Tea Tree is a species f the paperbark tree.  This tree is found on the sub-tropical coast of New South Wales and parts of Queensland, Australia where it has long had a history of use as one of nature’s most potent antiseptics.

Aboriginal tribes used poultices of the leaves on wounds and cuts and smoked leaves to clear congestion f the respiratory and nasal tract.  Tea Tree oil remains to this day as one of aromatherapy’s most powerful ingredients when fighting bacteria, fungi, viruses and yeast.

The name tea tree was first noted by Captain Cook in his ‘Voyage towards the South Pole and Around the World 1771-5’.  It was again recognised later by Arthur Penfold, a New South Wales chemist in 1923 for its antiseptic and low toxic properties.  In the World War II it was issued to Australian soldiers but its use declined with the advent of antibiotics.  From the 1970’s it experienced a revival and is now to be found in many a first aid kit for cuts, grazes and bites.

Tea Tree taken via steam inhalation can relieve sore throats, chest infections and sinusitis.  For the treatment of cystitis and Candida albicans which causes thrush add a few drops to the bath.  For acne dab undiluted oil on the affected area or use diluted as a skin tonic.  For bites, sting, cold sores and cuts apply neat.  For athletes foot, callouses, smelly feet and corns add 5 to 10 drops to a foot bath daily and soak the feet.  Cool minor burns with cold water and then apply the oil neat.