The Tea Tree grows in Australia and Asia and now also being cultivated in South Africa. The oil is distilled from the leaves. Australian Aboriginals used the leaves to treat cuts and skin infections. They would crush the leaves and apply them to the affected area. Australian soldiers participating in World War I were given tea tree oil as a disinfectant, leading to a high demand for its production.
Active constituents: Australian standards established the amount of terpinen-4-ol, which must make up at least 30% and preferably 40-50% of the oil for it to be medically useful. Cineole should make up less than 15% and preferably 2.5% of the oil.
Uses or conditions: The fact that Tea Tree Oil is active against all three forms of infectious organisms, namely Viruses, Bacteria and Fungi makes it a remedy that is far superior to others. It is used as an anti-viral in the treatment of cold sores and warts, as an anti-septic and bacterialcidal agent in cuts, wounds, dermatitis and stings, as a general disinfectant for respiratory and genito-urinary infections. It is also an effective anti-fungal for many common conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm or vaginal thrush. Oil at a strength of 70-100% should be applied moderately in small areas at least twice per day to the affected areas of skin or nail. For topical treatment of acne, the oil is used at a dilution of 5-15%. Concentrations as strong as 40% may be used—with extreme caution and qualified advice—as vaginal douches.
Caution: The oil should not be applied to broken skin or to areas affected by rashes not due to fungus. The oil may burn if it gets into eyes, the nose, mouth, or other tender areas. Some people have allergic reactions, including rashes and itching, when applying tea tree oil. For this reason, only a small amount should be applied when first using it. Never use the oil internally.