Tea tree oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. This indigenous tree is found only in tropical northeastern New South Wales Australia. The name tea tree was given by Captain Cook during his exploration of Australia during the 1700s. After running out of tea on his voyage, he found a fragrant plant and brewed the leaves into a spicy beverage and named these plants, tea trees.
Tea tree oil is both powerful and safe. It is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The Aboriginal people of New South Wales have used the tea tree plant medicinally for thousands of years. In the early 1900s, tea tree oil was readily used by dentist and surgeons as a disinfectant and for incisions. Dentist also used tea tree oil for gingivitis, bleeding gums and infection. During World War II, tea tree oil was included in the first aid kits of medics. It was poured on wounds to prevent infection. It was also used very successfully to heal wounds that were already infected. They were amazed to find that this powerful germicide dissolved pus without damaging the surrounding tissue.
The beauty of tea tree oil is that it penetrates deep...