June 2004
The
Tea Tree I grow, of the Leptospermum variety, produces a
truly beautiful floral show when the tree hits full bloom.
Commonly referred to as Tea-tree, Leptospermum is distributed
in Australia, South East Asia (i.e. the Malay peninsula,
Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Philippines, Sulawesi, Thailand, Flores,
Moluccas, southern Burma and New Guinea) and New Zealand.
I live in Los Angeles and it grows very well here, but I
can't say I've ever really sen it growing anywhere else in
the US. Ours are in pots, and that's been a little tricky.
Lack of water is the easiest way to kill them they do not
wilt, but go from healthy to dead pretty quickly--like over
night. We lost one that way, because even though we were
watering, the root ball was not getting sufficiently moist.
But
of the nearly 300 varieties of tea tree - only one produces
the medicinal oil, Sir Joseph Banks, the famous botanist
on Captain Cooks Endeavour" named
the paperbark trees around Botany Bay "Tea Tree",
thinking the
fine, almost weeping, leaves might provide a substitute for
brewing tea and help prevent scurvy in his men. Little did
he know that instead they would provide one of the most healing,
natural antiseptics known to man, and today, tea trees would
be increasingly popular.
Melaleuca
alternifolia, or Australian tea tree as it is more commonly
known, is a large myrtle tree native to Australian coastal
area. Tea tree oil, a clear liquid with a pleasant eucalyptus-like
scent is steam-distilled from the leaves of the tea tree.
In one study, tea tree oil inhibited 11 different bacteria,
including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (which infects wounds),
Esherichia coli (a dangerous pathogen in wounds) and staphylococcus
(which causes boils and abscesses). In fact, there have been
studies that show that creams and washes made from tea tree
oil are just as effective as powerful antibiotics at killing
off the 'hospital superbug', MRSA,
a penicillin- resistant Staph infection. Score
one for the natives. Zero for the pharmaceutical companies,
although needless to say, you won't find that study being widely
published.
Tea
Tree oil is promoted for the treatment of many skin problems
and to control external parasites. Tea Tree oil lotions,
shampoos and wipes are readily available from pet stores.
In humans, it has even been used in dentistry. Many cat
owners claim to use Tea Tree oil without any adverse effect,
however, there have been reports from the US that Tea Tree
oil is toxic, to cats. An American expert in the use of essential
oils (who has used Tea Tree oil successfully to treat skin
infections in cats) recommends that the oil should not be
used where the cat can lick it off. And some animals, like
my dog, have a skin sensitivity to essential oils, so it's
best to consult your vet before using this kind of thing
on your pet. But tea tree oil is something you want in your
First aid Kit. Tea tree oil can be used for infections and
sores on mucous membranes, such as canker sores. It's a good
gargle for sore throats.
Its strong antibacterial & antifungal properties make it
a great treatment for topical acne, athlete's foot and toenail
fungus. (Just paint it on the affected area two or three
times a day.) A 10 percent solution is great for rinsing
and cleaning infected wounds, as well as being a good treatment
for lice.
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