Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the Malaleuca tree, which grows in Australia. The leaves of the Australian tree were used by the natives for the treatment of a variety of skin ailments including infections, cuts and burns. Hundreds of species of the tea tree are grown, but it is mainly the Australian tea tree that is commercially used for its essential oils.
Tea Tree Oil Has a Strong Scent
Tea tree oil has a distinctive scent, which is strong, and reminiscent of eucalyptus or pine because of the heaviness of the scent. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves through a steam distillation process that separates the oil from the leaves and twig tips.
More Than One Hundred Chemicals
There are more than a hundred chemicals are contained in tea tree oil, and the majority of these ingredients are terpenes. It is the combination of these strong chemicals that give the tea tree oil its distinctive scent.
Tea tree oil contains a combination of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and terpene alcohols. Terpenes are a broad range of chemicals that cause different therapeutic activity according to its terpene type.
Terpinene-4-ol makes up thirty-six percent, gamme-terpinene makes up twenty percent, alpha-terpinene makes up eight percent, and 8-cineole makes up four percent with the rest being other terpene types. Terpenes are strong chemicals that are capable of performing anti-fungal, bactericidal and anti-septic properties against many fungi, Gram negative and positive bacteria and yeast.
Many People Use this Essential Oil
Many people use this oil frequently, and are not irritated by it when it is used properly. In some cases, use of improperly stored tea tree oil may cause skin irritation. Some people are allergic to this essential oil or may otherwise experience irritation with the use of it.
Household, Personal and Pet Care Uses
Tea tree oil is easy to use for household cleaning, minor skin injuries and other household and personal purposes. Tea tree oil is also used as an active agent in the treatment of athlete's foot, acne and other skin ailments. Tea tree oil is also used in different products for cleaning and personal use. You can find tea tree listed as an ingredient in products such as soaps, shampoos, body lotions, anti-fungal mixtures and natural pet care products.
Tea tree oil is a very versatile and useful product for many tasks at home, work and for personal use. You can blend this essential oil with other ingredients to make customized blends for your own household and personal use.
Written By The Tea Lady
The Tea Lady carefully tends to The Official Website for Tea and sends an occasional Tea Newsletter to ardent and casual tea lovers around the world.
