The tea tree oil (or tea tree oil) it’s a essential oil derived from the leaves of the plant tea treei.e. the Melaleuca alternifolianative and endemic plant of Australia. It is a clear or pale yellow oil with a fresh, citrusy aroma. It is known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, and is used in a variety of skin care, hair care and personal hygiene products. Furthermore, the tea tree has active ingredients with insecticidal properties which can be used as a natural pesticide.

In this article we learn more about tea tree oil, its properties and uses, starting from the history and description of the tea tree plant.

Tea tree, origins and history

There Melaleuca alternifolia it is native to Australia, specifically the New South Wales region. The history of the use of tea tree oil dates back to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, who used the leaves of the plant to treat a variety of skin ailments, such as sores, cuts, burns and infections. Knowledge of the plant’s healing properties was then spread among European settlers, who began to exploit the essential oil extracted from the leaves for the treatment of a wide range of skin ailments, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, fungal and bacterial infections, as well as for personal hygiene and organic farming. The plant was renamed tea tree or tea tree by an English captain who used the leaves to prepare a very spicy drink.
Today, tea tree oil is used extensively around the world as an ingredient in a variety of personal care products, as well as a natural pesticide.

What are the botanical characteristics of Melaleuca alternifolia?

Leaves and flowers of tea tree oil
The tea tree is an evergreen plant with a shrub or small tree habit, belonging to the family of Myrtaceae. It grows spontaneously in the Australian continent, in areas of sandy and calcareous soil, tolerating drought conditions well.
The plant of Melaleuca alternifolia it can reach a height of about 5-7 meters, and has a thick, wrinkled and fibrous bark. The leaves are thin and elongated, dark green in color, and grow in spirals along the branches of the plant. The flowers are small and white, with a delicate, pleasant scent, and grow in clusters along the ends of the branches.
The leaves are rich in glands containing essential oil, tea tree oil, which is extracted and marketed for various uses around the world.

What are the active ingredients in tea tree essential oil?

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil
Tea tree oil contains a wide range of active ingredients, among which the main ones are: terpinen, cineol (or eucalyptol), terpinol, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, gamma-terpinene.
Together, these active ingredients give tea tree oil its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. However, it should be noted that tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin when used in high concentrations and can cause allergic reactions in some people.
So let’s see how to use it correctly for the person.

What is tea tree oil used for?

Tea tree oil is used almost exclusively for external use, as it is very effective for skin treatments, including those of fungal origin. These are the main indications:

Insights
  • Propolis in agriculture. Organic fungicide and natural pesticide
  • Garlic macerate and garlic infusion do it yourself. The recipe for organic pesticides
  • Beauveria Bassiana and the microbiological fight against garden parasites
  • The scalding of the tomato. What are the causes and how to avoid it
  • tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and oil production on the skin, which are two contributing factors to acne;
    this plant can be applied to the skin or nails to treat onychomycosis or other fungal infections;
  • tea tree can be used to treat bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo;
  • it can also be used as a support for the treatment of herpes simplex;
  • Finally, it can be applied to the skin to reduce itching and irritation caused by insect bites or other irritations.

Precautions on the use of tea tree oil

However, it’s important to remember that this special herb can be irritating to some people, so it’s always best to test it on a small area of ​​skin before using it. Furthermore, its oil should not be used pure, but diluted with a few drops in a carrier oil, such as almond oil or extra virgin olive oil.
For safe use it would be best to use ready-made tea tree oil products, such as a salve or ointment.
Tea tree oil is easily found on sale, both as pure essential oil and in various ready-made formulations. Here you will find a selection. The advice we give you, in any case, is to read the instructions for use carefully.

Is tea tree oil toxic when taken neat by mouth?

Tea tree oil is toxic when taken by mouth in pure or undiluted form. Ingesting large amounts of tea tree oil can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, central nervous system disorders, and even seizures. In rare cases, ingestion of this oil can lead to serious liver damage. On the other hand it is not intended to be ingested orally and has not been tested for internal use, therefore it is not recommended as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in food products. Furthermore, its pure use on the skin or mucous tissues can be irritating and cause allergic reactions in some people.
For safe use, it’s important to dilute it in a carrier oil and use it for external use only. If tea tree oil is accidentally ingested, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.

When not to use tea tree oil?

While tea tree oil is a natural and safe product when used correctly, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate or even harmful. For example, in young children, tea tree oil may be too strong for the skin and could cause irritation or allergic reactions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, there are not enough safety data on its use, so it is advisable to avoid using it during these periods. Also, if you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using it repeatedly. Also to be avoided in combination with other drugs or skin products, as it could interact negatively, so it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist before using it.

How does the antiparasitic action of tea tree oil take place?

Now let’s see how to use tea tree oil against garden or orchard parasites, taking advantage of its natural insecticidal capacity.
The antiparasitic action of tea tree oil can be attributed to the presence of various chemical compounds, such as terpinen-4-olThe cineole and terpinene, which are known for their insecticidal and repellent properties.
Insects are sensitive to the neurotoxic properties of tea tree oil, which acts on the central nervous system of insects and mites causing a range of symptoms such as paralysis, inhibition of motility, feeding and mating, and eventually death.
Additionally, tea tree oil is known for its repellent properties, which help prevent infestation by insects and mites. Indeed, the pungent smell of tea tree can be unpleasant for parasites, driving them away from treated plants.

Against which parasites can tea tree oil be used?

Tea tree oil can be used against those more difficult parasites, but which have low mobility. An example are the aphidsthe destructive ones scale insectsThe red spider mite and the spiny citrus whitefly.
On flying insects, for extensive treatments and on flowering plants it should be avoided, as it could damage pollinating insects and bees.
In organic farming pure tea tree oil is used, in fact 10 drops are enough to be diluted in a liter of water. Carry out the treatment in a localized way using a nebulizer and protecting yourself with a suitable mask (like this one).
It should be emphasized that the use of tea tree oil is not expressly authorized in the organic farming regulations, a bit like pure and simple neem oil, authorized only in specific formulations for agriculture containing azadirachtin.

Insights
  • Mosquito repellent plants, which are the most effective to grow in the garden
  • Sodium bicarbonate as a natural fungicide for the vegetable garden
  • Potassium bicarbonate. Effective fungicide for vegetable garden and orchard
  • Vinegar, here is the use as a natural herbicide
Let's talk about "Melaleuca alternifolia. Properties and uses of tea tree oil" with our community!
Start a new Thread

Philip Owell

Professional blogger, here to bring you new and interesting content every time you visit our blog.