Tea tree oil is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. It is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca sylvestris of the Myrtaceae. It is originally produced in Australia. It is colorless to light yellow liquid, with characteristic aroma and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent and acaricidal effects. It causes no pollution, no corrosion, and has strong permeability. It can treat acne. Its unique fragrant smell helps to refresh the mind.
“Tea tree oil” is a commercial name. It is called Melaleuca alterniflora oil in botany because it mainly comes from several plants of the Myrtaceae and Melaleuca genus, especially Melaleuca alterniflora, followed by Melaleuca alba. The main components of Melaleuca alterniflora are p-men-1-ol-4–1, 8-cineole, etc. The colorless to light yellow essential oil can be obtained by steam distillation of fresh branches and leaves.
Melaleuca alterniflora oil is a light yellow-green or almost water-white flowing liquid, with a warm spicy aroma, with aromatic terpenoid aromas, similar to the aromas of doukou, adzuki bean and sweet oregano, but the aroma of terpenes and terpineol is more prominent. The flavor of the essential oil is warm and aromatic, with some burnt and spicy aroma, but it has a freshness and a touch of camphor, which is slightly bitter.
Since Melaleuca alterniflora oil has the above-mentioned fragrance and taste, it can be used in men’s spicy cologne, aftershave, etc. in the daily fragrance industry. It is mixed with miscellaneous lavender oil, isobornyl acetate, clove oil, rosemary oil, oakmoss products, cananga oil, amyl salicylate, coumarin, geraniol and nerol, etc. It is good, so it is more convenient to use in flavoring. It is also used for adulteration of myatmeal oil and sweet oregano oil.
The discovery of tea tree oil
In 1770, when British Captain Cook landed on an expedition in Australia on a voyage, he discovered that the local Maori picked a strong-smelling leaf to make tea, so he called this plant “tea tree”. At the same time, Maori worked in the field accidentally. After cutting, he immediately took off the wild tea leaves and smashed them. Putting the smashed tea leaves on the affected area would heal quickly. They would also smoke and burn the tea leaves to relieve congestion. Captain Cook was very curious. He collected a lot of tea leaves locally and brought them back to the UK for analysis and research by chemists. This was the beginning of human research on tea tree essential oil in a scientific manner and attitude.
In the 1920s, scientific research on tea tree oil began. During the Second World War, tea tree oil was issued to Australian soldiers for the treatment of skin injuries. All studies have shown that tea tree oil has disinfectant properties and can effectively inhibit many ubiquitous pathogenic cells and molds.
The medical application of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant, which is of great help in treating many diseases and wounds. Such as cuts, abrasions, insect bites, acne, burns, vaginal infections, ringworm, etc. It is also used to control bacteria and mold in air conditioning systems. Australian tea tree oil is widely used in cosmetics, toiletries and veterinary products. The concentration of tea tree oil is about 15%, and it is used directly by consumers as a disinfectant.
Generally speaking, for 100% pure tea tree oil, the proportion of subjects who have skin irritation and allergy is below 3.4%, and almost no one is allergic to tea tree oil with a concentration of less than 25%. The ingredients that cause allergies are mainly p-cymene and 1,4-peroxy p-menthene (ascaridole). Tea tree oil stored for a long time and improperly stored will cause the oil to oxidize, reduce its quality, and produce allergic para-isopropyl toluene and 1,4-peroxy para-menthene. The relevant authorities in Australia are actively doing their work, hoping that the US FDA and relevant authorities in other European countries will accept tea tree oil as a safe disinfectant.
The other application oftea tree oil
Tea tree oil is used in personal care products (hair care, body care, foot wash, soap, antibacterial hand sanitizer, breath freshener and oral care products), health products (first aid lotion, antiseptic, burn care, antifungal, Mold), can play a role in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, anti-quiet, anti-itch, tea tree oil has entered the US Food and Drug Administration “FDA” procurement list.
Tea tree oil has been used and potentially useful products include: agricultural fungicides, sanitary disinfectants, preservatives, air fresheners, air-conditioning disinfectants, anti-acne (acne) cleansing creams, creams, water, bath cleaners, automobiles cleaners, carpet deodorants, fresheners, tableware cleaners, face, body, foot cleaners, fresheners, moisturizers, deodorants, shampoos, pet hygiene products, etc.
Food field: As for the use of tea tree oil as a food spice, it has long been approved by the United States, and its FEMA number is 3902. It is used in baked goods, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, breakfast cereals, cheese, chewing gum, candy, egg products, fish products, fats, frozen dairy products, fruit products, instant coffee, tea, meat products, dairy products, nut products, grains. The average depth of use in products, etc. is 10ppm, and the average maximum concentration is 30–50ppm.
Beauty industry: It can completely remove excess oil secretion, adjust the balance of water and oil, and help eliminate acne, prevent acne and accelerate healing. It provides moisture to the skin and strengthens its delicate repair ability, promotes smooth skin, and makes pores healthier and finer.