The scientific name for tea tree oil is Melaleuca oil, which comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree commonly found in Australia. The trees were first known as the “Healing Tea Trees” in South Wales, Australia.

Background and History of Tea Tree Oil

The Aborigines discovered Tea Tree oil centuries ago and it was an ancient anecdote because of its healing properties. The Aborigine people dubbed the Melaleuca alternifolia trees the “healing trees”. They bathed in bodies of water near the trees that was concentrated with the oil and they called it “the healing waters” because of the medicinal purposes of this oil. The water was used to treat many aliments from sore muscles to serious diseases.

It wasn’t until 1770 that an explorer named Captain Cook discovered these trees and called them “Tea Trees.” He used the leaves to make a spicy refreshing tea that lead him to discover some the benefits of the tea trees. Then in 1920 a scientist by the name of Arthur Ramon Penfold came across the “Tea Trees” and did some experiments with the leaves and the oil. He found that this plant had properties that would help treat a number of aliments. His main use for the oil was as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent.

Medical Conditions Treated by Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil had earned a reputation of the “miracle healer” by the start of the Second World War. It was medically recognized to successfully treat may conditions including:

• Ear, nose and throat infections: tonsillitis, gingivitis, other throat irritations and minor ear infections etc.
• Gynecological infections: yeast infections, candida, thrush etc.
• Nail infections: paronychia, tinea, etc.
• Skin infections: eczema, psoriasis, ringworm etc.
• A wide range of contagious and non-contagious fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections (it was considered effective of pus-filled and dirty infections with its cleaning and deodorizing properties).
• Dental nerve capping and gum infections
• Hemorrhages, wounds and basic first aid etc.

Medical doctors and dentists have discovered uses for Tea Tree oil. This natural substance has proven to be an excellent alternative for all kinds of medicines and first aid treatments. Housewives could even take advantage of the many uses for Tea Tree oil. Its deodorizing and cleaning properties are very useful when it comes to removing oil-based stains from carpet and clothing. It can also remove crayon from walls and glue or sticker residue from various objects.