Melaleuca alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree) Essential OilBy Dawn Johnson, MSN, RN, Cert. Aroma, CNHP,

Synonyms for Tea Tree Oil Australian tea tree

oil Cymene Melaleuca oil Oleum Teebaum Terpinen TTO

Background Latin

Melaleuca alternifolia Family

Mertaceae Name

“Tea tree” was named by botanist Joseph Banks who sailed with Captain Cook

Processing Melaleuca alternifolia

is a tree that grows up to 15’ high from seed with paper like bark

Tea tree oil (TTO) is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves

Most plantations and production is located in New South Wales, Australia

Characteristics Aroma

Spicy Color

White or pale yellow Feel

Evaporates Does not leave a

stain on a perfume blotter

Blends Blends well with

Bergamot Rosemary Lavender Peppermint

Popular Uses Household

TherapeuticPerfumery

Medicinal Properties Known to have

medicinal properties by Aboriginal natives

First discovered by modern medicine in 1920’s

Antimicrobial, antifungal, properties likely due to the compound terpinen-4-ol (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, 2011)

Components Antimicrobial, antifungal,

vasoconstrictive and stimulating properties likely due to the compound terpinen-4-ol (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, 2011 and ACHS, 2010)

Gamma-terpinenes contribute to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and bactericidal properties

Cineole helps expectorant action and insect repellent properties

Common Therapeutic Uses

Acne vulagris Tinea pedis

(Athlete’s foot) Halitosis (bad

breath) Onychomycosais

(fungal nail infections)

Household Use Purify drinking

water Household

disinfectant Add ½ -t to

laundry load Good for diapers

Perfumery Fragrance in

Soap Shampoo Mouthwash Detergent

Sweet middle note and soft tone as it dries (ACHS, 2010)

Research Unclear scientific

evidence for use (NSRC, 2011) Only a limited

number of high-quality studies have been publish focusing on human effects

Enough evidence to support further study

Contradictions Do not use orally

Reports of nausea, diarrhea, confusion, or coma

Known reports of allergic contact dermatitis with skin can limit use for some clients (NSRC, 2011) Perform skin patch test prior to use

Unclear scientific evidence for use (NSRC)

References American College of Healthcare Sciences.

(2010). Aromatherapy 101: Introduction to aromatherapy course manual, October 2010. Portland, OR: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

National Standard Research Collaboration. (2011). Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tea-tree-oil/NS_patient-teatreeoil.