Introducing… Tea Tree Oil
There’s no denying it. Nature is amazing!
This aromatic shrub, native to New South Wales, produces a pale yellowy-green or water-white liquid which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties!
It has a variety of uses, from helping to clean and protect the skin to helping to maintain healthy hair and feet.
But don’t just take our word for it. By delving into the past you’ll find that this incredible plant has been used by the Aborigines for thousands of years and was even used by soldiers during World War II.
Introducing… Tea Tree Oil
The Aborigines have been using the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia – or Tea Tree – to heal themselves for thousands of years.
The antiseptic and antibacterial powers of this remarkable shrub were harnessed by the Bundjalung people (Aborigines) of eastern Australia.
They discovered that the leaves could be used in a number of ways.
It is also said that the Bundjalungs would boil the leaves into a health-giving brew and even bathed in a ‘magical’ lagoon surrounded by leaves which had fallen and macerated in the water.
The wonders of the Tea Tree remained a secret known only to the Bundjalung people until the 1770s when Captain James Cook began his exploration of eastern Australia.
Captain Cook discovers Tea Tree Oil
One of the greatest explorers of all time, Captain James Cook, found fame when he became the first man to chart New Zealand… but did you know he was also responsible for discovering Tea Tree Oil?
Legend has it that during his exploration of eastern Australia, Captain Cook came across the Bundjalung people who had been using the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) themselves for thousands of years.
Cook was amazed to see the indigenous Aboriginals boil the leaves into a health-giving brew, and bathe in a ‘magical’ lagoon of fallen leaves.
It was only when Cook tasted the special brew himself that he came up with a new name for this remarkable plant – tea tree!
Cook discovered Tea Tree Oil 230 years ago and it has been growing in popularity ever since.
To view our Australian Tea Tree range, please click here
Tea Tree Oil’s World War II victory
Did you know that because of its amazing antibacterial and antiseptic properties Australian soldiers and sailors were issued with a small bottle of Tea Tree Oil during World War II?
Tea Tree Oil – no modern home should be without it
The first proper research into the antiseptic properties of Tea Tree Oil was carried out in the early 1920s by Australian chemist, Dr Arthur Penfold.
Dr Penfold demonstrated that 100% pure Tea Tree Oil was more than ten times stronger than phenol, the traditionally used antiseptic of the time. The popularity of Tea Tree Oil spread and it quickly became a trusted household antiseptic.
Today, however, Tea Tree Oil is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as people look to natural alternatives to the harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients often found in health and beauty products.
No modern home should be without it. To view how Australian Tea Tree has used this magical oil as a basis for all our products in the range click here.
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