The powerful healing benefits of Tea Tree dates back to the 18th century when British Sailors landed on the Southeast shores of Australia and discovered massive groves of trees thick with sticky, aromatic leaves. The leaves of these trees, which the tree was later named the Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree), had been used for many years to treat cuts and wounds. The oil (Tea Tree Oil) is derived from the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant, native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, and has been widely used in Australia for many decades as a treatment for viruses, bacteria and fungi. Today the popularity of Tea Tree Oil has increased due to its well- known benefits including its powerful antiseptic properties and its healing ability. It is widely used in a range of products throughout the pharmaceutical, therapeutic, cosmetic, veterinary, industrial and household product industries.
Tea Tree is present in many popular household products such as cleaning and cosmetic products including face washes, shampoos, massage oils, skin and nail creams as a result of its many benefits. Even some laundry detergents contain Tea Tree! The topical benefits of Tea Tree include antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which are very effective when treating skin conditions such as acne, bacterial infections, chickenpox, fungal infections, earaches, dry cuticles and Psoriasis. Tea Tree is a popular replacement of conventional medications as it is extremely effective and do not have the adverse side effects that many medications might. When applied to the skin, Tea Tree has powerful antioxidant properties that can significantly improve the appearance of blemishes and scars. It can also provide relief from cough, cold, bronchitis and congestion by applying it to the chest area and inhaled while sleeping. It is important however never to ingest Tea Tree Oil and should only be used as a topical agent.
There are also many other household uses for Tea Tree which include a natural deodorizer, removing mold, household cleaner, insect repellant, and a laundry freshener. When found in deodorants, it can act as a powerful deodorizing agent and eliminating not only the smell of body odor, but also the bacteria and toxins that can increase its potency. Tea Tree can also be very effective against insects by acting as a strong repellent and insect killer.
When Tea Tree is used in cosmetics, as an example in post waxing care products such as LYCON’s Tea Tree Soothe after care lotion, it helps to soothe the skin, provide an anti-bacterial component as well as enhance the healing of the area that has been waxed. It is very gentle to apply on the skin and will not cause burning or irritation. Very rarely a client can have an allergy to Tea Tree which could cause an adverse reaction. It is important to always consult with your client prior to applying products to the skin.
Tea Tree continues to grow in its popularity and is a proven “super hero” essential oil. Its use in pre and post treatment products offer powerful healing and anti-septic results. Educating your client on the benefits of Tea Tree for at home use and in treatment will prove beneficial to you both!
