tea Tree Oil is used in many products that are convenient to have in your home first aid kit and many of these products you can make yourself with a few simple ingredients. One of the most versatile products is Tea Tree Salve which you can use for minor cuts and scratches, on fungal infections of the skin and also to alleviate itching from insect bites. Tea Tree Salve 1 cup Olive Oil
1 ounce Beeswax
240 drops Tea Tree Oil
Place the oil and beeswax in a pint mason jar and place in a pan filled with several cups of water. Heat until the beeswax is melted, stirring to mix well. Once the beeswax is completely melted stir in the Tea Tree essential oil. Pour into small salve containers. Store any excess salve in the refrigerator until needed. Tip: You could use a double boiler to melt the wax and oil. I prefer melting the mixture in the mason jar so that I can also store my salve in that jar and avoid having to clean a messy pan. For more information on making salves visit http://www.wildroots.com/salves.htm Antiseptic Skin Spray 4 ounces Witch Hazel
2 teaspoons 190 proof Ethyl Alcohol (if available)
60 drops Tea Tree Oil
Dissolve the Tea Tree Oil in the ethyl alcohol and then stir into the witch hazel. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on minor cuts and scratches. Tip: You can skip using the ethyl alcohol - its main purpose is to help the Tea tree oil dissolve and mix better into the solution. If you do not want to use the ethyl alcohol shaking very well before each use will be necessary. Cleanser for Acne 1/4 cup Witch Hazel
1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
10 drops Tea Tree Oil
Apply cleanser with a cotton ball. Use 2 -3 times a day as needed. Tea Tree Oil can effectively help reduce acne inflammation. It works slower than benzyl peroxide lotions but it is gentler on the skin. OTHER USES OF TEA TREE OIL The good oil has been used in the treatment of mouth ulcers and abscesses, conjunctivitis, acne, boils, impetigo, psoriasis, dandruff, vaginitis, thrush, septic wounds, cuts, and abrasions, catarrh, pyorrhoea, sinus congestion, carbuncles, pus filed infections, ring worm, etc., and to help relieve pain of burns, scalds, and haemorrhoids. Helps to rid hair and body of lice, ticks and leaches. COSMETICS The good oil's ability to penetrate the skin layers makes it an excellent ingredient for shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers, medical creams, and as a jelly, combinations with Aloe Vera utilise the natural ingredients of both these wonder plants that love skin. Oil of lavender is another. DETERGENTS Tea Tree Oil is a natural base for detergents that will care for hands. IS IT TOO STRONG? It takes 100 tons of leaves to distill one ton of the clear slightly yellow pure ‘A' grade oil. It is a concentrated oil, and the temptation to use straight from the bottle may cause irritation if used a full strength on sensitive areas. The oil can be diluted many times its own volume - up to 200-1 and still be effective. Some people can use it straight on nasal tissue to clear sinuses, but a few drops should be mixed with a bland oil such as baby oil, olive oil or Aloe Vera jelly. As an inhalant add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water. Sprinkle on pillow or on to a handkerchief or tissue. LAUNDRY ANTISEPTIC 5 to 7 MLS. To a wash load for babies nappies and other articles. As a douche 10 drops of pure Tea Tree Oil to ½ a litre of boiled water. Ticks and leaches apply direct to the live tick and surrounding skin, and leave for 20 minutes. Add a teaspoonful to the bath water for yourself and the children. Tea Tree Oil has been safely applied to burns. Flush the burn immediately, and if too sensitive to dab the oil on, then pour straight from the bottle. PETS AND ANIMALS Shampoos and "show coat" conditioners are available for animals. The Tea Tree component will minimise tick and flea problems as well as being useful for treatment of eczema, canker, mange, and other skin conditions. REMEMBER IT IS STRONG--DILUTE THINLY IF IN DOUBT--KEEP OUT OF SUNLIGHT, STORE IN A COOL PLACE, AND KEEP BOTTLE CAPPED FOR PROLONGED STORAGE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. | 
