
Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves. Why Do People Use Tea Tree Oil? Tea tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, & infections by crushing the leaves & applying them to the affected area. Tea tree oil contains consituents called terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic & antifungal activity. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant & is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity. Tea tree oil is active against all three categories of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi & viruses. Tea tree oil is a very powerful immuno-stimulant. It increases the immunity of the body against bacteria, fungi & viruses. The immuno-stimulant action of Tea Tree is perhaps its most important property. This property is very useful in the treatment of debilitating illnesses such as glandular fever, & for people who repeatedly succumb to infections or who are very slow to recover from any illness. It is one of the most important oils for helping people who are HIV positive.