Tea Tree Oil 0722530323, 9780722530320

Table of contents :
Tea Tree Oil - Front Cover
Half-title
By the same Author
Title Page
Dedication / Printer's Imprint
Contents
Acknowledgements
Tea Tree Oil—An Introduction
PART I: Tea Tree’s Medical and Historical Background
1. Native Folk Remedy of the Australian Aborigines
2. Early Medical Research Reports
3. Evidence Obtained from Later Clinical Studies
4. Production, Chemical Composition and Quality Control
5. A Summary of the Properties and Applications of Tea Tree Oil
6. Methods of Use, Safety Data and Storage Precautions
PART II: A—Z of Health Care Applications
acne (& spots)
arthritis (& gout)
athlete’s foot
balanitis
barber’s rash
boil (furuncle) / abscess
bronchitis
bumps / bruises
burns
candida
carbuncles
chickenpox
chilblains
colds
cold sores
corns
coughs
cracked skin
cradle cap
cuts / wounds
cystitis / urethritis
dandruff
dermatitis & eczema
dhobi itch
disinfectant uses
fever
flu
genital herpes
hair care
hives (nettle rash / urticaria)
immune system (to strengthen)
impetigo
insect bites / stings
leucorrhoea / pruritis
lice (pediculosis)
measles
mouth & gum infections
muscular aches & pains
nappy (diaper) rash
paronychia
pets / animal care
psoriasis (itching)
rheumatism
ringworm
scabies
sinusitis
skin care
sore throat
splinters, infected
sunburn
sweaty feet
thrush
ticks & leeches
tinea
ulcers (varicose & tropical)
warts / veruccae
zona (shingles)
Appendix A: Other Essential Oils from the Tea Tree Group
Appendix B: The Constituents of Tea Tree Oil
References
Bibliography
Useful Addresses
Index
Rear Cover

Citation preview

JULIA LAWLESS

the

new

to one

guide

of most

remarkable

gifts

I

4,

“i? 4

•L -.

Inature’s

Tea Tree Oil

BY THE SAME AUTHOR:

Aromatherapy and the Mind The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils Home Aromatherapy Lavender Oil

Tea Tree Oil THE

NEW

GUIDE

MOST

TO

ONE

OF NATURE’S

REMARKABLE

Julia

GIFTS

Lawless

Thorsons An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

Dedicated

to

Alex and Chiara

Thorsons An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 77—8 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8JB 1160 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111—1213 Published by Thorsons 1994 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 © Julia Lawless 1994 Julia Lawless

asserts the moral

right

to

be identilied as the author of this work

A

catalogue

record for this book

is available from the British

Library

ISBN 0 7225 3032 3

Printed in Great Britain by HarperCollins Manufacturing Glasgow

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in form or any by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior

permission of the publishers.

Contents

Acknowledgements Tea Tree Oil

vii

An Introduction

ix

PART I: Tea Tree’s Medical and Historical

I

Background I

2 3

Native Folk

Remedy

Aborigines Early Medical

of the Australian 3

Research

Reports

Evidence Obtained from I2ter 12

Clinical Studies 4

8

Production, Chemical Composition and Quality Control of the

5

A

6

Methods of Use,

Summary Applications

Storage

Properties

and

of Tea Tree Oil

Safety

Precautions

18

25

Data and 30

PART II: A—Z of Health Care

39

Applications

spots; arthritis & gout; athlete’s foot; balanitis; barber’s boils and abscesses; bronchitis; bumps & bruises; burns; rash; candida; carbuncles; chickenpox; chilblains; colds; cold sores; acne

&

corns;

&

coughs;

urethritis;

cracked skin; cradle cap; cuts & wounds; cystitis dhobi

itch;

genital herpes; hair care; system, to strengthen; impetigo;

hives

dandruff;

disinfectant uses;

fever;

(nettle rash); immune

dermatitis

&

eczema;

flu;

insect

stings; leucorrhoea & pruritis; lice (pediculosis); measles; mouth & gum infections; muscular aches & pains; nappy rash; paronychia; pets & animal care; psoriasis; rheumatism; ringworm; scabies; sinusitis; skin care; sore throat; splinters, infected; sunburn; sweaty feet; thrush; ticks & leeches; ulcers, varicose & tropical; warts & veruccae; zona bites

&

(shingles).

Appendix

A: Other Essential Oils from the Tea Tree

Appendix

Group

107

B: The Constituents of Tea Tree Oil

109

References

111

Bibliography

115

Useful Addresses

123

Index

126

Acknowledgements

I

would

people

like to thank the

especially

who have

helped

to

bring

following

this book

to

for his

fruition in a

John Black,

valuable

providing technical guidance; Jane

variety of ways: expertise and for

information; Cara Denman for her Graham-Maw

and

those

sympathetic approach his editorial notes and

at

to the

Thorsons

project;

suggestions;

for

their

Len Smith for

and last but

not

least, my husband Alec and daughter Natasha for their constant support. I would also like to thank the Jour. Agric. Food Chem. for their kind

permission

to

reprint

the table

of the detailed constituents of the tea tree oil (see

Appendix B). This book is dedicated to my brother Alex and his wife Chiara, who in the early years of my

interest and involvement with herbalism

provided

aromatherapy

and

both assistance and encouragement.

Tea Tree Oil An Introduction

Glancing through

the

of this book it

contents

would be easy to wonder how it is possible that one substance tea tree oil can be used to treat

such

wide

a

examination, common

of

complaints. the

however,

On

majority

closer

of

the

ailments mentioned fall into three main

viral infections

categories: measles

variety

or

(such

infections

flu), fungal or ringworm),

foot, thrush

chickenpox,

as

(such

as

athlete’s

and bacterial infections

(such as infected cuts, spots or wounds). This is unique strength of tea tree oil: it is effective against all three types of invasive organisms!

the

Natural remedies such a

great revival of

recent years,

increasingly

as

as

the

enjoyed

Europe

have become

aspects of the The trend in modern

with

disillusioned

approach. practice

symptom

have

general public

Western medical or

tree

and the US in

interest in

orthodox medical

disease

tea

has been to treat each

with

a

specific,

isolated

Tea Tree Oil

x

chemical

While the scientific advances of the

drug.

last century have in many ways brought significant benefits to the field of medicine, the drive towards

specialization

has also meant that the needs of the

individual

a

as

concentrating disease

and

psychological

whole have tended to suffer.

the

on

its

physical

treatment,

manifestation

the

emotional

By of or

elements have been diminished and

the human condition reduced

by

and

large

to the

level of a chemical or molecular interaction.

addition,

In

many

though

of the

newly

found to target successfully developed drugs the symptoms of disease, in the long term some of were

them

also

revealed

detrimental

side-effects.

Such

include, for example, the addictive tendency of many prescribed sleeping pills and the gradual breakdown of the body’s natural immunity drawbacks

through the prolonged use of antibiotics. synthetically produced drugs such Tea tree oil, in contrast, produces no side-effects in general, and boosts the immune system by curative powers. supporting the body’s to

disease

as

own

Over the last few

have

years

the

people sought ‘complementary’ forms

increasing number of help of ‘alternative’ or an

of

healing, including medicine/phytotherapy and aromatherapy. What distinguishes these disciplines from the alleopathic model? The main difference is that they take a ‘holistic’ approach, i.e. they assess the

herbal

Tea Tree Oil

physical,

An Introduction

emotional and

xi

needs of

spiritual

a

patient

whole. In this way, the overall harmony and sense of well-being which constitutes good health

as

a

can

particularly relevant 20th-century life, where many stress and all its secondary including often the result of underlying

be re-established. This is

to our modern

complaints effects

so

are

fundamental social

for

concern

the

problems,

on

an

as

well

and

lifestyle

as a

is

‘return to nature’

a

a

respect

of

awareness

there

environment,

strong trend towards balanced

Based

issues.

psychological

growing now

a

a more

for the

environment.

‘allopathic’ and ‘alternative’ approaches seen as working in opposition. Each own value; what is required today is an

But the

need not be has its

of

integration

knowledge.

modern

In

some

science

Eastern

and

traditional

countries

such

China and India, traditional forms of medicine

employed alongside

as are

the

newly adopted surgical techniques. In the West, healing methods are being exchange is very important,

skills and other modern too,

these

ancient

reassessed. Such

an

remember that many so-called ‘alternative’methods are based on natural forms of

especially

healing

if

we

which

have

been

used

for

thousands

years within traditional cultures, whereas ‘orthodox’ medicine has hardly emerged from its

of

infancy!

Tea Tree Oil

xii

phytotherapy, is one of the oldest traditional forms of healing. Plant-based medicines are also universal, for they were used by all ancient cultures each developing its own Herbal medicine,

individual

Europeans

or

system depending

on

its local flora. The

and Native Americans, like every other

indigenous

race,

tradition based Australia, for

familiar with

once

enjoyed

a

strong herbal

what grew around them. In example, the Aborigine people were on

number of aromatic

a

plants

which

remedies, notably the eucalyptus (Eucalyptus qlobu1us) and tea tree (Melaleuca altern4’olia) both plants rich in valuable essential

could be used

as

oils.

plant (Melaleuca alternfolia) produces medicinally active essential recent has years gained increasing

The tea tree one

of the most

oils, which

recognition

in

from both alternative

practitioners

and

within orthodox medical circles. This colourless

or

pale yellowy-green essential oil with its fresh, spicy-medicinal scent is now widely available and commonly known simply as ‘tea tree’ oil although it is also sometimes referred to as ‘iitree’ or ‘ti-trol’.It has gained an especially high profile in the context of ‘aromatherapy’ over the last few years a modern ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’ form of healing which has

enjoyed Like

a

growing popularity

herbal

since the late 1970s.

medicine, the practice known

as

Tea Tree Oil

An Introduction

xiii

‘aromatherapy’ is also an ancient plant-based form of healing, but whereas medical herbalism utilizes the whole plant, aromatherapy uses only the essential oils from the plant the aromatic aspect which gives each plant its scent. Tea tree oil is

an

invaluable oil

because of its

to the

aroma-

therapist applications. It has superb antiseptic qualities and can be used simply and safely to treat a multitude of common complaints. Ease of use also makes it suitable for a wide range of first-aid applications, and as such it makes

an

invaluable addition

medicine cabinet tea

tree

oil

are

professional by more

or

also

context

been

numerous

to

the

household

Preparations using

increasingly being used in a place of synthetic medications

in

‘orthodox’practitioners, for it has

the

subject investigations over tested

travel kit.

of several

intensive

scientific

the last few decades. Tea

tree

Australia in

germicide (in only 4 parts essential oil to 1000 parts water, with great success. According to one Australian doctor it will only be a matter of time before tea tree oil is recognized as ‘the

has

been

1980) in

a

antiseptic be

seen as

as

a

solution of

of the future’. Tea tree need

something

of

a

‘fad’

to be restricted to the field of its

applications Quite simply...

and

uses

are

nor

no

longer

does it need

‘aromatherapy’, for far reaching.

more

xiv

Tea Tm. Oil

taut in us is ibm ‘iy the reflow hai%

The bade

nm.nhastoqjjk.)

hen n have

PART

I

Tea Treec Medical and Historical

Background

C

H

A

P

T

E

R

0

N

E

Remedy of the Australian Aborigines

Native Folk

The Narrow-leaved

alternfolia)

is

one

Paperbark

member of

Tea tree

an

(Melaleucci

extensive botanical

family, the Myrtaceae. All the plants belonging to this family are aromatic because they have glandular dots in their leaves which, when crushed, release essential oils of

belong

Eucalyptus of

(including Eucalyptus)

Myrtaceae family,

in

prominence

amounts and constituents.

in Australia

Many plants to the

varying

the

genus,

different

Australian

so

flora.

of which there

sub-species, also form

the

it holds

are

Like

great the

hundreds

Melaleuca

and

group which

large collectively as ‘tea trees’. The fact that the same name is commonly used to describe a very diverse and widespread botanical of plants indigenous to the region has group naturally led to some confusion. This has been compounded by the fact that the essential oil derived from Melaleuca altern!folia has also been Lentospermum genera in Australia

are

known

a

Tea Tree Oil

4

although ‘ti’is

called ‘ti-tree’oil,

for

entirely

an

Cabbage

tree

different

the Maori

name

palm-like plant,

(Cordyline australis).

The Narrow-leaved

Paperbark

Tea tree is found

in Australia and is the smallest of the

only

the

‘tea

usually exceeding 20 ft/7 m in height. spindly shrub with soft, bright green needlelike leaves and tiny yellow or cream ‘bottle-brush’ flowers thrives in swampy areas, being particularly

trees’,

not

This

abundant

in

the

wetlands

coastal

of

northern

New South Wales and southern Queensland. The tea trees were formerly regarded as pests by

immigrant dairy

farmers because

they

made the land

very difficult to clear. Having a very vigorous habit of growth, new shoots appeared very quickly after the

trees

were

cut

virtually impossible all the roots

were

down, which made them

completely unless was only when the

to eradicate

dug

out.

It

commercial value of tea tree itself became apparent in the early part of this century that this characteristic

came

to

be

appreciated

rather than

cursed! The

‘tea

plant’ was first mentioned in 1770, Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy landed the H.M.S. Endeavour at Botany Bay, south-east coast of Australia. During his exploration of this region (now New South Wales), as well as when

on

on

trip to New Zealand, he encountered thick groves of trees with aromatic leaves. A botanist on

his

Remedy of the

Native Folk

Australian

Aborigines

with the expedition, Sir Joseph Banks, collected samples of the leaves gathered in New Zealand and them back

brought

illustration Manuka

England

to

of the

shrub

(Lent ospermum

for further

shows

it

scoparium).

study.

to

An

resemble

Cook

Captain

called these ‘tea plants’ because their leaves, when He also used

We

pleasant spicy and refreshing tea. them for making home brewed beer:

produced

boiled,

at

a

made it

first

the beer

leaves; but

finding afterwards astringent, we

quantity of

former

the

decoction

of spruce

our

using

it

with

name

it

it as tea

too

equal

an

obtained in my

then,

as

we

also

of the partiy destroyed exceedingiy palatable. and the astringency

and made the beer

esteemed

The

a

mixed

plant (a

tea

voyage from

did now) which other,

of

that this alone made the beer

by

name

everyone

on

‘tea tree’

board.’

was

apparently

members of the First Fleet,

as

first coined

recorded

by

by the

surgeon of the expedition, General John White in his book Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales in 1790. He describes and illustrates

looks

like

another

member

a

of the

‘tea tree’ that Lent ospermum

group, possibly L. attenuatum, which was presumably used for brewing tea in the same way as Manuka or

popular Sweet Sarsaparilla (Smilax gycophylla). By the early nineteenth century the name ‘tea tree’ was, however, widely used for the

more

members of the Melaleuca and Lentospermum group

as

Tea Tree Oil

6 a

whole, and by

was

1820

one area

of New South Wales

called ‘Tea Tree Brush’.

making a beverage from the probably derived from its usage fragrant by the Bundjalung Aborigines who inhabited the area. The Aborigines were also familiar with the therapeutic properties of the ‘tea tree’ family, including Melaleuca altern!folia, and bad used it as a The

of

practice

leaves most

traditional medicine for centuries. Aborigines used

coughs soaked

pains,

to

make

sores

The crushed a warm

a

number

and colds, leaves

mud

an

of tea were

infusion.

trees in

medicine. For

crushed and inhaled

Leaf washes

were

applied

or

to

and burns.2

leaves,

pack,

sometimes in combination with

were

also used to treat infections

wide range of skin conditions. When, during the late 18th/early 19th century the white settlers arrived in Australia by their thousands, they naturally

and

a

absorbed

some

Eucalyptus, basis of

of the native

aboriginal practices.

well-known folk cure, became the remedies for many complaints Colony, while tea tree was used as

numerous

throughout an

a

the

effective ‘bush remedy’ for all types of infection. therapeutic properties of other indigenous plants

The

such

sarsaparilla, maidenhair fern and myrtle were gradually taken up by the early settlers. This was encouraged by Denis Considen, the first assistant to the Colony, who took great surgeon also

as

Native Folk

Remedy of the

interest in the local

Australian

Aborigines

7

flora with respect

to its medical

potential. However, the lack of precise botanical or medical training on the part of most of the early explorers or

settlers

assessment

led of

to

difficulties

the

various

in

the

reliable and

species

the

consequent acceptance of their benefits outside of Australia. Another problem stemmed from the belief that it

general which

were

from those

only botanically closely was

plants

related to known

drug plants that new and effective medicines might be developed. In 1790, for example, John White the Surgeon-General to the Colony wrote highly of the properties of Eucayptus piperita on account of: the very great resemblance between the essential oil drawn

from

its

leaves

and

that

‘peppermint’Mentha piperita,)

obtained

which grows in

Indeed little serious attention

was

paid

of the

from the England.3

in

Europe

to

since most

knowledge Aborigines, them ‘primitive’ simply regarded ‘uncivilized’ beings whose chief interest lay in finding food. In contrast to many European herbs which had already enjoyed long history of use, tea tree consequently only emerged in the West pharmacologically active agent during the 20th Australian tea tree oil being first century

the exact

researchers

as

or

a

as

a

mentioned in the British Pharmaceutical Codex of 1949.

C

A

H

P

T

Research

of

an

W

T

0

Medical

Early

Tea tree is

R

E

Reports

oil which has received

a

great deal

attention at the hands of the scientific establishment

this century, despite its late arrival on This is important not only because the

during the

scene.

research results have

credibility because

finally begun

in orthodox

it is

an

to

give

tea tree

circles, but also

medical

outstanding example

of how folk

lore and usage ascribed to a traditional remedy have been borne out and authenticated by scientific examination. The

first

research

carried out in

1923

project

by

Dr

of this A.

R.

kind

was

Penfold,

an

Australian government chemist. He conducted a study of tea tree leaves and found that they contained

antiseptic

an

and

essential bactericidal

oil

which

properties

exhibited 13

times

stronger than those of carbolic acid, the accepted standard of the time. When, in 1925, he announced his remarkable results before the

Royal

Ea4y

Medical Research

Society

9

Reports

of New South Wales, he

generated great colleagues and his immediately put to the test. Over

enthusiasm among his medical

‘discovery’ was the next few

in

years,

tea tree oil was

general practice

as

used

experimentally

antiseptic!

an

bactericidal agent to treat a variety of complaints, and was found to be especially successful in the treatment of and

septic conditions, pus-filled

dirty

wounds.

In

1930,

infections, article

an

entitled ‘ANew Australian Germicide’ appeared in The Medical

M.

Journal of Australia

Humphrey,

written

by

a

Mr E.

in which he stated that:

The results obtained in

variety of conditions when it encouraging, a strikingfeature

a

first tried being that it dissolved pus and left the surfaces of infrcted wounds clean, so that its germicidal action became more 4J’ective without any apparent damage to the tissues. This was something new, as most ffective germicides destroy tissue as well as bacteria.’ was

In

were most

addition, Humphrey noted that

made

an

excellent

antiseptic

benefit in

tea

tree

oil

mouthwash,

of

and for infections of

particular dentistry the naso-pharynx. He also found that the oil had outstanding deodorant properties and that its disinfectant action on the typhoid bacilli was over 60 times more powerful than that of ordinary hand soap. An Australian dentist,

impressed by

the research

Tea Tree Oil

10

his

tree in

decided to try out tea

Humphrey,

of Penfold and own

work:

After trying [it]

out

in

several tests, I feel

confident

that in Ti-trol [tea tree oil] and Melasol [a soluble

have

form]

an

antiseptic which

more

nearly

answers

the ideal than any I have

special work, even

Over

our

greater value.2 the

carried oil

and in

previou4y tested for general surgery it should be of

next

out into

which

years many studies were the various applications of tea tree

The

Australian

in

journals Journal of Australian Journal of Dentistry and The

were

worldwide: first

Australia,

few

reported locally in

medical

The Medical

of Pharmacy; then, as its reputation spread abroad, in The Journal of the National Medical Association (US) and The British Medical Journal. In 1936 The Medical Journal of Australia reported that an aqueous suspension of the

oil

Journal

had

successfully

treated

a

severe

case

of diabetic gangrene. The special points of interest in this case were: unusual distribution of the gangrene;

healing

of the

wound

without

any

of

suppuration; reorganization slough and necrosed bone under antiseptic treatment; avoidance of irritation of the wound when of

dressing;

minimum

antiseptic applications.3 Other

reports from all over the world confirmed tea tree’s value for throat and mouth

Medical Research

Early

11

Reports

gynaecological

infections and

disorders

as

well

as

for many parasitic and fungal skin conditions. In 1937 it was also confirmed that the oil’s antiseptic

properties cent

in

further increased

were

the

presence

of pus,

by

blood

10— 12 per and other

matter!

By the

the end of the 1930s tea of

reputation

held in such

a

high

tree oil had

gained

it was natural ‘miracle healer’— esteem

that

when

the

Second

World War broke out it became standard issue in

Army and Naval units, especially tropical regions. Large quantities of

first-aid kits for

those

posted

the oil

in

also

employed in munitions factories during the war, since by its incorporation (about I per cent) in machine ‘cutting’oils, skin injuries, especially to the hands by metal filings, greatly reduced. But the extraordinary popularity which tea tree oil enjoyed during this period did not last.. .with the growth of the synthetic drug industry it fell were

were

from favour

as

general public in search of

the medical establishment and the

alike turned to man-made chemicals

new

miracles!

C

H

A

P

T

E

T

R

E

R

H

F

Evidence Obtained from Later Clinical Studies

After the Second World War,

germicides

were

developed,

as

new

synthetic

the medicinal value of

pure tea tree oil was virtually forgotten from in Australia where it remained a

bush

remedy.

result

of

a

apart popular

only during the 1960s, as a growing awareness and concern

It

was

regarding the hazardous side-effects of many of the newly manufactured drugs as well as their somewhat

dubious

financial

and

environmental

implications, that natural remedies again began to attract widespread attention. Over the next few years

a

number of clinical studies

were

carried out

into the effectiveness of tea tree oil for range of conditions, evidence has emerged cases

a

wide

although the most concrete only recently. The following

represent the chief ‘milestones’ of documented evidence:

Evidence Obtained from Later Clinical Studies

13

* 1960 Dr

Henry

Feinblatt

Journal of the that he had used (US) in The

reported

National Medical Association

pure tea tree oil twice a day to treat 25 cases of furunculosis (boils), with great success. After eight

days, were

fifteen

cases were

cured

six boils

completely,

less than half their former size, three

reduced.. .only

substantially

He concluded that

rapid healing

without

needed incision.

one

‘encouraged

tea tree oil

were

more

than conservative

scarring

treatment’.’

*

Early

1960s

Dr E. F. Pena conducted

clinical

a

study

of 130

suffering from various types of vaginal infection including trichomonal vaginitis, candida

women

albicans

(thrush)

and cervicitis.

Using

specially

a

emulsified 40 per cent solution of pure oil of Melaleuca altern!folia, he obtained a clinical cure in all

cases.

His

Australian dilutions

summary

Melaleuca was

found

was

as

follows:

alternifolia be

to

oil

in

suitable

highfr 4J’ective

in

the

of trichomonal vaginitis, moniliasis, cervicitis and chronic endocervicitis. Daifr vaginal douches with treatment

.

0.4 per safr and

of 4fective

cent

the oil in

.

one

in treatment

under consideration.2

of

the

of

proved vaginal infrctions

quart

water

Tea Tree Oil

14 * 1972

study of various foot fungal infection, under-

Dr M. Walker conducted a

athlete’s foot,

problems nail

corns

Of 60

and callouses.

with pure tea period which

ranged

years. Of these 58

58

oil,

tree

from

patients,

patients

were

cured

three

weeks

treated over

a

to

six

excellent results

occurred

in 38 cases and fair effects in 20 cases.3

*

Eary

1 980s

Prof. Paul Belaiche of the

Phytotherapy Dept

at

University of Paris carried out a series of using tea tree oil. One study involved 28 women suffering from the vaginal infection candida albicans (thrush). After 30 days of using tea tree oil (in the form of vaginal capsules inserted each 21 cases were evening) completely cured. The remaining seven were clinically but not biologically the

studies

cured. In

a

suffering

second

study,

from

chronic

double-blind test: 13 tea tree oil

meals),

group of 26

a

cystitis

were

women

used

in

a

given 24 mg of doses of 8 mg before

women were

daily (three

while the other 13

tablet. After six months,

were

seven

given

out

a

placebo

of the 13 in

the first group were cured, compared to none in the second. Belaiche also used pure tea tree oil to

treat

a

variety

infections and

of

fungal infections such as nailbed paronychia as well as other skin

Evidence Obtained from Later Clinical Studies disorders

including

positive *

and

acne

15

with generally

impetigo,

results.4

1983 The

Associated

Foodstuff

Australia conducted trials

using

oil.

tea tree

Laboratories

of

series of skin sterilization

a

By applying

oil to unwashed hands

the essential

the bacteria count

was

reduced from 3,000 per 50 cm to 3 per 50 cm! on hands washed in distilled water, by

The count

comparison, *

was

2,000 per 50

cm.

1990 A

study involving

124 students

by

Prof. R. S. C. Barnetson at

to

evaluate

Sydney University efficacy and skin tolerance of tree oil gel in the treatment of mild

the

5 per cent tea

a

to moderate acne, in

comparison

lotion

benzoyl peroxide

(a

with

tea tree was slower to term tea tree

oil

advantage

was

take effect,

equally

a

widely

treatment). The results indicated that

added

carried out

was

5 per cent used acne

although the the long

over

efficient

with the

that it caused fewer harsh sideeffects.

The researchers concluded that increased concentration of tea tree oil may even prove to be faster in its activity than the benzoyl peroxide

lotion,

and without

causing

any illeffects.s

Tea Tree Oil

16 * 1991 Dr

Blackwell

of

Department of Genitourinary (Wales) reported the

the

Medicine in Swansea case

of

patient suffering

a

who

opted vaginal pessary to

vaginal infection using a tea tree oil in a vegetable oil base) standard pharmaceutical from

a

herself

(200 gm follow the

than

rather

treat

in this case). After five the infection had cleared up showing that days ‘tea tree oil in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis

regimen (metronidazole

may be

a

safe,

non-toxic alternative to standard

antibiotic treatment

*

especially

in

pregnancy’6

1991 A

A.

generalized study

more

Shemesh

and

W.

Capistrano, California

during

L. over

was

Mayo

mouth and

lozenges including acne,

was

by

out

Juan

San

period

used in the

to treat a

cream or

different conditions

at

six-month

a

1991. In this case, tea tree

forms of oil,

carried

variety

of

monilia of the

throat, monilia rashes, non-specific dermatitis,

eczema, oral canker sores,

simplex, fungus

of the

fingernails,

pustules, herpes and Tinea cruris,

and barbae. The test group consisted of 18 men, 30 women and 2 children; of all these patients

pedis only

one

(with eczema)

resistant

to

the

patients were cured or improvement in their presenting Shemesh and Mayo concluded:

treatment. All the other showed remarkable

condition.

was

Evidence Obtained from Laer Clinical Studies

natural, less expensive,

Tea tree oil

offers

alternative

currently this study.

to

conditions in its

a

17

side-effects profile currently prescribed for

used It is is

drugs for

safe, easiy

superior

these medical

4J’ective

the described accessible and

products problems.7

to

most

H

C

A

P

T

E

R

F

0

R

U

Production, Chemical and

Composition

Quality

Control its

Due

to

tree

oil

medical

fast-growing

from

expanding originally all

alt ernfolia

Mdaleuca

international

growing

New South Wales, it has

area

in

in the

where

now

vast

were

was

distilled

region into

developed

Bungawalbyn Valley groves of the

individual bush-cutters, each

only

an

of a

just three field stills

supply

of

large

a

swampy

grew naturally. inhospitable terrain, out on foot by

trees

Since the trees grew in such the harvesting was carried

a

now

Whereas

small

one

tea

operation.

In the 1950s, there

operating

is

industry.

the essential oil available

from wild trees

worldwide

reputation,

one

hessian

of whom carried

bags

and

a

sharp

(7 ft) of the ground, and the leaves and branches were knife. The

separated

trees were cut to within 2 m

from the limbs. A

strip nearly

one

tonne

would then be carried

good

of leaves in

directly

to

cutter

could

day;

these

a

the

still and

Production, Chemical Composition and Quality Control into

emptied

large

vats

or

pots. Using

distillation unit, the essential oil extracted from the leaves

was

oil It

a

woodfIred

one tonne

then

was

steam before

using

condensed and filtered. About

19

being

of leaves

kilos of essential necessary to produce 6—10 a yield of approximately I per cent. was

farm

was

only

in the 1970s that the first tea tree

established in

the aim of

producing

commercial

scale. Even

Bungawalbyn

tea as

tree

late

Creek with

essential

oil

on

a

1988, however,

as

most tea tree oil was still harvested

and

produced

in the traditional manner.

Today, product

because

of

worldwide

relies

demand,

the

plantation production increasingly sophisticated technology. Since 1988, large plantations have been set up in a on

and

several

number of different and

areas

such

as

Nambucca,

Taree

a virgin crop is also being developed in California. The cultivation of tea trees has

Hornsby

presented

a

new

challenge,

since

on

the first

plots

where the tea trees grew wild, replanting was unnecessary. In fact, far from damaging the trees, the

regular cutting and pruning actually stimulated growth, as is evident from the healthy trees in Bungawalbyn Creek which have been harvested 60 years! The new growth, regularly for known as ratoon, takes only 18 months—2 years to new

over

reach

again.

a state

of

maturity,

when it

can

be harvested

Tea Tree Oil

20

Since the cultivation of tea trees is a new kind of

agriculture

and there is still

learned about the trees’

a

great deal

be

to

optimum growing

conditions.

Factors which need to be assessed include how

far

apart

the

trees

allow for mechanical

better

to

should

by cuttings, and the

whether it is

harvesting),

grow them from seed

or

exact chemical

planted (to

be

propagate them of

composition

the oil. In its natural state, tea tree oil is

complex 48

chemical

substance

organic compounds.

an

extremely

containing

at

least

The main constituents

are

terpenes, pinenes, cymones, terpineols, cineole, sesquiterpines and sesquiterpinene alcohols however, it also contains four constituents that are

rarely found elsewhere in nature: viridiflorene (approximately 1 per cent), B terpineol (0.24 per cent), L-terpineol (trace) and allyhexanoate (trace).’ Variations in the constituents and properties of the essential oils produced from specially selected trees also need to be monitored closely. In 1948, Penfold, Morrison and McKern had already shown that the cineole random

sample

content

in

a

of essential oils taken from 49 tea

trees in the New South Wales

could vary between 6 per cent and 16 per cent, although the trees themselves were botanically indistinguishable. The more

proportion

recently

of cineole

region

in tea tree

been found to lie

anywhere

oil

has

between

Production, Chemical Composition and Qualiçy Control 2 per cent and 65 per cent! The

yield

21

of oil has

also been found to be lower in the winter months than in the

summer.

Indeed, the standardization of created

difficulty,

some

since

tea

oil has

tree

tea tree

plants

of

origin can produce essential oils composition which consequently

identical botanical

of

diverse

quite

affects their

healing potential.

This is

pattern

a

many aromatics including thyme, lavender and marjoram where the type and common

of

quality as

to

an

essential oil

depends

on

factors such

altitude, seasonal changes and soil make-up. When different essential oils can be produced

from

single

a

different

botanical

species, grown

they chemotypes

circumstances,

are

under

known

as

are ‘chemotypes’.These usually classified to their main constituents, for according example, tea tree is classified according to the amount of cineole (eucalyptol) and terpinen-4-oI

that it contains. Cineole has useful medicinal for the relief of

also

an

respiratory complaints,

but it is

irritant of the mucous membranes and the

skin. This

means

that tea tree oil

amounts of cineole is no

in the treatment of exclusive use of

good

containing large using topically

for

wounds, skin rashes,

the low-cineole forms of

purposes has been of research studies, notably

oil for medical series

qualities, especially

etc. The tea tree

highlighted by Penfold

in

a

and

Tea Tree Oil

22

(1946), Guenther (1950), and Iassak and McKarthy (1983). These factors were then Morrison

used

as

a

basis for standardization

the British

by

Pharmaceutical Codex (1949) and the Standards Association of Australia (1967, 1985). oil

The Australian standard for Melaleuca

altern!folia

that the

content of

now

the oil

cineole

requires

terpinen-4-oI

should be greater than 30 per cent, and the content less than 15 per cent. A top

quality

tea

tree

oil

should, however, have

maximum

cineole

content of 5

minimum

terpinen-4-ol

per

content

of

cent. As the demand for tea tree has

cent

a

and

a

35—40per

increased, the

essential oil has also been increasingly subjected to the main adulteration, usually with cineole constituent

eucalyptus A tea tree

of

oil

eucalyptus

oil its characteristic

which

gives

the

camphor-like scent. tampered with in

oil which has been

this way can be identified by its sweetish, light aroma and its strong camphor-like note. Nowadays the different constituents of tea tree are measured

using a gas chromatograph and position of each peak on

where the presence the graph shows the

of each component. The balance of the main constituents in a fresh, high quality tea tree

amount

oil should be

approximately

Alpha-pinene Aipha-terpinene

as

follows:

2.5 per cent 9.1 per cent

Production, Chemical Composition and Quality Control

3.9 per cent 4.3 per cent

Para—cymene I ,8-cineole

24.6 per cent 2.3 per cent

Gamma-terpinene Aipha-terpineol Terpinen-4-ol Terpinolene It

is

interesting

substances is

combination

42.1 per cent 4.1 per cent

to

especially that

their maximum

note

these

healing

‘synergy’. This is

that

substances

power

quality

essential oils, where the

unique

a

including

none

of

effective alone. It is

a

as

23

these

only

in

demonstrate

which is known common

to many balance of constituents,

the trace elements, contributes

remedy. This why synthetically

to the overall effectiveness of the factor also

helps to account for produced products, or ‘nature-identical’ oils, cannot match properties exhibited by the naturally derived original, since it is very difficult to mimic the complex and diverse blend of components found in nature. Detailed research into the exact

properties

of

being carried out present identify the most suitable composition for particular medicinal applications. As the tea tree industry becomes sophisticated it is more than likely that specific oils will be prepared for each condition for example, the optimum composition for

different types of tea tree oils is at

more

to

ascertain

and

24

Tea Tree Oil

combating

a

that for

a

as

condition may not be the same bactericidal infection. With regard to

fungal

candida, for example,

it has been found that there

general decline in activity as following components decrease: is

a

the levels of the

aipha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, terpinolene, terpinen-4-ol; and as

the level of the

following compounds increase; aipha-terpineol. detailed survey Appendix B for

cineole, limonene, Note:

see

a more

of the constituents of tea tree oil.

C

H

A

P

T

E

F

R

V

I

E

Summary of the Properties and Applications of Tea Tree A

Oil Due

to

displays

unique composition, tea tree oil number of remarkable properties making

its a

it very effective for

a

wide range of

complaints.

properties, and outstanding in comparison to other remedies, is that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, Foremost

what makes

and

fungi

testing

among

these

tea tree oil

viruses.

Independent microbiological

has confirmed the effectiveness of tea

oil

against notably:

a

wide

range

of

tree

micro-organisms,

Gram Positive bacteria:

Staphyloccus aureus, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Staphyloccus pneumoniae, Staphyloccus faecalis, Staphyloccus pyrogenes, Staphyloccus agalactiae, Fropionibacterium acnes, Beta haemolytic streptococcus

Gram

Negative

bacteria:

Escherichia

Kiebsiella pneumoniac, Citrobacter spp.,

coli,

Shigeila

Tea Tree Oil

26

mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Proteus

sonnei,

Legionella

spp.,

Fungi: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, albi cans, Candida canis, Microsporum

Microsporum vulgaris. Tea

further backed up

system

threatened

to

areas

by

any of these

the

organisms,

body’s ability respond appropriately. Tea

increases

and

fighting infection is by its ability to stimulate the this means that if the body is in

tree’s effectiveness

immune

Thermoactinomycetes

gypseum,

of

to

own

tea

tree

protect itself

tree oil’s main

may therefore be summarized

activity

as:

antiseptic/bactericidal, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and immuno-stimulant.

Its

secondary properties

are

also looked at in detail below.

ANTISEPTIC/BACTERICIDAL This property of tea tree makes it excellent for first aid i.e. the treatment of cuts, burns, insect bites, infected

(especially As

for

an

splinters

those which

antiseptic,

general

blackhcads,

tea

and all kinds of wounds are

tree

skin

care,

etc.

As

a

dirty is

or

also

notably general

contain

pus).

very valuable

for spots, acne, disinfectant it is

A

Summaiy of the Properties

especially

useful for

and

Applications of Tea

respiratory

or

Tree Oil 27

genito-urinary

tract infections such as bronchitis and sinusitis or

cystitis.

ANTI-FUNGAL Tea tree oil’s excellent a

fungicidal qualities

very effective treatment for

common

complaints including

foot and thrush with

great

(candida).

success

affecting animals,

It has also been used

combat

to

fish and

make it

wide range of ringworm, athlete’s a

fungal

diseases

plants.

ANTI-VIRAL

Viruses

the

invading organisms responsible for epidemic illnesses. As a powerful anti-viral agent, tea tree is effective in fighting many are

most

common

infectious

diseases

such

chickenpox, flu, colds and shingles viral

complaints

such

as

as

cold sores,

as

well

measles, as

other

veruccae

and

warts.

IMMUNO-STIMULANT

In this context,

tea

tree

is

principally

of great

Tea Tree Oil

28 value as a

preventative

remedy

to

help

off all kinds of infection. This is

fight important

the

body especially

if the

body is already in a weakened condition brought by either stress, illness or the of anti-biotics or other drugs which have use lowered the body’s natural resistance levels. Tea tree has been found to be especially helpful for those who need to have their strength built up, such before surgical operation or for those suffering from chronic long-standing debilitating illnesses such hepatitis. Its glandular fever possible application to AIDS is also currently being on

a

as

or

as

or

researched.

SECONDARY PROPERTIES

In addition,

tea

properties

actions:

or

tree

oil

has

several

secondary

remedy for complaints affecting (including cuts, burns and bruises) is furthered by its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-killing) arid cicatrizant (woundhealing) Its value

as

the

an

external

skin

qualities. It

is

also

insecticide

infestations

a

powerful parasiticide

effective

against

and

many types of

including lice, scabies, mosquitoes,

etc. It

has

a

diaphoretic

effect

that

is,

it

A

Summaiy of the Properties

and

Applications of

Tea Tree Oil 29

which again enhances the promotes sweating body’s own natural preventative response when threatened

Finally,

by

infection.

tea

balsamic

a

exhibits

characteristics,

beneficial in the

having

tree

case

of throat

generally soothing effect

on

expectorant and

which or

and

the entire

are

especially

chest infections,

clearing (mucusexpelling)

respiratory

tract.

H

C

A

P

Methods and

E

T

of

R

Safrty

Use,

I

S

X

Data

Precautions

Storage

METHODS OF USE Tea Tree in the Bath Add 8—10 drops

to the bath water once the bath

full, then relax

is

in the water for at least

10

minutes. For

bathing

tea tree oil water

to

a

bowl

A

simple dipping a

hands, add

or

6—8 drops of

shallow bath

of

warm

Compress/Poultice

disinfectant compress can be made by flannel (face-cloth) or piece of cotton

(cotton

steaming

a

hot

ball)

or

ice

in

a

cold,

drops

been added 3—5

(to

or

and soak for 5—10 minutes.

As

wool

the feet

bowl of water as

required)

of tea tree oil. A

draw pus from abscesses

or

(either

to which has

infected

poultice splinters,

Methods

etc.)

of Use, Safety

can

tree to a

Data and

be made

clay

Storage

by adding

a

Precautions

few

kaolin base, and

or

31

drops

mixing

of tea

well.

Direct/Neat Application Use the oil direct from the bottle

the

fingertips

or

to treat cuts,

Note: A few the skin

using

a

cotton

burns, cold

people

dabbing

bud (cotton

swab)

sores, etc.

find neat tea tree

to

irritating

if irritation does occur, bathe with cold

water and in future use in low dilutions

avoid

with

only (or

altogether). Gargling

and Dental Care

For the treatment of mouth ulcers,

sore throats, bad breath or other mouth and gum infections, add 5—10 drops of tea tree oil to a glass of warm water, mix well, then rinse the mouth and/or

gargle. Inhalation

Use up to 8 drops on a tissue or handkerchief for inhalation throughout the day (or onto a pillow for

night use). steam

For

inhalation

tree to a

bowl of

respiratory complaints,

by adding steaming

about 5

make

drops

water. Cover

of

a

tea

your head

Tea Tree OAJ

32 with a towel and breathe

deeply

for about 5—10

minutes with your eyes closed. Steam inhalation as a kind of facial ‘sauna’ used in this

also acts

way tea tree can help unblock the pores and clear the skin of acne, spots and blackheads.

Massage Before

being applied

to

(like purposes, always be mixed with a tea tree

base

or

such

as

the

almond

sweet

sunflower

although

Jojoba oil, being

go

oil,

or

a

though a

jojoba

or

soya oil would

liquid wax, does wheatgerm oil

prolong

life. The dilution should be in the

used for

oil carrier

otherwise a little

should be added to the blend to

per cent

massage should

oils)

light vegetable

also suffice.

rancid

for

other essential

grapeseed not

skin

of 2—3

sometimes 5 per cent may be

concentrated effect,

local muscular

region

its shelf

pain,

for

as

in the

of

case

example.

way

20 drops of tea say that rough guideline to one millilitre, so an equivalent easy of calculating the proportions for general

is to

measure

A

is to

tree oil is

use

the carrier oil in millilitres, then add

about half the number of

give

a

drops

of tea tree oil to

2.5 per cent dilution:

100 ml base oil

50

50 ml base oil

25

drops drops

essential oil essential oil

Methods I

Data and

of Use, Safey

15

tbsp (approx.

7—8 drops essential oil

I tsp (approx. 5 base oil

ml) 2—3 drops essential oil

Shampoo A 3-4 per Otherwise

buy

tea

neutral

tea

tree

drops.

for the

tea

pH

to

by adding

vodka

this

and lice

can

common

and

value

it-:

to

soaps.

shampoo a

100-mi

This disinfects the hair

prevention and/or

dandruff and lice. An alcohol-based be made

is

tree

shampoos

tree

good,

a

and add your own bottle add about 60

good

and Hair Care

dilution of

cent

commercial

and is

33

ml)

base oil

in

Precautions

Storage

scalp

of

cure

rub

can

5 ml of tea tree to 100 ml of

be used to rid the hair of fleas

(but skin).

note that alcohol should not be used

on irritated

Sitz

For

few

of

Bath/Douche

vaginal and genito-urinary infections, add a drops of tea tree oil to a shallow bath or bowl

warm

water

and bathe the affected

area.

Skin Treatments: Creams, Gels, Lotions, Masks and Oils

The

proportions

used for

mixing

skin creams,

gels,

Tea Tree Oil

34

masks and oils are the same as those for see

purposes

massage

p.32.

be made up using 100 ml distilled water and 25 drops of tea tree oil A

water-based lotion

light

shake well

(such to

cold

as

use

This

and athlete’s

sores

can

be made

some

conditions

foot)

it is better

by adding

ml of neat vodka.

tree to 5

further diluted in for

For

use.

alcohol-based lotion because it is

an

drying.

before

can

treating

a

6

drops

more

of tea

This mixture can be

boiled/cooled

litre of

water

cuts and sores, such as those caused

by

chickenpox. Vaporization There

are

many

you may

use

vaporizing an

methods available

essential oil burner, few

you simply put tree oil in a small bowl of hot water diffuser,

or

can

a

an

now

electric

drops of tea placed on a

any other source of heat. This method is particularly useful for disinfecting a sick room radiator

or

and

preventing

Tea

tree

the

spread

may also be used

of to

contagious

repel

illness.

insects in this

manner.

Other Measures

Many

common

aromathcrapy

conditions benefit from

with other

approaches

combining

such

as

herbal

Methods

of Use, Safety

Data and

Storage

35

Precautions

medicine, acupuncture, counselling, dietary changes and exercise. Essential oils and allopathic medicines also

can

qualified

complement herbalist

one

check with

another

aromatherapy practitioner

or

a

for

further advice.

SAFETY

DATA

non-toxic, non-irritating and It does not non-sensitizing. destroy healthy skin

Tea tree is

generally

only pathogens. Sensitization to tea tree oil occasionally been encountered; extremely

tissue, has

sensitive skin may

oil

or

may need

reported was

to

in 1992

a

dilution of the pure

require

a

avoid it

altogether.

woman

with

In

atopic

treated with neat tea tree oil

one case

dermatitis

applied directly

the skin.’ When the condition worsened, oral ingestion was prescribed, which only exacerbated

to

the to

problem. On investigation, cineole was found be the allergen. In another case a boy with

athlete’s foot

aggravated

was

the

treated with tea

condition

discovered that he had had tea tree oil

further.2 an

again possibly

tree oil which

Later it

allergic

was

reaction to

due to its cineole

content.

Before best

using

tea tree oil for the

first time it is

carry out a ‘patch test’ simply apply a few drops of tea tree to the back of the wrist and to

Tea Tree Oil

36 for

leave

1

If

hour.

irritation

any

with cold water and use tea tree

avoid it

or

altogether

only

in dilution

in the future.

Babies, young children and pregnant should take

special

care

toxicity level,

women

all essential oils,

using

because of their concentration. low

bathe

occurs,

tea tree’s

Despite

it is advisable not to

it neat

use

for the treatment of children under 18 months of and

age

always

dilute for

use

during

pregnancy

to half the usual concentration. Pet

owners

strength Note: not

are

advised not

also

use

full-

tea tree oil on small animals.

In common with all essential

be

to

taken

internally (unless

it

is

sufficiently

quantities such

as

5 ml

supervision);

or

oils,

tea tree

under strict

should

medical

toxic to cause concern

more

are

ingested by young

children.

STORAGE

For storage purposes tea tree oil should be treated like

a

citrus oil

exposure to air.

as

it is prone to oxidation upon

When this occurs, the Gammaterpinene

content decreases and the para-cymene content increases. The

terpinen-4-ol

content, the

active microbiol constituent, is also reduced but not

as

drastically.

This

means

that if the oil is

not

Methods stored

of

Use,

Safety

correctly

Data and

it

becomes

It should be

container, away from of the reach of

also dissolve be taken

regarding

37

Precautions

less

and

less

bactericidal.

kept in an airtight dark-glass light and heat and well out

children

certain

Storage

or

pets. The pure oil will

plastics,

so

good

care

any substances the

should

neat

oil

comes into contact with.

IT

IS

VERY

IMPORTANT

TO

OBTAIN

PURE

TEA TREE OIL FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE TO

ENSURE

A

SAFE

THERAPEUTIC RESULT!

AND

EFFECTIVE

PART

II

A—Z of Health Care

Applications

ACNE

This

(AND SPOTS)

unsightly of

skin

is

condition

caused

by

an

is glands, especially common during adolescence, the menopause and at times of hormonal upheaval, such as before or during menstruation. A very skin results in a rough greasy, congested surface texture, enlarged pores, spots, pimples

overactivity

the

and

sebaceous

and blackheads. The condition

can

be exacerbated

by a poor diet, too little exercise, lack of hygiene, stress and other emotional factors. Scrupulous attention to hygiene prevents the condition wash spreading gently with an unscented pHbalanced further

and well

soap, or a tea tree soap. The effectiveness of tea tree in combating acne has been

success

researched

by

recent

clinical

studies

(see

pages 15 and 16).

Apply

neat tea tree oil to individual

spots

night

42

Tea Tree Oil and

morning using a cotton swab). Make up a lotion using 100 and 25 use

drops

(and morning.

or pages 33—4),

ointment to

ml distilled water

of tea tree oil. Shake well before

and bathe the face

areas) night and Make up a 5 per cent

(see

bud (cotton

apply

as

other affected

non-oily

use a

a

cream

gel

or

commercial tea tree

cleansing/moisturizing

ointment. Add 8—10 drops of tea tree oil to the bath

water

this also acts

as

a

facial steam (see

page 30, Methods of Use). Have a facial sauna 3 or 4 times 3—5 drops of

tea tree

a

week

using

(see pages 31—2,

Methods of Use). Other oils of benefit: lavender, bergamot, geranium. ARTHRITIS

There

are

(AND GOUT)

several different kinds of arthritis

but

all

signify the body’s inability to eliminate toxic waste efficiently. This causes excess uric acid to be deposited as crystals in the joint spaces. The two most common forms are rheumatoid

arthritis, which

affect all age groups, and osteoarthritis, which usually occurs in the elderly. Both are forms of can

joint distress which can result in and sometimes deformity.

pain,

inflammation

A—Z Health Care

of

43

Applications

affects the joints of the toes, but also sometimes the fingers. Gout

usually

Stress, emotional conflict, lack of exercise and poor diet all contribute to these conditions. Aromatic baths and massage can help eliminate the

a

toxic waste,

as

well

as

provide

Make a massage oil by tree oil with 50 ml of

Apply

twice

relief from

pain.

mixing 30 drops of tea vegetable carrier oil.

a

daily.

Add 8—10 drops of tea tree oil

to the

bath

water for

pain relief. inflammation, apply a cold compress using clay (or a flannel or face-cloth) to which

To

ease

has

been added

Note: There

a

few

drops

of tea tree oil.

several other oils which

are

great benefit in arthritis: for detoxifying cypress, fennel, juniper and lemon; for

relief chamomile, lavender and and for stimulating greater mobility rosemary and ginger.

are

of

pain

marjoram;

pine,

ATHLETE’S FOOT Athlete’s foot is a

pedis, commonly

flaky

skin and

fungal

infection caused

by

Tinea

by red, soggy or between the toes. Sometimes

characterized

itching

the soles and heels become covered in white

scaly

it may also affect the fingers or nails. The affected skin usually becomes cracked and

skin

Tea Tree Oil

44

and

painful,

in

such

cases

feet should be

the

possible. Athlete’s foot is often picked up in sports’ changing rooms and schools as it is highly contagious. Tea tree has allowed

‘breathe’ whenever

to

been found to be very effective in

this

treating

condition.

Wash and

the feet

dry

neat tea tree to

2

apply

or

the affected

3 times

daily

tea

until the condition has

In

foot bath (5—10 drops in

tree

water)

as

a

day

in

a

bowl of

8—10 drops of tea tree to the

precautionary

a

a

is also beneficial.

addition, add

bath

apply

Continue to

areas.

cleared up. minutes Soaking the feet for 5—10 warm

then

thoroughly,

measure.

See also Tinea

BALANITIS Balanitis is

of the

Candida

sexual thrush,

penis;

irritating

contact a

that both

condition

the

it is caused

albi cans.

organism. treated

an

It

with

vaginal

by usually

is a

male

and

or

female

simultaneously

contracted

from

suffering caused by the

from

woman

infection

With balanitis

affecting the end fungal infection

thrush it is sexual

before

relations, to avoid re-infection.

same

important

partners are renewing sexual

A—Z of Health Care

Balanitis

45

Applications be treated

may

with

by washing

the

area

I per cent solution of tea tree carefully in distilled water (shaken well) applied 4 times a

a

day.

See also Candida and Thrush

BARBER’S RASH Barber’s

rash,

is caused

by

sometimes known

the

characterized

fungal

by

a

the face and neck sore. can

the skin is also often

compounded by

Make up

soothing

a

and

commercial

acne.

lotion

using

3—5 drops of

tsp water-based

tea tree in I

morning

of small red

pimples on flaky and aggravated by shaving and

mass

The condition is

be

‘shaving rash’,

as

infection Tinea barbae. It is

gel and apply night. (Avoid using harsh soaps

or

after-shaves).

See also Tinea

BOIL A boil

(FURUNCLE)/ABSCESS or

abscess is

a

localized

inflammation of the skin, due

painful swelling to an

and

infection of

a

sebaceous Boils or

gland. usually appear

stressed,

the result of

at times a

when the

body is run-down upheaval or as

of hormonal

blood disorder. Whatever the cause,

46

Tea Tree Oil

presence of a boil or abscess indicates that the system is in need of purification: Avoid stimulants, eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink

the

of

plenty which

water

purify

the

or

herb

teas

(especially

those

blood).

Medical research has affirmed that

tea tree is an

excellent treatment for boils and abscesses because it

penetrates infection and

the

through disperses

skin

to

combat

the

the pus without making it break the skin (for further evidence necessary to see

page 13).

Never wait for the boil

begins

treat as soon as it

with neat tea tree oil.

abscess to burst

or

to

appear by dabbing 2 or 3 times a

Repeat

day. If the warm

boil/abscess

poultice

of

already formed, apply clay containing 3-4 drops of has

a

tea tree oil. Leave for half

the

liquid/pus,

then bathe

Alternatively, apply

a

then dab the boil with 3 times

Repeat boil/abscess or

If the

soaked in still no

a

hour to draw

gently

warm

which has been soaked in

2

an

a

with water.

flannel tea tree

(face-cloth) solution,

neat tea tree oil.

day.

is severe,

cover

with

a

gauze

tea tree oil for 12 hours. If there is

improvement,

seek medical advice.

Add 8—10 drops of tea tree oil to the bath water

as

a

general

disinfectant

measure.

A—Z of Health Care

Other

oils

47

Applications

of

benefit:

bergamot, chamomile,

lavender.

BITES/STINGS see

Insect Bites

BRONCHITIS Bronchitis

bronchial

indicates

inflammation

an

of

the and

accompanied by coughing congestion. Acute bronchitis usually starts with a cold or sore throat which then develops fever that lasts a few days. Chronic into bronchitis is a long-term condition, without fever, which is aggravated by smoking, a damp climate, air pollution and poor nutrition (especially too many dairy products). Tea tree can be of great benefit by helping to combat the infection, reduce fever, ease coughing and expel mucus. It also help to reinforce the body’s immune mechanism and prevent the infection from spreading. tubes,

mucus

a

can

Note:

Bronchitis in

lead

can

the

especially professional help

very

to

young

should be

complications, elderly

and

sought immediately

the condition deteriorates. At the onset,

regular

steam

inhalations will

prevent the infection from

help

to

and

help

to soothe

coughing

developing drops of

add 5

if

Tea Tree Oil

48 tea tree to a bowl of

inhale for 5

steaming

hot water and

10 minutes.

Hot baths with 8—10 drops of tea tree added encourage

sweating,

the

body’s natural

it also has a similar response to infection effect to steam inhalation. When feverish,

especially

if the temperature is

high, keep

the

bath water cool.

Massage

the chest, back and throat with

per cent blend of tea tree in cream 3 drops to 1 tsp of

Use

vaporizer

a

bedroom at

tree oil

A few

drops

also be put on handkerchief for inhalation can

Other oils of benefit:

See also Colds,

light

cream

a

a

2.5

base oil or

or

base oil.

home, especially

in the

night.

a

in the

of pure tea

tissue

or

throughout the day. eucalyptus, lavender.

Coughs, Fever, Flu, Sinusitis,

Sore Throat BRUISES/BUMPS A bruise indicates that the beneath the skin’s surface

pressure

to that area.

Applying

inflammation, heals cell

healing

as a

tissue

is

result of

a

damaged bump or

tea tree oil reduces

tissues and

speeds

up the

process.

Suppurating bruise of shin which appeared progressing to

a

condition

of periostitis,

to

be

checked in

A—Z of Health Care

24 hours

49

Applications

using solut*on diluted I cured

Condition

in

one

week

to 40 as a

compress.

by continuing

this

treatment.’

cold compress to ease inflammation, dab a drop or two of neat tea tree oil

Apply then

a

onto the

affected

area.

Lavender essential oil and arnica ointment

are

also very useful bruise remedies. BURNS

by dry heat or moist heat (scalds), and are often very painful. Minor burns respond extremely well to treatment with essential oils as they reduce the pain, prevent blistering or infection and promote healing. Burns

can

be caused

burns, especially if accompanied by shock, require immediate medical attention. Note: Severe

Tea tree oil is treatment

products

Apart from

the

I have observed,

of pain

increasingly employed in Australia:

rapid healing one

in bum

and absence

of the great

with the initial

benqts

of infection relief

has been

application.2

Immediately put the affected

area

under the

cold tap for 5 minutes, then apply neat tea tree oil to the site of the burn. Continue to

50

Tea Tree Oil

apply

neat at least 3 times a

until the skin

day

has healed.

Alternatively, apply

water-based

a

gel

to which

5—10 cent tea tree oil has been added. per Other measures: lavender essential oil is also a

very effective burn same

remedy

when used in the

manner.

CANDIDA

Candida, also known

as

candidiasis

moniliasis,

or

can

manifest in several forms. It is caused like

in

fungal moist,

by the yeastinfection Candida albicans and thrives parts of the body

warm

including

the mouth (candidiasis), beneath the breasts, on the penis (balanitis) and between the folds of the buttocks

(the

latter often

type of nappy rash). In

in babies

occurring its most

common

however, (usually called ‘thrush’) it

vagina causing

severe

itching

and

as

a

form,

affects

the

milky-white

a

discharge. Balanitis, Mouth and Gum Infections, Nappy (Diaper) Rash, Thrush For methods

of

treatment

see

CARBUNCLES A

carbuncle

staphyloccus

is

a

aureaus

collection

of boils

characterized

by

by painful

caused a

node and covered with

skin that later

becomes thick and

Carbuncics

tight red discharges pus.

arc

A—Z of Health Care

commonly neck

found

on

the upper back, nape of the

the buttocks.

or

Keep

51

Applications

the

area

clean and

to the site of the

apply neat tea tree problem 3 times day.

Add 8—10 drops of

oil

a

tea tree to the bath water

as a disinfectant measure. Lavender oil is also an

alone

or

effective

remedy,

used

in combination with tea tree.

CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection which is caused by during childhood herpes zoster, the same virus which is responsible for shingles (zona). A fever develops and itchy spots appear in crops; these spots progress to common

blisters and then to crusts. Tea tree is very effective for chickenpox due to its anti-viral, immuno-stimulant, analgesic (painkil ing) and

diaphoretic (sweat-promoting) properties. itching and promotes healing of the spots thus helping to prevent possible infection or scarring due to scratching. In one recorded case, an 11-month-old baby with a severe attack of chickenpox was bathed using 2 drops of tea tree oil and I drop of German chamomile in It also soothes

the water,

and showed

hour. After two most of the

more

night.

improvement within an baths, she slept soundly for

Tea Tree Oil

52

By morning,

of

most

the blisters

smaller, and all those which

50 per cent

were

erupted from

onwards remained small. I bathed her twice ti-tree until all the scabs had fallen has less scarring than Emma

severity

of the

or

off

this time

day

with

and she

now

a

Michael, despite the

attack.3

chickenpox can be more dangerous, as it is accompanied by a high temperature and pain. Another case history records the progress of a man suffering from chickenpox whose body (but not In adults

the skin on his

solution

using

gained great

face)

treated with

was

an

alcohol

dabbing lotion. He also by bathing 3 times a day in a

tea tree as a

relief

bath to which

a

blend of tea tree, lavender and

chamomile had been added: The

most

to note in

interesting point

connection

with

of ti-tree, is that the very heavy crop of spots his face, body cleared much faster than those them without their while size, many of reaching full most of the spots his face developed into large the action on

his

on

on

blisters and scabbed

over

in

the

manner

characteristic

of chickenpox.4 Use tea tree in

vaporizers throughout

the

duration of the illness. Soak

frequently using

a

blend of tea tree,

lavender and chamomile in 10—15 minutes at a

tepid

water for

time, every few hours if

A—Z of Health Care

53

Applications

possible. For babies add 2 drops of tea and I drop of chamomile (or lavender)

tree

dissolved in I tsp of alcohol in the bath; for children add 3 drops of tea tree and 2 drops of chamomile (or

lavender)

alcohol; for adults add 5

drops

of chamomile (or

dissolved in I tsp

drops

tea tree and 5

lavender)

dissolved in

I tsp alcohol. Dissolve 25 (15 for children) drops of tea tree and 10 (5 for children) drops each of lavender and chamomile in

one

dessertspoon

of alcohol,

then mix with 50 ml rosewater and 50 ml witchhazel. Shake well before

frequently gauze

to

spots using

apply

using

a cotton

wool

or

pad.

Note: this treatment is not suitable for young babies. Other

measures:

handful of colloidal oatmeal

from most

(available added

a

chemists)

may also be itching and

to the bath water to soothe

encourage

healing.

CHILBLAINS Chilblains

which on

are

the toes

poor

small, painful reddish-blue swellings

are

sometimes

itchy. They occur mostly fingertips, usually as a result of

or

circulation

deficiency

can

or

also

cold.

Vitamin

and

contribute to the

mineral

problem.

Tea Tree Oil

54 Exercise

and

warm

clothing

important

are

preventative

measures.

Apply

neat tea tree

(or lemon juice)

to

the

chilblain. A

regular stimulating

massage

treatment is

beneficial. Local blood circulation

improved by massaging with 2 drops each area

the feet

be

can

or

affected

of tea tree and black

pepper in 1 tsp carrier oil. COLDS There

are

which

can

at

least 30 different strains of the virus the

cause

This

terms,

cozyza. affects the upper

common

cold or, in medical infection

highly contagious

respiratory

tract.

The

symptoms throat, coughing, feverishness, aching limbs, sneezing, fatigue and catarrh.

are

well known:

Tea tree oil or

severity ear

tree can

can

do much to reduce the duration

of the

illness and

help

to

prevent bronchitis, sinusitis infections) from arising. In addition, tea

secondary or

sore

infections

(such

as

often prevent the cold from

developing at powerful qualities.

all if it is used at the onset, due to its

anti-viral and immuno-stimulant

Use tea tree in

vaporizers throughout

duration of the illness, but onset of the cold

this

especially

the at the

may prevent it from

A—Z of Health Care

developing

at

55

Applications all. In addition, add

a

few the

inhalation

drops day,

throughout pillow for night use. daily hot bath adding 8—10 drops of tea the water this soothes aching limbs

to a hankie for

and to the Take

a

tree to

and also acts For to

a

sore

as

kind of steam inhalation.

a

throat, add

5—10 drops of tea tree

water, mix well and gargle. glass of 2 or 3 times a Repeat day at least. For cough, make up concentrated chest rub by mixing 5 drops of tea tree with 5 drops of marjoram (or benzoin) in I dessertspoon of carrier oil and apply to the chest and upper back. Repeat at least twice a day. As inhalation, add 5—6 drops of tea a

warm

a

a

tree

a

steam

oil

to a bowl

of

steaming

water,

cover

your head with towel and breathe deeply for 5—10 minutes with your eyes closed.. .very hot steam is in itself a hostile environment for viruses. Other

Repeat

at

measures:

capsules

least twice

take

a

a

course

day. garlic

of

and vitamin C tablets. Lavender,

marjoram or chamomile oil can also be used in baths to soothe aching limbs and to encourage restful sleep. See also

Throat

Coughs,

Fever, Flu, Sinusitis, Sore

56

Tea Tree Oil

COLD SORES A cold sore is a blister-like sore,

the

lips

or

face, caused by the

virus

I. The condition is infectious and

other parts of the

body

or

to

found

usually can

other

on

herpes simplex be spread to

people quite

readily. Some sores,

people especially

are

when

particularly prone to they are run down or

cold

have

suffered exposure to cold winds or hot sunshine. Tea tree has been found to be a very effective

remedy for cold sores, especially if they are treated early on. The pure oil was used suc-cessfully to combat herpes simplex in the clinical study carried out by Shemesh and Mayo in 1991 (see pages 16—17) several its

case

effectiveness in I have been

histories also bear witness

treating

to

this stubborn virus:

for years, and they get quite bad at times to t he point of leaving my face. My last bout with this problem was much I felt it better, thanks to your tea tree oil. In fact,

sufferingfrom

cold

sores

scar tissue

on

as

coming

on, I started

developed

using the

tea tree oil and it never

into a sore.

Use neat tea tree

oil to dab the

sore

spot

as

begins to develop if it is treated early enough it can stop the cold sore from developing altogether. Repeat frequently over period of several days, or until the condition soon as

it

has cleared.

a

A—Z of Health Care

57

Applications

of tea tree oil to I tsp alcohol (such as vodka) this alcohol-based lotion may be used in place of pure tea tree oil during the Add 6

drops

initial stages of

otherwise Other

treatment

it can cause a

bergamot (bergapten-free)

also beneficial for

applied

stinging

not

in the

broken,

sensation.

take vitamin C tablets;

measures:

lavender and

if the skin is

treating

same

cold

manner

sores

oil

are

when

as tea tree.

CORNS

A

clavus is

corn or

on

or

an area

between the toes. It

of hard thickened skin can

form

an

inverted

pyramid which presses into the deeper layers of skin, causing pain. In 1972, Dr Walker (see page 14) conducted a clinical study in which he used pure tea tree oil to treat a variety of foot problems including callouses and corns beneath the nails, with good results.

Apply tip and

of

pure tea tree oil to the area using the finger or a cotton bud (cotton swab)

a

Repeat

long

a

see

plaster (adhesive bandage).

it may take several any result, but it is effective in

daily

on a

weeks to

the

with

cover

basis

run.

COUGHS

Coughing

is

a

natural

reflex

action

aimed

at

Tea Tree Oil

58

clearing

obstruction

an

or

A

irritation from the

be

respiratory

and unproductive

dry cough be accompanied by a mucus discharge, especially when it occurs in association tract.

it

or

with

a

can

can

cold, flu

or

bronchitis. Tea

tree

oil, due

to

powerful anti-viral, bactericidal, expectorant is a valuable remedy for if there is infection or inflammation any coughs its

and balsamic properties, involved.

Add 5—6 drops of tea tree oil

steaming

water,

and breathe

to a bowl

of

your head with towel for 5—10 minutes with your

cover

deeply

eyes closed. Repeat at least twice Make up a concentrated chest rub

day. by mixing

a

of tea tree with 5

drops of marjoram (or benzoin) in 1 dessertspoon of carrier oil and apply to the chest and upper back. Repeat at least twice a day. 5

drops

Use tea tree in

vaporizers throughout

the

duration of the illness. Other

measures:

neck and throat

keep

warm

and protect the

a scarf; benzoin and eucalyptus, sandalwood, pine, thyme oil are also beneficial for coughs when

used in

See

a

also

similar

region by wearing

manner to

Bronchitis,

Sinusitis, Sore Throat

tea tree

Colds,

oil.

Fever,

Flu,

A—Z of Health Core

59

Applications

CRACKED SKIN

cracked skin

Dry,

on

the

feet and hands is the

a

winter

problem, especially during severe cases it can be painful, especially association with frostbite or skin complaints

common

months. in in

such

as

psoriasis.

drops of tea tree with I tsp wheatgerm oil (or a thick moisturizing cream) and massage well into the affected area night and morning. Mix 3

Continue until the condition

Other

measures:

patchouli

are

also useful essential oils for cracked

skin when used and

in

applied

improves. benzoin, lavender, myrrh and

individually

or

in combination

similar fashion to tea tree oil.

a

CRADLE CAP This

unsightly scalp

dermatitis

which

is

a

form

of

very young babies, the newborn. A thick, yellowish crust

especially develops on behind the

condition

affects

the

scalp

and there is often

scaling

ears.

drops of tea tree oil with I dessertspoon of slightly warmed olive oil rub gently into the scalp. Leave for minutes then wash out 5—10 using tea tree remain shampoo (the scalp may slightly oily Mix fresh for each treatment 5

after the treatment). Take

care

to

avoid the

Tea Tree Oil

60

rinsing. Repeat daily initially, then using tea tree shampoo as part of the

while

eyes

continue

baby’s normal

routine to

prevent

a

recurrence.

Lavender oil is also useful for cradle cap when used in the

See also

same

manner as

tea tree.

Dermatitis/Eczema

CUTS/WOUNDS Small cuts and scratches common

household

young children first-aid

to

injuries,

of the

some

most

where

especially

concerned. Tea

are

tree is an ideal

for all sorts of minor skin abrasions

remedy

due

are

excellent

its

It is

antiseptic

and wound-

that it does not

healing properties. gentle the raw skin, and it exposed sting so

acts

as

a

mild

anaesthetic and encourages a rich flow of blood to the damaged area. In addition, tea tree oil has been

actually

found dirt

pus! (See

or

the 1930s

during

A medical

a

few

plaster

M.

Humphrey’s

of

research

page 9).

in

hair,

oilj &ected

Clean the on

E.

presence

Evanston, Illinois [US] reports the treatment of a nasty head wound which, man

succesful because of the tree

to work better in the

area

a

was

disinclined

quick

and

to

heal; Ti-trol [tea

healthy healing.6

thoroughly

with water, then dab

drops of pure tea tree oil. Apply (adhesive bandage) if required

a

A—Z of Heahh Care

Continue to

times

as

an

the tea tree oil neat, several

apply

until the skin has healed.

day

a

Other

61

Applications

measures:

pure lavender oil

can

be used

alternative.

CYSTJTIS/URETHRITIS

Cystitis more

is

a

bacterial

common

by painful burning (which

Many an

sensation

is often

cloudy)

attacks of

is

It

men.

need to urinate,

frequent

a

than

women

among

characterized

bladder,

of the

infection

while

passing

a

water

and sometimes feverishness.

cystitis

start as urethritis

infection of the urethra. the

During tree oil

with

1980s, Dr Paul Belaiche used tea

experimentally

considerable

to

treat

chronic

(see page

success

cystitis

14).

He

concluded:

apparent that the Melaleuca ahernifolia is ffectively

From this first clinical

essential oil

of

the treatment

fficientfor The absence the mucous

approach

of chronic

its

high germicidal power.. .has

in

possession of

a

colibacilli cystitis.

the low level

of irritation on its perfect general tolerance, and

of toxicity,

membrane,

it is

major

new

convinced

us

that

we are

antiseptic essential oil for

study (and other more cases) employed tea tree capsules taken internally as part of the treatment, the following

Although recent

Dr

Belaiche’s

Tea Tree Oil

62

types of external applications in themselves, at the

especially

very first

Note: Do

not

signs take

be very effective if undertaken immediately can

of irritation. tea

without

internally

tree

supervision; if symptoms do not improve a few days, or if there is blood or pus in

medical

within

the urine, seek

professional help immediately.

Make up a solution using 10 drops of tea tree oil in half a litre of cooled boiled water. Using a

piece

of soaked cotton wool (a cotton

swab the

of the urethra

opening

ball),

frequently (if

possible, after each time you pass water). Add 8—10 drops to the bath water it is beneficial to bathe oils

as

a

general

frequently using

disinfectant and

bactericidal

preventative

measure.

Make up a massage oil using 3 drops of tea oil in I tsp light carrier oil (such as jojoba or grapeseed) and rub gently into the lower tree

abdomen and back.

Other

Repeat

drink

measures:

herbal teas; avoid

plenty tight fitting

of water

or

clothes and

nylon underwear; take a course of garlic capsules; bergamot, lavender, chamomile sandalwood essential oils when used in

a

daily.

at least twice

are

and

also of benefit

similar fashion to tea tree,

in combination with tea tree oil.

or

A—Z of Health Care

63

Applications

DANDRUFF This common

by

yet

embarrassing problem is caused a fungus (also known as a

Candida albicans

yeast infection) which affects the scalp. The condition can be further aggravated by overactive sebaceous

preparations, Tea

excessive

glands,

tree

a

oil

can

do

while at the

problem

use

poor diet and

much

same

of chemical hair

stress. to

time

clear

up

improving

this

the

overall condition and health of the hair. In the words of

one

Australian doctor:

Another condition for which I

prescribe tea tree a lot is a lot dandruff— of people...have had it for a long time and have tried all the re8ular things. A good cure they is the tea tree oil for dandruff shampoo, it ‘s very, very also good, (evening) primrose oil, even in primrose oil capsules and and you will

Mix 25

an

anti-oxidant tablet three times 99 per

cure

drops

cent cases

a

day

of dandruff8

of tea tree oil with 50 ml of

jojoba or coconut oil and massage thoroughly into scalp. Wrap in warm towels and leave for an hour if possible. Wash out using a 3 per cent tea tree shampoo (about 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tsp of a mild shampoo) apply the shampoo first before the

slightly

warmed

water, otherwise the hair will remain

Repeat Use

a

once a

oily.

week.

2—3 per cent tea tree

shampoo

on

a

Tea Tree Oil

64

daily

basis (see instructions page

regular

or

33). A quick method to

required,

between washes, if

drops of pure tea scalp using the fingertips.

is to rub

tree oil into the

use a

few

See also Hair Care

DERMATITIS/ECZEMA Dermatitis and a

describe

conditions

variety

itching,

blisters, weepy many

are

cause

sores

of the

forms

general

of inflamed

terms used to

irritated skin

or

by redness, flaky skin,

characterized

rashes and

The

eczema

which in

turn

can

lead

to

and scabs.

problem

of dermatitis

vary though associated with

can are

hereditary allergic tendencies, especially to certain foods wheat products). Another (notably dairy or

form, known the skin’s

such

as

a

as

contact

dermatitis,

hypersensitivity to type of detergent

dust, wool

or

some

is the result of

an

external irritant

or

cosmetic,

or

to

other substance. It is often

very difficult to identify the cause, because the reaction may appear some time after the initial the skin may familiar substance.

contact, to

a

or

mental stress

aggravate

or

or

suddenly In all

react

cases,

adversely however,

other emotional factors tend

trigger

an

to

attack.

Tea tree has been found to be very effective for

A—Z of Health Care

many

types of dermatitis

heat),

65

Applications

nettle rash

(see

including

miliaria

Hives),

dust mites and

rashes due to

poison ivy

dramatic case,

an

a

severe

cement

dust

feet and calves became

doctor had advised

allergy so

tea tree oil on the

poison man

saw

oak. In

that the skin

a

one

contracted such

tender and

amputation

the knee! Then his wife

I purchased

or

Australian

(prickly

sore

of both

on

his

that the

legs

below

programme about

television:

bottle from my health food shop and we rubbed it all over the affected area. Within 2 weeks the a

condition had cleared up totaLy and now 11 months later there has been no recurrence whatsoever.9

Note: It

may

be

necessary

to

experiment

different essential oils and types of

with

treatment due

nature of these types of skin check for sensitization problems. Always carefully to

the

individual

any type of allergic reaction before treating dermatitis using tea tree oil (see Safety Data, pages or

for 35—6,

instructions

on

how to carry out

a

patch

test). Apply pure tea tree oil to the affected area. larger areas, make up a I per cent tea tree or non-oily cream (see instructions pages gel and 33—4) apply to the affected area twice daily. Add 8—10 drops of tea tree oil to the bath For

water.

Tea Tree Oil

66 Other measures:

possible

causes

try

to

identify

of irritation;

and

assess

the emotional environment if

remove

and

possible;

improve the

essential oils of chamomile, lavender, melissa, neroli and

bergamot (bergapten-free) are also beneficial for skin complaints of this type either used individually or in combination, employed

in the bath or in

creams/gels.

DHOBI ITCH Dhobi itch is a

fungal

infection caused

by Tinea especially

usually affects men and is during the summer or in hot climates. Inflamed pimples appear the inside of the upper and then to form scaly, red and thigh merge itchy patch with clearly marked edge.

cruris.

It

common

on

a

a

Wash and

apply

dry

the affected

area

thoroughly

day. tight, synthetic clothing and allow to ‘breathe’ much possible. neat tea tree twice a

Avoid area

and

as

the

as

See also Tinea

DISINFECTANT USES Tea tree has excellent

antiseptic properties

and

as

can be used very effectively as a disinfectant for firstaid purposes as well as for more general household chores. It is ideal for treating cuts,

such it

A—Z of Health Care

67

Applications

bites, burns, etc., for unlike many other disinfectant lotions it does not sting exposed skin. A dilute water solution

can

be used for

down washable surfaces, and the

laundry

a

few

water will disinfect

clothes, towels,

etc. The

used very

drops

swabbing added to

nappies (diapers),

vaporized

oil

can

also be

effectively workplace, especially during or following infectious illness. Tea tree oil is already being used commercially to control bacteria and fungi via airconditioning systems. After using a tea tree product in this manner, one firm claimed ‘a in

to disinfect rooms at home or

the

marked reduction in absenteeism due to sickness such

as

colds and flu’, while another noted that tea

tree ‘eliminated mould

growth and its unsightly wall stains, unacceptable musty smell and damage to wallpaper, paintwork and furnishings’.’° It was tested germicide in Australia in 1980 in solution of only 4 parts essential oil to I ,000 parts water with great success. According to one Australian doctor it will only be a matter of time before tea tree oil becomes ‘ubiquitous’throughout as a

a

the household: bit

of tea tree disinfectant in the washing water when you are washing your dothes and things like that... It is going to be the antiseptic of the future.” .you put

Researchers shown that

a

at the

University

tea tree oil when

of

Sydney

added

have also

to the wash at

68

Tea Tree Oil

temperatures will kill dust

normal cause

of

numerous

allergic

reactions,

mites

the

being especially

harmful to asthma sufferers. Their experiments showed that

a

0.8 per

(80 ml per 10 litres of water) of wash killed all the mites 80 per

cent

after

tea

cent solution

tree

oil in the

30 minutes and almost

after

10 minutes.’2

Disinfecting clothes, nappies (diapers), etc.: for washing, add up to 50 drops of tea tree

hand

oil to half

a

litre of

warm

add up to 50 drops to before putting into the

water; otherwise

liquid detergent washing machine. For washing floors, surfaces, etc.: add up to 50 drops to a bucket or bowl of water and stir

well before

mopping

a

or

wiping

For

cleaning cuts, wounds, drops of neat tea tree to a

surfaces.

etc.: add

a

few

small bowl of

cooled boiled water and swab the

damaged pad. sickrooms, bathrooms, workplaces, Disinfecting

area

using

a

cotton

wool

or

gauze

etc.: diffuse tea tree into the air

for various

page 34. many other oils which also have

methods see

There

are

excellent disinfectant properties,

including lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, thyme and bergamot.

A—Z of Health Care

69

Applications

ECZEMA see

Dermatitis/Eczema

FEVER A

raised

is

temperature to

vital

a

and

infection because it

response body’s metabolic

rate

and

speeds strengthens its

healthy up the natural

defense

systems. In many instances

take its in

a

course

of

a

fever should be allowed to

process which often culminates profuse sweating which eventually a

period together

subsides

with

Tea tree oil is

conditions

a

and

does not cause

immuno-stimulant also

can

help

to

induce

needs to ‘sweat it

when the

out’, due to its

of the fever.

very useful aid for feverish infection due to its powerful

involving anti-viral, bactericidal qualities. Tea tree oil perspiration

lowering

a

body diaphoretic properties (although sweating when the body is in

it a

normal state). Note: If the fever remains

dangerous level, immediately. Use tea tree in

seek

high, professional

or

rises

a

medical advice

vaporizers throughout

duration of the illness, but

to

the

especially at the drops to a hankie for inhalation throughout the day, and to the pillow for night use.

onset. In

addition, add

a

few

Tea Tree Oil

70

control

high temperature, immerse a tepid bath containing body 3—10 drops (depending on the person’s age) of help

To

a

in

the whole

tea tree oil. If the person is too weak to get into a bath, sponge his or her body down using a flannel

(wash-cloth) few

drops

soaked in

tepid

water to

which

drink

plenty of pure water the liquids detoxify system and prevent dehydration. Other essential oils of benefit Other

a

of tea tree oil have been added.

measures:

or

to

include

peppermint, eucalyptus, bergamot

and

lavender.

See

also

Measles,

Bronchitis,

Chickenpox,

Flu,

Sinusitis

FLU Influenza is the fever,

although

most

common

single

of

cause

the term is often used to include

various unidentified viral infections characterized

by

a

sore

raised temperature, aching limbs, fatigue, throat and other respiratory symptoms such

catarrh

dry cough. Self-help using essential or

as

a

attack of flu,

oils

or at

can

do much to

least to reduce the

prevent

an

severity

of the illness, the most effective

tree.

a

being

tea

11—Z of Health Care

71

ApplAcations

Use tea tree in

vaporizers throughout

duration of the illness, but onset of

flu

developing

at

especially

at the

this may prevent it from all. In addition, add a few

throughout night use.

to a hankie for inhalation

and to the

the

for

pillow

the

drops day,

At the very first sign of infection take a hot bath adding 8—10 drops of tea tree to the

water

then go

evening,

enough For to

a

straight

every other

or

to

bed.

throat, add of

each

this is often

night

attack.

to avert a full-blown

sore

Repeat

5—10 drops of tea tree

water, mix well and gargle. glass 3 times Repeat 2 day at least. For a cough, make up a concentrated chest rub by mixing 5 drops of tea tree with 5 drops of marjoram (or benzoin) in I dessertspoon of carrier oil and apply to the chest and upper back. Repeat at least twice a day. To relieve add 5—6 drops of tea congestion, a

warm

or

tree oil to

a

a

bowl of

steaming

water,

cover

your head with towel and breathe deeply for 5—10 minutes with your eyes closed.. .very hot steam is in itself viruses. Other

Repeat

a

hostile environment for

at least twice a

measures:

take

a

course

capsules. Lavender, marjoram can

day. garlic

of or

chamomile oil

also be used in baths to soothe

limbs and encourage restful

sleep.

aching

Tea Tree Oil

72

Colds, Coughs, Fever, Sinusitis, Sore

See also

Throat GENITAL HERPES Genital

herpes

is

an

infection transmitted

contact, caused

by the generally

first attack is

genital region

virus

by sexual herpes simplex H. The

the worst; the skin of the becomes red and itchy and then

erupts into small, very painful blisters which can last for several weeks. This tends to be followed

by

recurrent attacks which take a milder form and

which

activity

often

are or

precipitated by

another last

attacks

(like

standard

cold sores, which

by herpes simplex antibiotics).

subsequent Nevertheless, distressing condition

infection; only a few days.

usually genital herpes remains a very that does not respond to treatment

sexual

stress,

these

are

and also do

Due to its

powerful

not

antibiotic

also caused

respond

to

anti-viral action,

however, tea tree oil has been found to be of great value in treating this stubborn problem.’3 At the very first

sign

concentrated solution

of infection make 30

by mixing

tea tree oil with about I litre of shake

or

drops

warm

of

water

stir well before use. Use this

solution to douche

frequently

a

or

wash the

genital

to soothe irritation and

infection from

developing.

area

prevent the

A—Z Health Care

of

Note:

73

Applications

Although

it is normal to

experience

a

warm sensation, discontinue this method if irritation occurs.

temporary,

Use neat tea tree oil to dab any blisters

as

check for

they begin develop first! sensitivity Repeat frequently over a of several until the condition period days,

soon

to

as

or

has cleared. Add 8—10 drops

disinfectant Other

also

to the

bath

water as a

general

measure.

measures:

undergo

any sexual partners should

treatment to avoid

abstain from sexual

re-infection;

contact for at least a week

the treatment; take vitamin C tablets; lavender and bergamot (bergapten-free) oil are

during

also beneficial for

applied

in the

See also Cold

treating genital herpes

same

manner as

when

tea tree.

Sores, Zona (Shingles)

GINGIVITIS see

Mouth and Gum Infections

GOUT see

Arthritis

HAIR CARE Tea

tree

oil

makes

an

excellent

conditioning gentle

treatment for the hair due to its fresh scent,

Tea Tree Oil

74

to

It

powerful antiseptic properties.

action and

the

regulate

activity

helps glands,

of the sebaceous

scalp of bacterial and fungal infection and helps disperse dead skin cells. By making the hair more healthy and manageable, tea tree oil benefits all hair types including dry hair, greasy hair and itchy scalp conditions. cleanses the

Choose

a

does not

mild

or

pH

neutral

the hair of its

strip

shampoo

which

protective

acid

mantle, then add between I and 2 per cent of tea tree oil (about 20—50 drops per 100 ml of 2—3 drops of tea

mild

shampoo

to

tsp of shampoo). Shampoo

I

according

to

treatment is

or

your

tree oil

daily

or

this

usual routine

for all hair types. (A more concentrated solution is required for treating

good

dandruff). Tea tree oil

can

conditioning cent),

or a

also be added to

lotion in the

few

drops

can

a

same manner

(2 per

be put in the final

rinse water. Hair conditioner: mix 25

with 50 ml of coconut

Wrap

slightly

of tea tree oil

drops

warmed

jojoba

oil, massage thoroughly

hair in

a

warm

into

or

scalp.

towel and leave for

an

hour if

possible. Wash out, using tea tree shampoo apply the shampoo first before water, otherwise the hair will remain oily

the

A—Z of Health Care

Repeat once drops of tea

75

Applications a

week.

(Alternatively,

tree oil can

lotion

a

few

be added to natural

wax). conditioning A final rinse for all hair types is to add good 5 drops of tea tree and I tbsp of cider vinegar to the final rinse water. This will help to remove residue and restore the acid detergent equilibrium of the scalp. or

Various other essential oils

for the hair

are

also beneficial

including chamomile,

lavender and

rosemary. See

also

Cradle

Cap,

Dandruff,

Lice,

Ringworm HALITOSIS see

(BAD BREATH)

Mouth and Gum Infections

HIVES (NETTLE RASH/URTICARIA) Hives are an allergic eruption of characterized

appear reaction

a

or

severe cases

as

can

factors, such or

skin

burning, itchy sensation and the small boils bumps, blotches to a nettle they may sting. In red This of weals. type large allergic be triggered by a number of different by

appearance of red

similar

the

as

the

consumption

of

a

certain food

in response to an external irritant such as dust stress is often another aggravating factor.

For methods

of treatment

see

Dermatitis

Tea Tree Oil

76 IMMUNE SYSTEM

The

immune

(TO STRENGTHEN) is

response

orchestrated

by

three

distinct groups of cells the phagocytes, the ‘T’ cells and ‘B’cells. These all originate from white blood

cells

in

the bone

marrow

and

serve

to

protect the body from infection. If this defensive barrier is damaged for some reason, the body becomes vulnerable to invasion from all sorts of

pathogenic organisms. The immune system is supported by and closely related to other body functions, especially the lymphatic and nervous systems. Recent research tends to suggest that emotional and psychological factors play a vital role in the

efficiency

This may help infections and

becoming

an

to

of the immune

account

suppressed

response.’4

for the fact that viral immune

systems

increasing problem today

are

while

AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome other viral infections are presenting and (ME)

diseases such

as

symptoms not previously encountered. Many essential oils, particularly tea tree oil, are very beneficial used in this context since they can assist the body in resisting and fighting infection: I.

by directly opposing

2.

by stimulating

and

the

threatening

increasing

the organs and cells involved

the

microorganisms

activity

of

A—Z of Health Care

77

Applications

up resistance and immune system as a whole.

3.

by building

As

a

preventative

used

promoting

measure, tea tree is

already being

the immune response of

to increase

before surgery and

the

patients

strength of long-term debilitating illnesses suffering such as glandular fever, hepatitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The value of tea tree in slowing down the development and furthering the treatment of AIDS is also undergoing investigation,

To

build

up

the

from

those

with

to

some

help

success.

build up resistance levels, take a bath a week drops of tea using 8—10

at least twice

tree oil in the water. To

strengthen

massage

once

the immune system, have a a week using a 2.5 per cent tea

oil blend (see instructions page 32). If this is not possible, make up a 5 per cent

tree

concentrated massage oil blend and rub this

firmly

into the

the feet

once

palms a day.

of the hands and soles of

Use tea tree and other essential oils

fragrances Other

on an

measures:

everyday a

course

vitamin E and vitamin C

as

room

basis. of

are

garlic capsules, also indicated.

Tea Tree Oil

78 IMPETIGO

highly

This

infectious skin disease which

affects children is the streptococcus

patches

or

or

caused

usually

staphylococcus

spots appear,

by

mainly

invasion of

an

bacteria. Inflamed

usually

on

the face,

scalp

and neck, but sometimes on the hands and knees which blister and then crust over. The

bactericidal action of tea tree makes it very treating this contagious skin condition.

effective in Strict

hygiene

is

also

essential

condition from spreading or

to

other who

An Australian herbal practitioner

people.

uses tea tree in

Tea tree works

really

his

well with.. .impetigo, the

Apply pure tea tree the tip of the finger Repeat twice a day.

drops (no

writes:

practice

simplex blisters and most types of replaces anti-biotic infection. discomfort.’6

Add 10

prevent the parts of the body to

to other

herpes

ulcerous tissue.., it and

irritation

oil to affected area, or

a

more

cotton

bud

than 5 for

using (swab).

children)

to

the bath water as a disinfectant measure. Lavender oil

may also be used

to treat

impetigo. INSECT

For

a

BITES/STINGS

long

time tea tree oil has been

Australia for the treatment of a

variety

used

in

of insect

A—Z of Health Care

bites

and

79

Applications It has been found to

stings.

relief from the bites of

fast

bring

mosquitoes, sandflies,

fleas

and horseflies, and from wasp and bee stings, as well as some types of spider and jellyfish! Dabbed

directly

onto

and

itching

bite,

the

relieves

infection from

tea

tree

it

pain,

not

also

due

developing

soothes

only

prevents any

to

scratching

among children. One woman was concerned for her

especially returning mosquito He

was

applied stopped Another

from

from

summer

bites:

scratching them, making just 20

tea tree oil and in

and the next morning all

to

a

Dubai

I bathed in this

her

on

inflammation and

she

minutes the was

itching

after

which

returning

from were

several

causing

suppuration:

[tea

tree

oilj, 10 drops

to a

bath, and

also separately bathed the wounds.. .1 had

an

reaction and

reduced.’8

relief and

Because tea tree is

the skin, it

makes

discovery

an

made

an

can

with little fear of also

I

well.’7

suffered

legs

worse.

matters

how

reported

woman

trip mosquito bites

on

on

covered with

was

camp

who

son

the

swelling

effective

be used

causing

excellent

by

the

was

immediate

antiseptic yet gentle and over again

over

irritation. Tea tree oil

insect

early

repellent

tea tree cutters.

a

Tea Tree Oil

80 To treat bites and

stings apply

as

neat tea tree oil

repeat every 4 hours

to the affected area

or

required.

5—10 drops added to the bath water is also

beneficial. As

a

preventative

applied socks,

neat to

measure, tea tree oil can be

exposed skin;

clothing such as light to application larger areas. to

scarves, etc.; or diluted in a

vegetable oil base for To keep insects out of the house, apply tea tree to hanging ribbons or use a vaporizer. Other have

measures:

there

are

several oils which

insect-repellent properties,

the most

being lavender, citronella, lemongrass, atlas cedarwood eucalyptus

useful

or a

or

combination of these.

LEUCORRHOEA/PRURITIS Leucorrhoea caused

fungi,

by

a

which

is

an

inflammation

proliferation can

have

often include

a

a

of the

vagina

of unwanted bacteria

variety

of

or

Symptoms yellow discharge vaginal area.

thick white

causes.

or

itching of the irritating condition itching is which generally accompanies any type of mild vaginal infection, such as trichomonal vaginitis or and

Pruritis

severe

or

an

cervicitis. Tea tree has been found to be very effective for the treatment of all these conditions:

A—Z of Health Care

81

Applications

It will help relieve the itch from the genital wart virus, from candida, and from non-specflc bacterial orfungal infection. It will relieve the symptoms as well as overcoming the infrctions treating the of the problem.’9 so...

As

to

sitz

a a

bath, add

bowl

or

cause

8—10 drops of tea tree oil

shallow bath of

warm

water

and

soak for 5—10 minutes. Bathe

daily, adding

the bath water Make up

using

a

a

as

as

8—10 drops of tea tree to

general antiseptic

measure.

I per cent tea tree ointment

hypo-allergenic

instruction pages area

a

bland

cream

33—4). Apply

to

base (see

the affected

required.

addition, avoid tight clothing, nylon underwear and harsh bubble baths; take garlic capsules and keep tea, coffee, alcohol and In

minimum; other oils of benefit include lavender, bergamot and sandalwood. to a

spices

See also

Cystitis,

Thrush

LICE (PEDICULOSIS) Lice are small blood-sucking insects which the are

scalp a

to become

common

schoolchildren.

itchy

and

and uncomfortable;

recurrent

cause

they

problem

among Most establishments suffer from

outbreaks from time

to

time

since

lice

can

pass

Tea Tree O1

82

very

quickly

from

head of hair to the next

one

of hair type. The lice also lay tiny greyish-white eggs (nits) which attach themselves

irrespective

firmly

hair, usually

to the

the

near to

scalp.

Both lice and eggs are quite hard to see and be difficult to remove. Tea tree oil kills lice,

can

but

their eggs, so it must be used regularly until all the eggs have either hatched or been removed.

not

tea

the

Although persistence

tree

remedy requires

than commercial chemical treatments,

it

the

actually improves than damaging it. At the start of

tea tree oil

shampoo

of the hair rather

quality

outbreak

an

contamination (see

on

a

use

daily

instructions

garlic pearl an

once

a

2—3 per cent

a

basis page

Another tip for lice prevention If lice

more

is

to

prevent

33).

eating

a

day.

eggs are found on the hair, make up alcohol-based scalp rub by adding 5 ml of or

tea tree to 25 ml of vodka mixed with 75 ml water

leave

(overnight

if

on

for

at

least

an

hour

possible), then wash out. Finally, carefully with a fine-toothed

comb the hair

comb. Use this

preparation

at the start of an

repeat every 3 days until the condition has cleared up. Two or three infestation and

applications will usually do (Replace the alcohol/water

the trick! mix with

a

A—Z of Health Care

83

Applications

oil if the skin becomes

vegetable

irritated).

Between treatments, wash the hair

possible) leave

with

on

daily (if

2—3 per cent tea tree shampoo for 10 minutes before washing out. a

In addition add a little tea tree oil to the conditioner or final rinse water.

prevent reinfection, wash all combs and brushes in water to which a few drops of tea To

tree oil have been added. Other

measures:

effective

remedy

lavender oil is also

an

for lice.

MEASLES Measles is

throat,

a

viral infection characterized

by a sore light and a

barking cough, sensitivity to the face blotchy usually starting and spreading to the trunk and limbs. should always be consulted since a

rash

in

on

adults,

especially though the following ensure

that

the

can

lead

attack

is

A

doctor

measles,

complications

to

measures

and neck

can

mild

do much to

and

of

short

duration.

If the fever is very high it can be reduced by applying cold compresses, sponging the body down at

regular intervals or, if possible, by immersing the whole body in a luke bath to which a few drops of tea tree oil have warm

been added.

Tea Tree Oil

84 Use tea tree in

sick

room

vaporizers

for the

prevent the infection.

course

development

in and around the

of the illness, to and

spread

of

Regular steam inhalations will help to soothe coughing add 5 drops of tea tree to bowl a

of

steaming

minutes,

hot water and inhale for 5—10

the eyes closed. a sore throat add 5—10

keeping

For the treatment of

drops

of tea tree oil to

mix well, and

a

glass

of

warm

water,

gargle.

See also Fever, Sore Throat

MONILIASIS

Candida

see

MOUTH AND GUM INFECTIONS There

several

are

infections,

having

types different

of

mouth

causes.

and

The most

gum common

are:

a.

Mouth ulcers

tiny

blisters which then burst

to form ulcers (2—10 mm in under the tongue, tongue or

diameter) on

on

the

the inside of

the cheeks.

of the mouth, which is among young children but also sometimes occurs in adults especially after a

b. Candidiasis (or common

thrush)

A—Z of Health Care

85

Applications

course of antibiotics. It is caused

by

infection Candida albicans, the

fungal

that

organism

causes

vaginal

the same

thrush. Oral

thrush appears as small white flecks on the inside of the cheeks or roof of the mouth the breath is also often offensive.

Gingivitis a red spongy swelling of the gums, making them bleed easily, especially when cleaning the teeth. The condition is aggravated poor dental care and hygiene. Studies have shown that washing the mouth out twice a day

by

with

solution will inhibit the

a tea tree

of bacteria, reduce gum bleeding and control plaque.2° (See page 9).

For candidiasis

(thrush)

or

growth help

mouth ulcers, dilute

tea tree to 50 per cent in water, mix well and apply to the spots or ulcers with a cotton bud

(swab)

repeat

reduce the

dilute I

twice

strong

drop

saliva before

daily

taste for

of tea tree in

for 3

To

young children, some

application. gingivitis

For the treatment of

days.

of the child’s

and bad breath

other mouth and gum infections, (halitosis) add 5—10 drops of tea tree oil to a glass of or

warm

water, mix well, rinse the mouth

and/or gargle on a daily or twice daily Repeat each morning and evening after

brushing

the teeth.

basis.

86

Tea Tree Oil

make up

Alternatively,

a

5 per cent tea tree

and water solution spray, and

use

as

requircd.

MUSCULAR ACHES AND PAINS Muscular aches and

caused

either

pains

are

common

a

affliction

over-exertion

by Many people, for psychological example, carry tension in their necks and shoulders which over a period of time causes the muscles to become tight and painful. by physical

stress

Soaking

in

and

or

strain.

an easy and effective the muscles and bringing

hot bath is

a

way of

relaxing

instant

pain

relief.. .8—10 drops of tea tree oil

added to the water will increase the benefits further due to its

analgesic (pain-killing)

penetrative qualities. pains respond

Muscular aches and

add about 9

and

well to local

of tea tree

to drops massage I tbsp of carrier oil and rub into the affected area.

To relieve muscular spasm area

is

very

oil or

apply

drops

of tea

A few

drops

tight, a

sport

a

particular

neat tea tree

hot compress to which a few have been added.

tree oil

of tea tree rubbed into the

immediately

after strenuous

prevent muscular aches and

help developing.

pains from

if

massage with

muscles before and can

or

A—Z of Health Care

87

Applications

lavender, black marjoram, rosemary, pepper and chamomile. Other oils of benefit include

NAILS see

(INFECTED)

Paronychia

NAPPY

(DIAPER)

A common

often

a

RASH

complaint

among babies, nappy rash is

form of dermatitis

or eczema

caused

skin’s reaction to the acid in urine.

by

the

However,

forms of nappy rash are due to a candida (thrush) infection contracted while passing through some

the birth canal.

Nappy

rash

soothe

Prevent re-infection

for babies under 18

I

by adding

tree to 1 tsp of baby each nappy change.

drop of tea applying at

cream

and

by using

3

months)

of tea tree diluted

drops (1 drop

vegetable oil regularly in baths, and by adding a few drops of tea tree to water used for washing nappics, towels and baby clothes.

in I tsp

Other essential oils of benefit include chamomile and lavender.

See aiso Candida

Tea Tree Oil

88 PARONYCHIA

Paronychia is fungal infection affecting the and The cuticle becomes red toenails. fingernails and painful with a slight discharge, and the skin beneath the nail becomes discoloured; eventually a

the nail itself becomes furrowed and distorted. It is often caused

by applying Although

by

contact with harsh

false nails

on

a

regular

detergents

or

basis.

the infection penetrates

the nail, tea tree is very effective in stubborn affliction because of its

under

deep

treating this penetrating

fungicidal properties.2’ Soak the infected nails in pure tea tree oil for 2 or 3 minutes, massaging the solution into the nailbed.

Repeat

3 times

a

day

until the

infection clears.

PETS/ANIMAL CARE Essential oils treatment of

are

and for the

dogs, Note:

increasingly employed

common care

ailments in

Fleas page

practice

particularly

cats and horses.

animals, due use

33)

veterinary

of domestic pets

Care should be taken in

on small

for the

on

tea tree a

minutes before

to its

using

high

shampoo (see basis

daily washing

neat tea tree

concentration. instructions

leave for 3—5

out. Afterwards or

A—Z of Health Care

between washes

wipe

the coat with

a

moist

with 10—20 drops of pure oil. the condition of the coat. improves

sprinkled

sponge

This also

Lice

89

Applications

sprinkle

the coat with 10—20 drops of

tea tree oil and brush

thoroughly. Repeat daily. tree oil directly onto apply the tick, then remove. Continue to apply the oil 2—3 times a day to any tick bites until they

Ticks

pure tea

have healed. Rashes

apply pure tea tree oil or, if needed larger area, use tea tree diluted to cent with a light carrier oil or cream

to treat a

2.5 per

(see instructions pages 33—4). Cuts/itches/scabs/insect bites/bumps pure tea tree oil. healed.

Repeat

2—3 times

Fungal disease affecting fish (depending on the size of the tea tree to the water

once

a

add I tank

every

2

drops pond) of

or

or

day

apply day until

for

a

week. Other

measures:

lavender oil may be used in

a

similar fashion.

PRURITIS (ITCHING) see

Leucorrhoea/Pruritis

PSORIASIS

non-contagious skin disease which enormously in its severity and frequency of

Psoriasis

varies

is

a

Tea Tree Oil

90 occurrence.

Common

symptoms include chronic

scaling, plaques, ringed lesions, and acute pustules. Psoriasis

is

dysfunction increased

believed

of skin

to

enzymes

smooth red

be

caused

together cells and

areas

by

with

a

an

dilation

epidermal capillaries. The condition can be precipitated by mental stress and is often with a deep-seated emotional disturbance of some kind. Symptomatic treatment is therefore best carried out alongside a psychological approach or exploration of possible causes and contributing factors. Food allergies, vitamin deficiency and of

turnover of

a

dermal

associated

environmental influences this

distressing

can

also contribute

to

condition.

Due to the factors mentioned above,

psoriasis

is

difficult condition to treat and may involve a variety of different approaches. On a symptomatic

a

level, however, tea tree oil, cajuput and myrrh have been used with considerable success in

alleviating

the

problem.

Make up a thick lotion by blending 50 ml avocado oil and 50 ml borage seed (or Evening Primrose Oil) with a little wheatgerm

oil, 10

then add 30

drops

of tea tree and

drops each of cajuput and myrrh essential Apply at least twice daily to the affected

oils.

area.

A—Z of Health Care

Other measures:

and

using

Dead Sea salt in baths

the skin to

exposing

beneficial in

91

Applications

some

sunlight

are

also

cases.

RHEUMATISM

The

term

‘rheumatism’ is

describe a whole

pain

used

medically

to

range of disorders which involve

joints, including the various gout. Generally speaking, rheumatism refers specifically to

in the muscles

or

forms of arthritis and

however,

muscular pain, whereas arthritis and gout are associated with pain located within the joints themselves. Tea to

its

help to analgesic qualities

blood

tree

can

circulation

and

like

rheumatism,

ease

rheumatic

pain

due

it also increases local

mobility. Since aggravated by an

enhances

arthritis,

is

accumulation of toxins in the system, the diet and lifestyle should also be assessed.

Massage

is itself very

helpful

for rheumatic

pains

because it stimulates the circulation and

helps

remove

toxins. Make up

massage oil by with 50 ml of twice

30

a

concentrated of tea tree oil

drops mixing vegetable carrier

a

oil.

Apply

daily.

Add 8—10 drops of tea tree oil to the bath water for For this

pain

relief.

complaint,

tea tree is best used in

92

Tea Tree Oil

including chamomile, lavender, marjoram and rosemary. combination with other oils

See aiso Arthritis, Muscular Aches and Pains RINGWORM A number of different for

responsible

ringworm,

form it affects the skin and

fungal organisms

itching

but in its

may be

most common

scalp (Tinea capitis) causing scaly temporary bald patches may also

appear. Tea tree oil is very effective at treating the Tinea fungus in all its various forms, and usually

only takes

a

few

days

to take

effect:

Make up a 5 per cent tea tree cream, gel or oil (see pages 33-4) and apply 3-4 times a day to the affected skin. Alternatively, neat tea tree can be same

For

applied directly

to small areas in the

way.

ringworm

of the

scalp, apply

treatment in the

same

hair

tea tree

daily

with

instructions

a

page

manner,

33).

rosemary essential oil in

a

massage this into the bald

rosemary

then wash the

shampoo (see

help restore hair growth has disappeared, replace the

To

use a

the tea tree

shampoo,

after the infection tea tree oil with

S per cent

cream

and

patch. Additionally a few drops

and mix

A—Z of Health Care

of

rosemary

93

Applications

oil into the final rinse water.

Add 8—10

drops

to the

bath water

as

an

additional treatment.

bedding, etc. should by adding few drops of tea the washing water.

Combs, brushes, clothes, be disinfected

tree oil to

a

Other oils of benefit which

be used in

may

combination with teat tree include lavender and

myrrh.

See also Disinfectant Uses, Tinea

SCABIES Scabies is

by in

a

highly contagious

skin disease caused

the itch mite sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies is

sheepfarming from

workers.

It

common

areas, where it is

commonly transmitted sheep to the farm be picked up in changing handling coins it does not

the wool of the can

also

rooms, and even from

close contact to pass from one person to lay their eggs under the skin, and as the newly hatched mites burrow their

require

another. The female mites

way out this

causes

especially night. and scratching can at

severe

Small red

lead

to

become infected. Common

the

groin, penis, nipples

fingers.

irritation and

itching

pimples

sores

may appear which can then

areas to

be affected

are

and the skin between the

Tea Tree Oil

94 Wash the skin area

with

then treat the affected

gently,

5 per cent tea tree

a

gel (see

instructions

or

3 times

a

As

a

or

matter

pages

non-oily

cream

33—4) repeat

2

day.

of routine, add 8—10 drops of tea

tree to the bath water

as a

disinfectant

measure.

attention to

During treatment, scrupulous hygiene is essential. To prevent re-infection, change and wash pillowcases, towels, bedding, clothes (especially woollens), etc. using a few drops of tea tree oil in the washing water sponge the mattress down using a 10 per cent solution in alcohol. Other oils of benefit:

lavender, peppermint.

SHINGLES see Zona

SINUSITIS Sinusitis is an infection of the mucous membranes

lining

the

behind, above and on usually follows a cold, prolonged exposure to cold, damp air. cavities

bony

either side of the

hayfever

or

It

nose.

An acute attack is often

headaches Chronic

and

or

long-term

infection which blocked and

a

accompanied by congested sometimes

catarrh,

causes

dull

sinusitis

the

pain

nose

or

indicates to

feeling

manifest in the area between the

with

be

fever. a

mild

continually

of tension

eyes.

People

to

who

A—Z of Health Care

95

Applicatiom

repeated attacks of sinusitis especially to gluten allergies

suffer from constant or

often suffer from and cow’s milk. Note: Sinusitis

notably meningitis immediately.

secondary infections, very occasionally seek professional advice

lead to

can

infections

ear

if in doubt

and

Steam inhalations relieve

infection of

use

steaming

5

drops

water,

congestion

and

fight

of tea tree oil in

a

your head with

a

cover

towel, and inhale deeply for

bowl

5—10 minutes with

your eyes closed. Repeat several times a day. Use 8—10 drops in the bath water this acts as a kind of steam inhalation. Use tea tree oil in

a

vaporizer

in the bedroom

few

drops on the pillow. applied to a hankie for use throughout the day. A course of garlic capsules is also indicated.

at

night

or

Tea tree

can

put

a

also be

Certain foods, especially dairy produce (made from cow’s milk) and wheat products aggravate the problem and should be eliminated from the diet as much as possible during treatment. Other essential oils of benefit for

include

(used See also

in

eucalyptus, vaporizers

Colds,

congestion peppermint inhalation).

niaouli and or steam

Fever

Tea Tree Oil

96 SKIN CARE Tea

is

tree

although

a

valuable

it has excellent

very mild

on

skin

agent because

care

antiseptic properties

the skin. As such it

can

it is

be used for

wide range of specific skin conditions as well for more general disinfectant purposes. In

a

as a

between tea tree and other

theoretical

comparison antiseptics used for skin care, tea tree oil came closest to having all the properties of ‘an ideal skin disinfectant’. This is because it:

rapid bactericidal action against a wide range of organisms with good persistence and with the added attribute of a high degree of absorption into the derma possesses marked cleaning properties noted repeatedly in clinical literature

I. has

2.

a

3. does not irritate the

skin,

is not

poisonous,

does not harm tissue cells, and has

significant side-effects not easily contaminated is cosmetically very suitable, being and of pleasant, clean odour is nearly neutral in pH is notably effective in the presence

no

4. is 5.

colourless

a

6. 7.

detritus

(dirt,

blood and

organic

pus)

notably effective on fungi, and viral complaints with success.22

8. is

of

is used

on

A—Z of Health Care

addition,

In

blemished

tea

tree

is

words,

beneficial for

only

not

oily complexions

or

but also for those

whose skin is prone to

people other

97

Applications

dehydration.

it is suitable for all skin

cleanser/toner

In

types.

for

everyday skin care, but especially for those with problem (blemished! oily) skin, blend 15 drops each of tea tree and As

a

lavender essential oils with 25 ml of witchhazel and 75 ml distilled water (or another flower water) and apply morning and night before

moisturizing the skin. For moisturizing the skin, with I tsp

tree

blend 3

wheatgerm

moisturizing cream); apply

oil (or twice

drops

of tea

a

daily.

Acne, Cracked Skin, Dermatitis! Eczema, Hives, Psoriasis See

also

SORE THROAT A sore throat often

infections such common

as

accompanies

other

cold. It is often the first

and if treated

infection from

respiratory

flu, bronchitis, tonsilitis and the

immediately developing

sign

of illness,

can

prevent further

or at

least shorten the

duration of the disease... came

(of

down with

tea

throat

tree] was

in

sore

throats;

we

gargled with few drops afew days the sore

water and within

gone.23

Tea Tree Oil

98

drops

Add 5—10

of tea tree oil to

water, mix well and

warm

3 times

gargle

at

glass

of

least 2

or

Continue until the condition has

day.

a

a

cleared up. Other oils of benefit: sage,

thyme.

SPLINTERS, INFECTED After

removing

splinter, always apply

a

a

tea tree oil to prevent infection. Splinters dangerous if they do become infected because

small

a

portion

of the

splinter

drop can

of

be

often remains

embedded in the skin.

If the

splinter

clean the

is

infected,

and with pus: pure tea tree oil,

sore

gently, apply a clay poultice or plaster (adhesive bandage) and leave for 2 hours to help draw it out. Remove the splinter with a pair of tweezers repeat the procedure if this does not work then apply a few drops of tea tree and with plaster (adhesive bandage).

then

area

cover

cover

with

a

Other oils of benefit: lavender, chamomile

(for

inflammation). SPOTS see Acne

SUNBURN Tea tree

oil

is

a

very

useful

oil to have

in

hot

A—Z of Health Care

climates

not

can

skin

For 12

it

large drops

is

excellent

tea

can

also prevent

tree or

for

lotion

red and

blistering.

areas, make up a lotion

using

of tea tree oil in I

of distilled

water (or

water-based

a

gel

cent tea tree oil has been

tbsp

to which 5—10 per

added)

and dab the

gently.

area

For

it

because

instant relief from heat rash

provide

sore

least

applied immediately,

If

sunburn.

99

Applications

severe

patches

of sunburn

apply

tea tree

oil neat.

soaking in lukewarm bath chamomile drops of tea tree containing 6—8 roman is lavender is also a very very soothing; effective sunburn remedy when used in the Other measures:

a

or

same

manner

as

tea tree.

See also Burns

SWEATY FEET Tea tree is

with

an

excellent disinfectant and deodorant

fresh, pleasing

a

drops

Add 5—10 water

tea tree to a

and soak the feet

As

a

oil

can

the

of

scent.

quick

nightly drops

measure, a few

bowl of

warm

for 5 minutes. of tea tree

be rubbed into the soles of the feet in

morning.

Tea Tree Oil

100 THROAT see Sore Throat

THRUSH

by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albi (formerly known as Monilia This albicans). organism is present in the body naturally, only causing problems when it proliferates above a certain level. Some people are

Thrush

is

caused cans

more

this

prone to such an infection than others, and be connected to food allergies, low

can

immunity levels, antibiotics, some

is

organisms

women

in

the

irritating and often

is

as

a

because

germs, also kill

attacking

as

of the intestinal flora which

the candida In

This

treatment.

well

as

and, quite commonly,

stress

of antibiotic

result

generally keep

under control.

the most

common

where

site of infection

symptoms of this condition include severe itching, redness

vagina,

a

the

milky-white discharge. Tea tree is very treating this distressing condition.24

effective for

Note:

temporary, in

the

a

is

tampon

to

experience

a

discontinue

treatment

if

a

develops.

way of

tree oil in

normal

sensation when tea tree is used

area,

irritation

simple

soak

warm

vaginal

burning A

it

Although

treating vaginal

in a I

purified

or

thrush is to

of tea per cent solution

distilled water (20

drops

A—Z of Health Care

to 100 ml

101

Applications

water). Insert

into the

vagina

and

replace

every 24 hours. (This is the routine

method

employed

at the Annandale Women’s

Centre, Sydney, Australia). Alternatively,

using

a

cocoa

vaginal pessaries

2 per cent dilution of tea tree oil in warm the cocoa butter

add the tea tree, form into

then leave to harden. These

into the a

be made a

butter base

slightly,

For

can

vagina

vaginal

of oil to half

on

daily

a

douche a

distilled water

this

basis.

or enema

litre (500

pellets

be inserted

can

ml)

add 10

of

drops purified or

infection, discomfort, and may be used between those times when you need the above

helps

to reduce

irritation and

methods of treatment. As

to

a

bath,

sitz

a

bowl

or

add 8—10 drops of tea tree oil

shallow bath of

warm water

and

soak for 5—10 minutes. Bathe

daily adding

the bath

8—10 drops of tea tree to

water as a

general precautionary

measure.

re-infection, any sexual partners should undergo treatment simultaneously.

To avoid

Balanitis (a candida infection of the penis) may be treated by washing the area carefully with a 1 per cent solution of tea tree in distilled water (20 drops to 100 ml water) applied 4 times

a

day.

Tea Tree 0’l

102

addition, during

In

treatment it is advisable to

plenty of live yogurt, take acidophilus capsules, avoid alcohol and keep sugary and starchy foods to a minimum. For those who recurrently suffer bouts of thrush, the diet may need to be adjusted on a more permanent basis. eat

See also Candida

TICKS AND LEECHES Tea tree oil

the

early

can

be used to

tea tree cutters

repel ticks and leeches applied tea tree to their

socks to ward off leeches which were common in the

swampy Australian coastal

If

regions!

they

do

manage to attach themselves to the skin, these blood-sucking parasites are notoriously difficult to remove

Apply

tea tree

is also

a

great aid

in this

respect.

neat tea tree oil to the live tick or leech

as well as the

surrounding skin and Carefully

for at least 20 minutes.

hand those ticks

already

or

leave

remove

on

by

leeches which have not

fallen off.

Continue

tick/leech

to

apply

the neat oil

bites 3 times

a

day

to

for

soothe any irritation and prevent infection.

the a

week to

possible

A—Z of Health Care

103

Applications

TINEA Tinea

is

by

caused

a

characterized

mould

microscopic fungal

which manifests in several forms,

all

though

are

by red, flaky skin and itching. by Tinea pedis; ringworm

Athlete’s foot is caused

generally by Tinea capitis; Tinea cruris (nicknamed ‘dhobi itch’) affects the groin (especially in hot climates); and Tinea barbae, sometimes known as ‘barber’srash’, affects the face and neck. For

treatment

Athlete’s Foot,

see

Rash, Dhobi Itch,

Barber’s

Ringworm

TONSILITIS see

Sore Throat

ULCERS (VARICOSE AND TROPICAL)

form

legs when functioning properly, often result of varicose veins. Elderly people particularly to this if condition, prone especially they suffer from poor circulation some merely have to scratch the skin their lower legs to develop Varicose ulcers

the veins

are

can

on

the lower

as

not

a

are

on

a

sore

which

can

be very slow to heal. (also known as ‘naga

sores’) Tropical usually occur in hot, humid climates. Again large the feet painless sore develops, often legs, ulcers

a

on

due to

a

bacterial

infection,

or

poor nutrition

or

environmental factors. Tea

tree has been found to be

very effective

at

Tea Tree Oil

104

preventing and treating ulcers of the lower limbs. Moisturizing the skin of this area with tea tree oil cream every day is very good as it keeps the skin moist, and it also prevents the infection of little abrasions: Many

cases

of

extreme

ulcerations

of

the

considerable suppurations, which have not treatment

by As

by

any other means, have been

treatment with

Ti-trol

(tea

tree

legs, with responded to quickiy cured

oil].25

preventative measure, apply a 5 per cent tea tree cream/oil (see instructions pages to the lower 33—4) legs on a daily basis. To treat an ulcer, bathe the sore gently with a a

warm

adding

diluted solution of tea tree oil a

few

drops

distilled/boiled water). cent tea tree

33-4),

saturated in I

part

cream

or cover a

(by

to a bowl of

Then

a

a

instructions

(see

with

apply

pad

10 per pages

which has been

solution of 3 parts olive oil

to

tea tree oil.

[2vender oil is also a

very

effective treatment

for ulcers when used in the same manner.

For mouth ulcers see Mouth and Gum Infections

URETHRITIS see

Cystitis/Urethritis

A—Z of Health Care

105

Applications

VAGINAL INFECTIONS see

Leucorrhoea/Pruritis,

Thrush

WARTS! VERUCCAE Warts

are

elbows

or

small

(often hard) benign growths commonly occurring on the hands, fingers, face,

They are caused by a virus and slightly contagious. They usually disappear of

are

their

they

knees.

own are

accord after

unsightly

most

time, but because

some

people

resort to a

‘wart

great number of highly dubious folk remedies for warts, but the modern method

cure’. There are a

is to burn them out

or to

paste. Plantar warts (Verruca

by

a

virus, and

usually

apply

plantaris) occur

on

a

highly are

abrasive

also caused

the soles of the

feet, often at the base of the toes. Small black dots are

visible at the centre of the virus and, because

of pressure

on

the feet, these warts

can

become

painful. notoriously difficult to basis, and the problem with the ‘modern’ types of cures is that they destroy all the surrounding healthy tissue as well as the wart and decrease the body’s natural immunity, thereby increasing the potential for

Both types of wart are get rid of on a long-term

re-infection.

Warts will often

disappear

if

they

are

dabbed

Tea Tree Oil

106 with neat tea tree oil 3 times a

take

long

as

as

month

a

day. (It

may

be effective,

or so to

little perseverance is required!) Plantar warts or veruccae should be coated

so a

daily

with

a

50 per cent mixture of tea tree

myrrh resin, then covered with a plaster (adhesive bandage). After a few days, when the skin has gone yellowish and soggy, the black dots of the virus should be dug out oil and

with

a

needle

nail scissors

or

treatment continued

depending

the

on

(usually

severity

until the skin has healed

and the for about 6 weeks

of the

condition)

over.

WOUNDS

Cuts/Wounds

see

ZONA

(SHINGLES)

Zona is caused

herpes and

zoster.

causes

by

in the form of

condition

usually

the

same

virus

can

a

chickenpox

be

band around the

accompanied by

torso. severe

The

pain,

before the rash appears, and there may be

fever. For

as

The virus affects the sensory nerves, clusters of blisters to appear, often

treatment see

Chickenpox

A

P

P

E

N

D

I

A

X

Other Essential Oils the Tea Tree

from Many

of the ‘tea tree’ group of

Melaleuca

altern!foha produce

have shown

some

Group

plants, apart

from

essential oils which

degree of healing properties. analysed but only a few have

Hundreds have been

attained commercial status. Notable among these are:

WHITE TEA TREE M.

Southeast as

is used

Cajuput

Tree

(Melaleuca

minor)

cajuputi, A graceful well

or

tree

Asia,

up

to

especially

14

the

m

(45 ft) high

Malay

Peninsula

in as

in Australia. In the East the essential oil as

a

popular

household medicine and insecticide.

Similar to niaouli oil, it contains

principally

cineole (50—65 per cent)—a possible skin irritant. BROAD-LEAVED

or

Bellbowrie

viridflora, M. quinquenervia) vigorous tree up to 18 m (60 ft) high,

(Melaleuca A very tall

PAPERBARK TREE

Tea Tree 011

108 found in

Australia,

Tasmania and the French Pacific

Islands. The oil known

as

‘niaouli’or

‘gomenol’is

locally as a disinfectant and as a medicine especially for its antiseptic properties. Similar to cajuput oil, it contains principally cineole (50—65 a per cent) possible skin irritant. Frequently subject to adulteration. used

NARROW-LEAVED

(Melaleuca linari!folia) This has the same but is

PAPERBARK

common

TEA-TREE

name

as

much taller

the At

M.

altern!folia, variety. time M. was described as a altern!folia variety of M. before raised to Iinari!folia specific rank by being Cheel (while Iinari!folia was classified by Smith). Both varieties

which

name.

one

still cultivated for their oils,

often

unfortunately

are

altern!folia

are

a

sold

under

the

The main difference between the

essential oils from the two varieties is that there is an

inverse

also

has

a

alpha thujene/aipha pinene ratio high cineole content. Otherwise

constituents of the two

are

quite

it

the

alike.

OTHER VARIETIES Black Tea-tree (Melaleuca bracteata) Feather Honey-Myrtle (Melaleuca thymfo1ia)

Lemon-scented

Tea-tree

(Lent ospermum

L. citratum)

Swamp May (Lentospermum Iiversidgei)

petersonil,

A

P

P

E

N

D

I

The Constituents

X

B

of

Tea Tree Oil

cx-pinene (2.6%)

-caryophyllene (0.1%) -gurjunene (0.1%)

a-thujene (0.9%) camphene (slight trace)

aromadendrene (1.5%)

-pinene (0.3%)

terpinen-4-oI (40.1%)

sabinene (0.2%)

a-bulnesene

myrcene (0.5%)

allo-aromadendrene

(slight trace)

a-phellandrene (0.3%) I ,4-cineole (slight trace) a-terpinene (10.4%)

(0.3%) humulene (trace)

trans-piperitol (trace) y-muurolene (slight trace)

limonene (1.0%)

viridiflorene (1.0%)

-phe1landrene (0.9%)

a-terpineol (2.4%)

,8-cineole (5.1%) y-terpinene (23.0%) trans--ocimene (slight trace)

piperitone a-muurolene (0.1%)

I

a-amorphene (trace)

Tea Tree Oil

110

terpinolene (3.1%)

bicyclogermacrene (0.1%) cis-piperitol (trace)

hexanol

a-cadinene (1.3%)

p-cymene (2.9%)

ally1

cadina- I ,4-diene

hexanoate

(0.1%) p,a-dimethylstyrene (trace)

C15H24 (slight trace)

(slight trace) p-cymen-8-ol (slight trace)

a-cubebene (trace)

calamenene (0. 1%)

nerol

trans-sabinene

hydrate (trace) a-ylangene (slight trace) a-copaene (trace)

palustrol (trace) methyl eugenol (trace) ledol (slight trace)

camphor

cubenol (0.1%)

a-gurjunene (0.2%)

globulol (0.2%)

linalool (trace)

viridiflorol (0.1%)

cis-sabinene

hydrate

(trace)

rosifoliol (trace)

rrans-menth-2-en- I -ol

spathulenol (trace) 1 ,2,4-trihydroxy-

(0.2)

-elemene (0.1%)

menthane (trace)

REPRINTED OF

WITH

AUSTRALIAN

HUNTER

(J.

PERMISSION

TEA TREE

AGRIC.

FROM

OIL’ BY

FOOD

G.

CHEM.,

‘THE COMPOSITION SWORD VOL.

AND

37,

COPYRIGHT 1989 AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY’.

G.

NO

L. 5).

References

introduction 1. Cited in S. Drury, Tea Tree Oil (C. W. Daniel, 1991), P. 3.

Chapter

1

1. Captain Cook, A Voyage towards the South Pole (an of

his

expedition),

second

1

Vol.

p. 99. 2. T. Low, Bush Medicine (Collins,

account

(reprinted 1977),

Angus

and Robertson,

1991), p. 95. 3. J. White, Journal

1790); cited

of A Voyage

Plants in Australia;

Chapter

2

1. E.

M.

Humphrey,

Medical Journal 2. Australian

Drury, 3. A. R.

Wales (London J. W. Cribb, Useful Wild (Collins, 1982), p. 16. to New South

in A. B. Cribb and

‘A New

of Australia

Australian

Germicide’,

1 (1930), p. 417.

Journal of Dentistry (August 1930), cited

in

Tea Tree Oil, p. 20. Penfold,

Melaleuca

‘Some Notes

on

alternfolia’, Australian (March 30, 1937), p. 274.

the Essential Oil of Journal

of Pharmacy

Tea Tree Oil

112

3

Chapter

I. Cited in Drury, Tea Tree Oil, p. 48. 2. E. F. Pena, ‘Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil: Its Use for Trichomonal Vaginitis and Other Vaginal Infections’, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 19 (1962), p. 792. 3. M. Walker, ‘Clinical Investigation of Australian Melaleuca altern!folia for

Variety of Common Pediatry (April 1972).

Problems’, Current 4. P.

‘Treatment of Skin

Belaiche,

Essential Oil of Melaleuca

Vaginal S.

Infection

Foot

with

the

altern!folia’, and ‘Treatment of

Infections of Candida albicans with the Essential

Oil of Melaleuca 5. R.

a

C.

altern!folia’, Phytotherapy

15 (1985).

Barnetson, in Australian Journal

of Pharmacy

(Oct. 1990). (1991), p. 300. natural 7. A. Shemesh and W. L. Mayo, ‘Tea Tree Oil and International Journal of antiseptic fungicide’, Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Dec. 1991), p. 12. 6. A. L. Blackwell, in the Lancet 337

Chapter

4

1. Based

on

a

detailed

‘Composition

analysis by

Sword and Hunter,

of Australian Tea tree Oil’, J.

Agric.

Food

Chem. 26.3 (1978).

Chapter

6

1. A.

C.

de

Groot

Dermatitis’, vol.

27,

no.

J. 4

W.

‘Contact

Weyland,

(1992) cited

in

Natural

Aromatherapy, vol. 1,

Database U.K.

2. R. Tisserand,

Aromatherapy

and

p. 22. ‘Athlete’s Foot’, International Journal

2.3 (1989), p. 19.

of

113

References A—Z I.

C.

W.

‘Case Studies

Olsen,

Australian Tea Tree Oil

and

Testimonials’, in

(Kali Press, 1989), p.

15.

2. J. Price, ‘The Use of Tea Tree Oil in Burn Treatment Products’, Modern

of a

the Clinical

Signficance (proceedings of Macquarie University, Sydney,

Phytotherapy

Tea Tree and Other Essential Oils, vol. 1

two-day

conference at

Dec. 1 & 2, 1990), p. 56. 3. ‘Ti-tree Oil and Chickenpox’,

(Summer 1986),

Aromatherapy Quarterly

p. 12.

4. Ibid. 5. C.

cited

DeYoung (Rockwall, Texas),

in

Olsen,

Australian Tea Tree Oil, p. 20. 6. Penfold, ‘Some Notes’, p. 274. 7. Cited in 8. Dr S.

Modern

Drury,

Tea Tree Oil, p. 52.

Cabot, ‘The Use

of Tea Tree in Clinical Practice’

the Clinical

Sign!ftcance of Tea Tree (proceedings of a two-day Macquarie University, Sydney, Dec. 1 &

Phytotherapy

and Other Essential Oils, vol. I

conference at

2, 1990), p. 4. MacNamara

9. E.

(Sydney, Australia),

cited

in

Drury,

Tea Tree Oil, p. 57. 10.

altern!folia Dissolved in Liquid Propellant (Bactigas. TM) Used for the Control of Bacteria and Fungi in Air Conditioning Systems’, Modern Phytotherapy the Clinical Sign!ficance of R.

Ryan,

‘Oil of Melaleuca

Carbon Dioxide

Tea Tree and Other Essential Oils, vol. II

two-day

conference at

(proceedings

of

a

Macquarie University, Sydney,

Dec. 1 & 2, 1990), p. 70. 11. Cabot, ‘The Use of Tea Tree’, p. 5. 12. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 92 (Nov. 1993), pp. 771—2. 13. See the Shemesh and

16—17.

Mayo study

in

chapter 3,

pages

Tea Tree Oil

114 14. B.

Moyers, Healing

(Thorsons, 1993). Journal of Aromatherapy

and the Mind

15. ‘AIDS Feature’, International

1.3

(1988).

(Avalon, NSW), cited in Olsen, Australian Tea Tree Oil, p. 17. 17. Cited in Olsen, Australian Tea Tree Oil, p. 19. 18. Personal letter from D. Sharp to Aqua Oleum. 16. Geoff Searle

19. Cabot, ‘The Use of Tea Tree’, p. 4. Humphrey, ‘A New Australian Germicide’

20.

21. Dr. P. Belaiche 22. Prof. Anderson of

Applied

see page 9. 14. page extract from the files of the Museum

see

Arts and Sciences,

Sydney, 1974,

Olsen, Australian Tea Tree Oil, p. 25. 23. T. Lorette (El Toro, California),

cited

Australian Tea Tree Oil, p. 18. 24. See the reports of Pena, Belaiche and pp. 13, 14 and 16. 25. Penfold, ‘Some Notes’, p. 274.

Appendix B 1. J.

Agric.

Food. Chem. 37. 5. (1989).

in

cited in

Olsen,

Blackwell,

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Australian Tea Tree Oil’, Modern the

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with

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the

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‘Antimicrobial of

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16.2

117

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on

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121

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A.

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A.

Monoterpenoids of Melaleuca alternfolia Leaf’, Phytochemistry 28.4 (1989), pp. Changes

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at

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1990).

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Agric.

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26.3

M.

(1978). Walker, ‘Clinical Investigation of Australian Melaleuca altern!folia for a Variety of Common Foot Problems’, Current

Dr L.

Modern Tea

Pediatry (April 1972).

Williams, ‘The Modern

the Clinical

Phytotherapy

Tree

and

(proceedings

Other

of

Tea Tree

a

Essential

Story’, Sign4kance of vol.

Oils,

conference

two-day

Macquarie University, Sydney,

Dec.

1

&

I at

2,

1990). ‘Selection and

—,

Melaleuca

Breeding

Species

to

of

Superior

Produce

Low

Strains of

Cost,

High

Tea Tree Oil

122

Quality

Tea Tree

Oil’, Modem Phytotherapy

the

Signjkance of Tea Tree and Other Essential II Oils, (proceedings of a two-day conference at Macquarie University, Sydney, Clinical

vol.

Dec. 1 & 2,

L. R.

1990).

Williams,

‘The

V. N. Home and I. Stevenson,

Composition

Oil of Melaleuca

and Bactericidal

Activity of altern!folia (Tea Tree Oil)’,

International

L.

L.

Journal of Aromatherapy 1.3 (1988). R. Williams, V. N. Home and S. Asre, ‘Oils of Melaleuca altem!folia’ International Journal of Aromatherapy 2.4 (1990). R. Williams, V. N. Home, C. Uebergang and L.

Stemp,

‘Scientific Selection and Cultivation

of Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca

paper New

at the International

given Crops

for

Food

(Southampton, Sept. 1987).

alternfolia)’, Symposium on and Industry

Usfu1

Addresses

always to buy tea tree oil from a reputable supplier, to ensure that it is of the highest quality so as to achieve maximum therapeutic results. Aqua Oleum have many years of experience in the field and provide a wide range of top-quality essential oils including tea tree at very competitive prices. They can be purchased from health and It is advisable

wholefood stores,

as well as from some chemists, the UK. Mail-order items, carrier oils, throughout burners, individually formulated products and further information can be obtained from:

Aqua

Oleum

Unit 3 Lower Wharf

Walibridge Stroud Glos. GL5

3JA

UK Tel: 01453 753555.

124

Aqua to the

Tea Tree Oil

Oleum also

following

supply

tea tree

countries:

Eire Wholefoods Wholesale Unit 2D

Kylemore

Industrial Estate

Dublin 10

Soap Opera Ltd Unit 3 Enterprise

Centre

Stafford Street

Nenagh Co.

Tipperary

US and Canada Natura

Trading

Ltd

4454 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V6R 2H9

Japan Raiko Co. Ltd 4b, 2-2-8

Roppongi

Minato-Ku

Tokyo Kawahito

Trading

Office

Room 308 Fushu Musashino

High

Raise 3-11-13

Sakae-cho Fushu-shi

Tokyo

183

internationally

Usfu1

Addresses

125

Hong Kong The New 7 Old

Age Shop Bailey Street

Central Taiwan Ecole Internationale I 5F 1 547

Kwang

D’Esthetique D’Europe

Fiu South Road

Hsin Vi Zone

Taipei Norway Terapi Consult Frysjaveien 27

AS

0883 Oslo Denmark and Sweden Urtekram

A/S

Kiostermarken 20 DK-9550

Manager

Denmark Finland Luonnonruokatukku Aduki Kirvesmiehenkatu 10 00810 Helsinki

Ky

Index

Aborigines,

Australia xiii, 4, 5,

7

bacterial infections

x, 23, 25—7

properties 8—9, 69 25—7,

bactericidal

abscesses 30, 45—6

acidophilus

bad breath 31, 85

101

acne 15, 16, 26, 32, 41

balanitis 44—5, 50, 101

acupuncture 35 adulteration 22

balsamic

AIDs 28, 76, 77

allergic

rashes 64—S

aflopathic

medicines xi, xii, 35

analgesic properties animal

care

28

27, 88—9

anti-inflammatory properties 28 anti-viral properties 25, 27, 69 antiseptic properties xiv, 8—9, 60 10—Il, 26—7, arnica ointment 49 aromatherapy xi, xiii—xiv arthritis 42—3 asthma 67 athlete’s foot x, 14, 27, 34, 43-4, 102 Atlas cedarwood 80 Australia xiii—xiv, 3—7, 12, 18—22 babies 36

properties 29 Banks, Sir Joseph 5 barber’s rash 45, 102—3 Barnetson, Prof R.S.C. IS baths 30, 43 bee stings 78 Belaiche, Dr Paul 14, 61 belibowne (tree) 107—8 benzoin 58

bergamot 42, 46, 57, 62, 65, 68, 70, 73, 81 bites

see

insect

bites

black pepper 54, 86 black tea-tree 108 blackheads 26, 32 Blackwell, Dr 16 boils 13, 45—6 broad-leaved paperbark 107—8 bronchitis 27, 47—8 bruises 28, 48—9

tree

Index

127

89 bumps 48—9,

coughs 57—8

burns 26, 28, 49—50

counselling

cabbage

cracked skin 58—9

tree 4

cajuput 90, 107,

108

cajuput tree 107 California 19 callouses 14 Candida albicans 13, 14, 24, 27, 44, 50, 62, 84, 99—100

35

cradle cap 59—60 creams 33—4 cuts x, 26, 28, 34, 60, 89 20 cymones cypress 43

cystitis 14, 27,

61—2

candidiasis 50, 84—S

dandruff 33, 62—3

carbuncles 50—SI

dental

carrier oils 32—3

dentistry

cervicitis 13

deodorant properties 9 dermatitis 16, 64—6

chamomile 43, 46, 55, 62, 65, 71, 75, 86, 87, 91, 98

chemotypes

21

chest infections 29 x, 27, 34, 51—3 chilblains 53-4 children 36 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 76, 77 cicitrizant properties 28 cineole 20—22, 35, 107, 108 citronella 80 clavus 57 clinical studies 12—17 cold sores 27, 34, 55—7, 72 colds 27, 54—5 complementary therapies xi—xii compresses 30—31 Considen, Denis 6 constituents 20—24, 108, 109—10

chickenpox

contact dermatitis 64

containers, plastic, not advised 37 Cook, Capt James 4—S Cordyline australis 4 corns 14, 57

care

31

9—10

dhobi itch 66, 102

diaper rash SO, 86—7 69 diaphoretic effects 28—9, diet, changes 35 dilution 32—3 direct

application

disinfectant

uses

31

66—8 9, 26—7,

douches 33 dust mites 64, 67 eczema 16, 64—6 essential oil xiii—xiv, 3—4, 20—24 eucalyptus xiii, 3, 22, 48, 58, 68, 70, 80, 95 Eucafrptus 8lobulus xiii E. piperita 7 exercise 35 expectorant properties 29 facial sauna 32, 42 feather honey-myrtle 108 feet: bathing 30 problems 14 sweaty 99 Feinblatt, Dr Henry 13 fennel 43

Tea Tree Oil

128

household, disinfectant

fever 69—70

fingernails, paronychia 14, 16, 87—8 first aid xiv, 26 care 27, 89 fleas 33, 78, 88 flu x, 27, 70—71 fungal infections x, 11, 14, 23 27 fungicidal qualities 25—6, furuncle 13, 45—6

fish

Humphrey, E.M. 9, 60 immune system 75—7 immuno-stimulant properties x, 69 26, 27—8, impetigo 15,

78

inhalation 31—2 insect bites and

stings 26,

89 78—80,

repellent 34,

gangrene 10

insect

gargling 31 garlic 55, 62, 71, 77, 81 gels 33—4 genital herpes 71—3

insecticide

genito-urinary infections geranium 42

uses

66—8

79—80

properties

28

internal use 36, 61—2

jellyfish stings jojoba oil 32 27

germicidal properties xiv,

78

juniper 43 lavender 42, 43, 46, 48,

67

49—50, 51, 55, 57,

ginger 43 gingivitis 84—S

71, 73, 75, 78, 80, 81,

glandular fever gomenol 108

83, 86, 87, 89, 92, 94, 98, 104

62, 65, 68, 70, 59—60,

28, 77

leeches 102

gout 42—3 Gram

Negative

bacteria 25—6

Gram Positive bacteria 25

grapeseed

oil 32

lemongrass

gum infections 31, 84—5

gynaecology

lemon 43, 68 lemon-scented tea-tree 108

11

80

Lenr.ospermum 3 L. citratum 108

hair care 33, 73—5

L.

hair

hand baths 30

L. pezersonhl 108 leucorrhoea 80—81

hands, sterilization 15

lice 28, 33, 81—3, 88

healing xii hepatitis 28,

lotions 33-4

conditioning

74

77

herbal medicine xi, xiii, xiv, 34—5

Iiversidei

108

maidenhair fern 6 marjoram 43, 55, 71, 86, 91 masks 33—4

71—2 herpes simplex 16, 55—6,

43 massage 32—3,

hives 64, 75

Mayo,

holism xi—xii

ME 76

horsefly

bites 78

W.L. 16—17

measles x, 27, 83—4

129

Index Mekleuca ahern!folia xiii, 3—6, 13, 18, 22, 107—8 M. bracteata 108

pediculosis

M. cajupuu 107 M. linariifolia 108 M. minor 107

peppermint 7, 70, 94, 95

see

lice

Pena, Dr E.F. 13 Penfold, Dr A.R. 8 care 27, 36, 88—9 phytotherapy xi, xiii pine 43, 58

pet

M. quinquenervia 107—8 M. rhymfo1ia 108

pinenes 20

Al. virid!Jlora 107—8 melasol 10

plant

care

27

plantar warts 105—6 plastic containers, not advised

melissa 65 Mentha piperita 7 miliaria 64

37 poison ivy rash 64 poison oak rash 64

moisturizers 97 moniliasis 16, 50 mosquito bites 28, 78—9

poultices

mould, in household 67 mouth infections 10—11, 16, 84—S

preventative properties

mouth ulcers 31, 84—5 mouthwashes 9

pruritis 80—81 psoriasis 89—90

30—31

pregnancy,

use

36

28

prickly heat 64 production 18—21

muscular aches and pains 86—7 pustules 16 rashes 21, 88—9 myrrh 90, 92 Myrtaceae 3 myrtle 6 nailbed infections 14

respiratory infections 27, 31—2 respiratory tract disorders 29 rheumatism 91

nappy rash 50, 87 narrow-leaved paperbark tea-

ringworm

tree neat

3, 4, 108

application

31

neroli 65 nettle rash 64, 75 niaouli 95, 107, 108 oils, for skin care 33—4 oral canker 16 orthodox medicine x—xi, xii

pain relief

28

parasiticidal properties 11, paronychia 14, 16, 88 patch test 35—6

28

x, 27, 92, 102 rosemary 43, 75, 91 safety 35—6 sage 97 sandalwood 58, 62, 81 sandfly bites 78 sarsaparilla 6 scabies 28, 93—4 scalp rub 33 scarring, prevention 13 scratches 60 sesquiterpinene alcohols 20 sesquiterpines 20 shampoo 33, 74

Tea Tree Oil

130

56 Shemesh, A. 16—17,

tea trees (trees) 3—7 terpenes 20

shingles 27, 51,

terpineols

shaving

rash 45 106

20

throats

side-effects xi

throat

sinusitis 27, 94—s

thrush x, 13, 14, 27, 44, 50, 99—101 84—5,

sits baths 33

see sore

thyme 58, 68,

skin: blemishes 96—7

ti-tree xiii, 4

care 26, 33—4, 96—7 41—2,

ti-trol xiii, 10

cleanser 96

ticks 88, 102

97

conditions 6, 28

tinea 16, 103

cracked 58—9

toenails, paronychia 14, 87—8 trichomonal vaginitis 13 tropical ulcers 103—4 ulcers 103—4 urethritis 61—2

injury reduction

11

sterilization 15 sore throats 10, 16, 29, 31, 97 sores 34 sources,

urticaria see nettle rash

reputable

37

soya oil 32

spider stings 78 splinters, infected

26, 98 41 32, x, 26, spots standardization 21—2 sterilization, skin 15 stings see insect bites and stings storage 36—7

infections 13, 14, 16, 100—101 50, 80—81, 34 vaporization

vaginal

varicose ulcers 103—4

27, 104—6 viral infections x, 25, 27, 70, 76 verrucac

vitamin C 55, 57, 73, 77

vitamin E 77

stress xii

Walker, Dr M. 14

sunburn 98—9

warts

sunflower oil 32

wasp stings 78 wheatgerm oil 32 White, John 7 white tea tree 107

swamp may 108 sweaty feet 99 sweet almond oil 32 symptoms xi synergy 23

synthetic

oils 23

tea tree group, oils 107—8

27, 104—6

wound-healing properties 28, 60 wounds x, 9, 10, 21, 26, 60 zona 27, 51, 106

Australia, the tea tree plant was originally used by the aborigines as a natural remedy for a wide variety of health prob& lems. It was only during this century, howeve as a result of intensive scientific research, that tea tree came to be recognized Native to

:

r

I

II

I

Tor its remaranie

.

.

i

t

l

neaiing properties.

powerful antiseptic, anti-viral and fungicidal agent, tea tree has also been found to stimulate the immune system. Today, hailed as ‘the antiseptic of the future’, tea tree essential oil is becoming increasingly popular and the demand is expected to

A

increase.

‘S

Safe, natural and easy to use, can

be used in the home for

including: infected

cuts and wounds

skin problems. hair Julia Lawless is

a

a

this book reveals how tea tree oil

multitude of different purposes

viral

diseases

.

fungal infections

care

highly respected aromatherapist and author of Aromatherapy and the Mind.

several books including Lavender Oil and

‘Interesting and informative. ..full of good referenced.’ Aromatherapy Quarterly

quotations and well-

COVER PHOTOGRAPH OF MELALEUCAALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) BY TIM LOW HEALTH ISBN 0-7225-3032-3

UK

£3.99

00399>

AUS $1O.95* USA $7.00 CAN $6.50 ‘rommended price 9

_________

780722 530320