Tea Tree — Nardea

Plant description

Extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and from the twigs of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel (tea tree, tea tree, melaleuca), shrub or small tree of the Myrtaceae endemic of the New South Wales in Australia, where grows in the wet and marshy coastal areas. The name 'tea tree' was coined from the sailors of James Cook who used the leaves as substitute of tea. L'oil of tea tree is one of the essential oils most studied in the world: over 300 scientific publications document the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The phytochemical profile is defined by the standard ISO 4730:2017, which sets the quality parameters: terpinen-4-olo (>30%), γ-terpinene (10-28%), α-terpinene (5-13%) and 1,8-cineole (<15%). The terpinen-4-olo is the key component with antibacterial activity, antiviral and antifungal documented against MRSA, Candida albicans, HSV and influenza viruses. In aromatherapy is the natural antiseptic of first choice for acne, fungal infections, herpes, wounds and skin infections. Top note medicinal, fresh and caratteristicaly arbustive.

Origin

Australia (Queensland and New South Wales), where grows spontaneously in the coastal wetlands.

Part used

Leaves and terminal twigs

Extraction method

Steam distillation

Main uses

Antiseptic: ideal for small wounds, abrasions, stings of insects and skin infections localized.
Antifungal: effective against cutaneous candidiasis and onychomycosis (nail fungus).
Respiratory: widespread in the environment helps in case of cold, sinusitiss and flu.
Oral: diluted, used in the mouthwashes against the bacterial plaque and the bad breath.
Skin: treatment of the acne, boils and seborrhea-prone skin.

Recipes & blends

Gel purifying for the face

3 drops of Tea Tree + 2 drops of Lavender in 30 ml of gel of Aloe vera. Apply to the T-zone and blackheads. Excellent excellent evening anti-acne serum.

Treatment anti-onychomycosis

2 drops of Tea Tree undiluted directly on the nail with a cotton swab, twice a day for at least 3 months. Combine 2 drops of Oregano to enhance the effect.

Spray sanitizing for rooms

20 drops of Tea Tree + 10 drops of Eucalyptus + 10 drops of Lemon in 100 ml of distilled water with 10 ml of alcohol. Spray on surfaces and in the air.

Harmonization

Blends well with:

Lavanda Eucalipto Limone Rosmarino Geranio Borbonico Menta Piperita Arancio dolce

Contraindications

Not take orally (toxic if ingested). Can cause skin irritation if used undiluted on sensitive skin: always dilute. Avoid the contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Do not use on children under the 2 years. In case of allergy to the plants of the Myrtaceae, use with caution.