The iconic Australian paperbark tree, also fondly known as Melaleuca, is a plant native to the coastal regions of northern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Indigenous people of eastern Australia have long used tea tree as a traditional medicine for healing an array of ailments from using poultices for wounds and teas for sore throats.
antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, strengthening to immune system
Australian Tea Tree Oil is steam distilled from specially selected Melaleuca leaves and is used for an almost endless number of purposes from toothpaste, hair and skincare, cosmetics, topical medicines, and household products.
This iconic oil is an incredibly useful essential oil to have around the home as it's powerful antimicrobial properties make it indispensable for cleaning and home remedies.
1. Household Cleaning
Traditionally and still today Australian Tea Tree Oil is used for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties and it has a distinctive fresh, strong, camphor-like scent that makes it perfect for cleaning applications.
General Disinfectant
Australian Tea Tree Oil has potent antiseptic and anti-microbial properties making it the ultimate disinfectant in cleaning.
To make a general-purpose disinfectant spray add 5ml Australian Tea Tree Oil to 500ml spray bottle water. Shake well with use to disperse the oil and achieve and even coverage.
Use with caution on delicate surfaces such as granite and marble. Test on an inconspicuous area first and wait 24 hours.
Laundry
The antimicrobial characteristics of Australian Tea Tree Oil can be harnessed to refresh your clothes and remove odours.
Add 1ml of Australian Tea Tree Oil to your regular load of washing to remove odours from your clothes, linens and washing machine caused by microbial build-up.
Air Purity
Improve the indoor air quality of your home with Australian Tea Tree Oil which acts to purify and deodorise and instills a clean, fresh fragrance to your home.
Purify the air by adding 1/2ml of Australian Tea Tree Oil to an oil diffuser or vaporiser to naturally deodorise and disinfect the air by removing bacteria, viruses, mould and other airborne germs from your home.
2. Home Remedies
Australian Tea Tree Oil is the ultimate household remedy to include in your first aid kit. Here we discuss three of the most common and everyday uses although, there are endless applications for this impressive oil.
Colds & Flu
Australian Tea Tree Oil when used as an inhalation is fantastic for the symptomatic relief of congestion and colds, sinus problems and to cleanse and stimulate the respiratory system. Used in this way it has the added bonus of alleviating mental fatigue.
Traditionally indigenous people would inhale the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. To make your own inhalation add 5-10 drops of Australian Tea Tree Oil to a bowl of near-boiling water, place a towel over your head and breathe deeply for 10 minutes. When not at home, place a drop of Tea Tree Oil on to a tissue or handkerchief.
Skin Infections & Insect Bites
Direct application of any essential oil is generally not recommended however Tea Tree Oil is one exception. It can be used as a topical treatment for some skin conditions, acne, dandruff, minor wounds, abrasions, insect bites, and stings.
The traditional indigenous application was to prepare a poultice of the leaves of the Melaleuca Tree to be applied to wounds. To create a modern application, add 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil to a damp cotton bud or cloth to treat the affected area.
Clean Hair
The effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil to clear away dandruff concerns is due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Combat dandruff by adding 1ml of Tea Tree Oil to shampoo (about 200ml). The oil is a natural way to refresh your scalp and fight infections, fungus, and bacteria. Apply to hair and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse and style as usual.
No matter how you use this Australian icon, Tea Tree Oil is concentrated and should always be diluted in water or carrier oil for use.
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