Lemon Scented Tea Tree Range

In certified organic cultivation no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides are used. Organic farmers also compost, use crop rotation, hand weed and utilize other specific preparations to enhance the growth of the plants.

Our Organic Indulgence Lemon Scented Tea Tree range contains pure essential oils, organic oils, organic floral waters, organic herbal blends, ayurveda, natural cosmetics and other aromatherapy products.

Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) is just one of 300 Melaleuca trees that grow in Australia. The native Aborigines learned to make the most of the variety of the vegetation around them. One tribe, the Bundjalung, lived along the south east coast of Australia, constantly wandering the hilly, forested land. For thousands of years they repeatedly returned to a certain valley they called "Bungawalbyn,"or "Healing Ground." They gathered the leaves of the special trees that grew in the swamps of the Bungawalbyn, which they brewed into a tea used as a remedy for various ailments. When Captain James Cook explored the east coast of Australia in 1770, he observed the natives brewing the leaves of these trees, and he coined the name "Tea Trees." Impressed by the Aborigines enthusiasm for the tea, he gathered leaves for the use of his crew on the remainder of their voyages. Science has since confirmed the Australian Aborigines' belief that there was something special about the trees - it's oil!

Thick stands of these pungent trees grow along the watercourses and in the swampy areas. The different species look very similar, growing about 20 feet tall with paper-like bark and smooth, narrow leaves resembling pine needles. The alternifolia species is distinct because it's leaves are staggered along each side of the stem. This alternating pattern is what gives it the name alternifolia. It is a hardy tree with an extensive root system; it grows rapidly, and it naturally resists pests and disease. Trees are harvested at the height of the summer growing season, which in Australia, is December through May. Oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. Heat bursts the oil-filled cells in the leaves, and the oil is collected, filtered and checked for quality. Though other species of trees produce similar oils, scientific research indicates that only the pure oil of Melaleuca alternifolia yields the desired therapeutic properties.

In the 1920s Dr. A. R. Penfold, a researcher for the Australian government, studied the properties of the oil of the Melaleuca tree and discovered it was a powerful antiseptic. It was almost 13 times stronger than the most commonly used antiseptic of the day, carbolic acid, the oil was non irritating. When it was applied to wounds, it killed germs and eradicated infection, yet it did not harm the healthy tissue. In fact, it proved to work more effectively on living tissue than in laboratory test tubes. The safety and effectiveness of this amazing compound encouraged Penfold and other contemporary researchers to test it in many different areas. They first reported that, as a natural antiseptic and disinfectant the oils helped heal wounds, abscesses and boils by penetrating below the skin. They stated it was also effective on skin diseases, such as psoriasis and impetigo, and fungal conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and fingernail and toenail infections. As the focus of their studies expanded, they reported that the oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia eased gynecological conditions, helped get rid of head lice, and relieved nasal congestion when the vapors were inhaled. These are evergreen shrubs and trees, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, with a few species from Malaysia. The leaves of L. manuka were used for brewing tea by the sailors from the Endeavour and by the early settlers, hence the common name, tea-tree.

The trees bear pretty, five-petalled flowers in colours from white and soft pinks to dark red. The flowers have an abundance of nectar which attracts bees and birds. Tea-trees provide brilliant winter colour and shelter for birds, compact forms may be planted as hedges. They are grown commercially for their essential oils and for timber, valued for its strength.

How to grow:

Tea-trees grow best in sandy loam, but do well in almost any except alkaline soils. Good drainage is needed and a sunny position will improve flowering. Fertilise with blood and bone or slow-release pellets. Scale insects and webbing caterpillars can be a problem. Cut plants back hard at least once a year, preferably early in summer; provide ample water in hot weather. Propagate from cuttings, taken with heels, in late summer to early autumn and place in a sandy peat mix. Pot as cuttings strike and give plenty of water. They should flower in around eight months (at about 30cm in height). (pic: Nanum Rubrum)

Where to grow:

Various species suit a wide climatic range.

Lemon Scented Tea Tree

L. petersonii: lemon-scented tea-tree, is a fast-growing shrub or small tree from eastern Australia, to 5m, with highly scented leaves and white flowers in spring and early summer. It is grown commercially for oil.
A tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar to cypress, with heads of sessile pale flowers.

Common Names

• Lemon Cajeput Tree
• Melaleuca Lemon Scented
• Lemon Manuka
• Lemon Scented Tea Tree

Botanical Name:

L. petersonii, Melaleuca alternifolia

Country of Origin:

Australia

Parts Used:

Leaves and Twigs

Extraction:

Steam

RESEARCH

Antiseptic properties - Tea tree essential oil was first researched in 1923 in Australia. Since the 1960s it has been intensively investigated, and its antiseptic properties are well established. Clinical trials, mainly in Australia, have shown that tea tree is effective at treating a broad range of infectious conditions, notably fungal and skin problems such as vaginal yeast infections, acne, and warts.

Active constituents - One of the most important constituents is known to be terpinen-4-ol, which is significantly antiseptic and well tolerated by the skin. The oil also contains cineol, which can irritate the skin. The cineol content varies -poor- quality oil has more than 10%; in some cases up to 65%.

Properties

Antirheumatic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insect repellent, rubefacient, stimulant (nerves, uterus and heart muscles), tonic, vermifuge.

Cautions

Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals.

Details of Oil

A pale yellowy-green or water-white mobile liquid with a warm fresh, spicy-camphoraceous odour.

 Lavender Scented Tea Tree

History:
A small tree grown in Australia around Northern Tasmania, Southern Victoria and along the coast of NSW. Melaleuca ericafolia (Lavender Tea Tree) was first identified in the 1950's and was made popular by Dr Daniel Penoel, a French aromatic doctor, through his years of research. He recently published "Natural Home Care Using Essential Oils" where he documents not only Melaleuca ericafolia but also other native Australian oils.

Our grower's information sheets state:
A gentle, aromatic, cleansing oil. It has similar broad spectrum antimicrobial activity to Pharmaceutical Grade Tea Tree Oil in controlling bacteria, yeast and fungi. The aroma is described as fresh, floral and reminiscent of lavender with rosy back-notes. Lavender Tea Tree oil is produced by the steam distillation of the leaves and branchlets.

Lavender Tea Tree is grown in sustainable plantations, which are GMO free.

Product Name:

Lavender Tea Tree

Botanical Name:

Melaleuca ericafolia

Applications:

Lavender Tea Tree Oil is a versatile natural ingredient for a range of cosmetic, personal care and household applications.

Appearance:

A pale yellow to yellow clear mobile liquid

Properties:

• Antimicrobial
• Relaxing and calming effect for aromatherapy
• Deodorising
• Preservation enhancer
• Fresh floral-lavender style aroma