Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil is one of the most widely researched oils and has a number of proven properties.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Aroma

Strong pine, camphorous, tea tree scent

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Benefits

Due to its strong scent its known as a good combatant of offensive odours, kills headlice, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Uses

Can be used as a deodorant, in soaps or moisturizers, medicinal applications, skin care, hair care, blends and cosmetic uses.

The plant can reach up to 7m tall with white flowers and thin green leaves.

Location: Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

The formation of oil-swollen micelles and oil droplets depended on the tea tree oil concentration. Their physicochemical properties such as size, turbidity, zeta potential and fluidity were investigated. Oil droplets are physically unstable since they undergo a gradual transition to oil-swollen micelles under storage. The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil in free and encapsulated forms was compared. In this study, we investigated the influence of tea tree oil (TTO) on the formation and physicochemical properties of colloidal systems stabilized by the nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80.

Ferreira L. Rogério L. Minharro, S. Alonso, A. (2016) On the formation, physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of colloidal systems containing tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil, Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, Vol.497, pp.271-279

The aim of this study is to compare the use of plant-based insect repellents that are environment friendly with the use of insect repellents based on chemical substances which can be harmful to the environment and human health. The plant studied here is 'tea tree'; its scientific name is Melaleuca alternifolia. Essential oil from this plant is extracted by steam distillation method. Based on the previous research, tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and insect repellent properties. Some experiments were done on tea tree oil to determine its insect repellent properties and the suitable concentration that can be used to make sure its repelling effect is optimum. The purpose of this determination is to avoid its harmful effect on humans because it can be toxic if it is used at high concentration.

Mohamad A. Awang S. Muhammad S. Muhammad S. (2016) Insect Repellent Properties of Melaleuca alternifolia, Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine, Vol.2, pp.57-61