“For thousands of years the native Aborigines of Australia have used the leaves of the Tea Tree to cure various ailments. Early in this century, doctors and scientists began to realize that the natural oil contained in the leaves had incredible halting properties. Over the last 75 years, considerable research has been done, and Tea Tree is finally being recognized as an extremely effective curative for a wide range of medical conditions.” (Mackenzie, That Amazing Tea Tree Oil)
Tea Tree oil, an essential healing oil, takes its name from the botanical Melaleuca Alternifolia, (not Melaleuca Quinquinerva, the species brought into the Everglades her in Florida.) We can thank Captain James Cook and his botanist, Joseph Banks, in the late 18th century, for using the leaves for brewing a tea, and drinking the essence. It was not until the 1920’s however that the Chief Chemist at the Museum of Applied Technology in Australia, Arthur Penfold, extracted the oil and recognized its antibacterial and antifungal, hence healing, properties.
In 1930, the Medical Journal of Australia published findings of Dr. E.M. Humphrey who was encouraged by the way that the oil dissolved pus and left surrounding areas clean (Humphrey, E.M. Medical Journal of Australia I 417-418, 1930) He urged the dental industry “to take seriously the antiseptic properties for gums and the mouth”. He also noted that when added to soap it would make the soap up to 60 times more effective against Typhoid bacilli than the so called disinfectant soaps. These findings excited both the scientific and medical communities and further research was funded. Subsequent articles were published in the Journal of National Medicine and the British Medical Journal.
From diabetic gangrene in man to other diseases, Tea Tree Oil was known as a “safe, effective, non-toxic, non-irritant, antiseptic disinfectant.” (Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 18, 274-275, 1937)
By the start of World War II, Melaleuca Alternifolia had earned its reputation as a miracle healer — one that was medically recognized world-wide for the successful treatment of conditions including:
- Ear, nose and throat infections
- Gynecological infections, like Candida
- Nail infections
- Skin infections
- Dental nerve capping
- Hemorrhages, wounds, and first aid
- Many and varied veterinary applications
Why was such an incredible discovery put aside? The answer is simple; the discovery and popularity of penicillin. Science rejoiced that it had finally triumphed over nature – or so it seemed. Modern medicine, built on synthetic chemicals, reigned over natural medicine…for a while.
A heightened awareness of over-exposure to synthetic chemicals has consumers demanding options. With a 75 year history as a safe effective antiseptic, tea tree oil stands unparalleled as a natural alternative. Among its properties are its antibacterial, antifungal nature, its ability to soothe as it heals and of course, its ability to clean as a solvent.
For over 17 years, an INC 500 company has built its business around versatile, cutting-edge wellness products; many which utilize a standard of tea tree oil unavailable anywhere else. Customers simply order, by phone or internet, replacements for those everyday products which may contain toxic chemicals. The company manufactures everything in the U.S. and offers 300 non-toxic product replacements in 5 divisions: personal care, nutrition, designer skin care, pharmaceuticals and ecosense home care.
If the prospect of a non-toxic lifestyle is attractive to you and if preventing disease is a focus of your life, consider simply switching stores. Here’s to your health!
This article was written by Cynthia Villari Mitchell, M.Ed. in 2002. She is currently the owner of Time for What Matters, and consultants with individuals and businesses on a local and national level with “an eye on your health” – physical, financial, personal and environmental.
