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.  Frankincense and myrrh are especially helpful when treating respiratory ailments.  Melaleuca is generally tolerated, which makes the oil more valuable as a cure-all in aromatherapy.

            Melaleuca has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties.  The oil works even more effectively when an infection is present.  Tea tree, worn topically, effectively combats streptococcal and staphylococcal infections.  I have used it in combination with other potent oils to combat multistrain staph infections that become chronic.  This blend may be used topically, with or without medication.  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 Lavendula

            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 sick room.  Clean any areas that may contain germs with the water, after it cools to room temperature.

            Tea tree is an effective treatment for acne.  Application especially reduces painful areas.  Drop on a clean cotton swab or sterile gauze.  Place directly on the acne once or twice daily.

            Tea tree may also be worn neat (undiluted) on warts, genital warts, herpes, corns, calluses, boils and burns to disinfect and reduce pain.  It can also be applied to athlete’s foot, ringworm and insect bite.

            Dilute Tea tree in water with10% alcohol to use as a mouthwash and gingivitis treatment.  Dilute 5 drops of Tea tree in 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of alcohol.  Do not use rubbing alcohol.  Use vodka, just swish, DON’T swallow.

            Tea tree has a very beneficial effect on the genito-urinary tract.  It treats acute and chronic cystitis, nonspecific urethritis, trichomonas and Candida infection.  For cystitis and urethritis, bathe in a sitz bath with 10 drops of Tea tree.  Soak 15 to 20 minutes.

            For Candida vaginal infections, dilute 5 drops of Tea tree in 1 and ½ cups of warm water.  Douche, holding the water inside the vaginal tract for 1 minute.  Repeat until the area is flushed with the remaining water.  Trichomonas have been treated by coating the top of a tampon with a 5% Tea tree salve daily for 10 days to 3 weeks.

            Barber’s rash is a fungus and can be treated 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 Lavendula

            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.

            Tea tree treats boils and abscesses without scarring.  I have used it successfully with staph, multi strain staph also.  Multi strain staph also requires antibiotic treatment to affect the internal infection.  Always seek medical advice.  When boils and abscesses occur, place 1 drop of Tea tree oil on sterile gauze and apply to the boil or abscess.  Do this before it bursts and it will disperse the pus without breaking the skin.  Repeat application 2 or 3 times daily.  Gauze, saturated with tea tree may also be applied overnight to severe boils and abscesses.  Change bed linens and towels daily.