The First Aid Tree

            Tea tree, also Ti tree, has effectively been used for thousands of years to treat wound care by the Australian Aborigines.  Melaleuca began its ascent into the western world during World War II.  It was included in every soldier’s first aid kit who was fighting the Pacific front.  Like the Aborigines, soldiers crushed the leaves and applied them to wounds and skin conditions.  By the early 1960’s, American studies proved Tea tree as an effective treatment for trichomonas infection as pessaries or a bath.  Soon Tea tree gained international fame as a germicidal and immune stimulant.

            There are three Melaleuca varieties that are medicinal.  Melaleuca alternifolia is the most popular variety.  It is an Australian native tree.  Niaouli, Melaleuca viridiflora is also an Australian native.  This variety treats respiratory problems.  It is often used as steam inhalation.  Melaleuca leucodendron, known as the Cajeput tree, is also used for respiratory illness.  It grows in the Phillipines and Indonesia.

            Tea tree essential oil is extracted by steam distillation.  The twigs and, most of all the leaves produce this very potent oil.  Melaleuca oil is a clear or slightly yellow liquid.  The odor is very high in intensity.  The camphorous odor is pungent and very medicinal smelling.  It makes my eyes water!  However, the oil is nontoxic and usually nonirritant to the skin.  It is an unforgettable odor.

            The Alternifolia variety is the smallest tree of the Melaleucas.  It may pass as a shrub, with needle-like leaves.  Flowers are yellow or purple without a stalk.  The flower heads appear at the end of the needles.

            Melaleuca cajeput is a tall, evergreen, growing 100 feet into the heavens.  The leaves are thick, flat and pointed.  The bark is thick and spongy to touch.  The tree bears white, feathery flowers.  Oil extracted from the leaves and twigs produces a slightly green, milder essential oil.  The green color is due to traces of the mineral, copper, in the tree.  Compared to eucalyptus, the scent is milder, with a slightly fruity odor.  All varieties may be applied alone and undiluted for some treatments.  However, my experience is that Melaleuca is even more beneficial when combined with other oils, such as thyme, eucalyptus, clove bud, pine, rosemary and lemon.  Melaleuca is generally tolerated, which makes the oil more valuable as a cure-all in aromatherapy.

            Melaleuca has skin protective properties. This blend may be used topically, .  Please seek medical help whenever infection is present.

Skin Problem Blend

            In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:

                        2 drops of Tea Tree

                        1 drop of Thyme (use white thyme for children)

                        1 drop of Pine

                        6 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus

            Allow to cure 3 hours, when possible.  Using a clean cotton swab, coat the affected area liberally.  Avoid using on open wounds.  Cover the area with a sterile gauze.  Repeat the application two more times daily until skin is healed and regenerated.  Avoid the eye area...

            Bottle remaining oil in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.

Open Wound Blend

            For open wounds, dilute the following essential oils in 1 ounce of jojoba oil:

                        2 drops of Tea Tree

                        6 drops of Sandalwood

                      10 drops of Lavandula

            Allow to cure 3 hours, if possible.  Apply the blend using sterile gauze.  Then cover the wound, when necessary, with sterile gauze.  Repeat two more times daily.  Store leftover blend in dark glass with a tight-fitting screw top.

            Tea tree is very effective for colds, flu and upper respiratory infections.  Most asthmatic benefit from Tea tree also.  Use it in a steam inhalation for best results.

Steam Inhalation Blend

            In 4 quarts of heated water, add the following essential oils:

                          7 drops of Tea tree

                        10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus

                          3 drops of Thyme

                        20 drops of Rosemary

            Mist the room or tent with a clean towel, covering the head so the vapors are directed to the face.  Tent for one to three minutes; then rest three minutes.  Repeat the procedure.  Allow the blend to infuse the air of a room.  Clean any areas that may contain germs with the water, after it cools to room temperature.

            Tea tree is used for painful breakouts. Drop on a clean cotton swab or sterile gauze.  Place directly on the affected skin once or twice daily.

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           Barber’s rash can be soothed with Tea tree oil.  Avoid aftershaves with chemicals and scented soap.  Apply the following blend daily.

Barber’s Rash

            In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:

                          2 drops of Tea tree

                          2 drops of Patchouli

                          4 drops of Sandalwood

                        12 drops of Lavandula

            Allow to cure 3 hours.  Lightly massage the entire area affected, avoiding the eyes.  Store remaining blend in a dark, glass bottle away from heat and direct light.