European explorers made tea out of the leaves of this large Australian tree, so they named it tea tree (which is sometimes spelled ti). It was once given to soldiers for their first aid kits. Family: Myrtaceae Extraction: Distilled from the leaves. The scent is similar to its relative eucalyptus, but softer.

Medicinal action: Tea tree’s main use is to counter bacterial, fungal (including candida and thrush), and viral infections, with numerous studies backing it. It became popular after researchers found that it reduced mouth infection, and marketers introduced tea tree toothpaste, mouthwash, and even toothpicks. It also treats the flu and lung, genital and urinary, vaginal, sinus, mouth, and respiratory infections. Contact with blood and pus actually increases its antiseptic properties, and it boosts production of the immune system’s interleukin, while reducing tumors. In other studies, it decreased prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing inflammation, by as much as one-third.

Cosmetic/skin use: Tea tree is ideal for oily skin and hair and to eliminate dandruff and scalp dermatitis. It is especially useful in healing wounds, acne, dermatitis, diaper rash, warts, scabies, and various bacterial and fungal infections. It is one of the most nonirritating antiseptic oils, although this varies with the particular species. A 3 percent concentration has been shown to be effective on herpes simplex virus. Also use it on the related shingles and chicken pox viruses. Researchers found that it protects skin from radiation burns during cancer therapy and, in one study, suppressed inflammatory skin disorders associated with immune system problems and skin cancer. It also relieves the inflammation and discomfort of sunburn and insect bites. Researchers found that tea tree kills mites and ticks and is one of the best essential oils to destroy head lice.

Emotional attributes: The scent builds strength, especially before an operation and during postoperative shock.

Kembali ke Halaman Essential Oil