
Paperbark Tree in March Photo by John Leung
Scented Paperbark Print by Graham Palmer
The Paperbark Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), is a narrow-leaved tea-tree, which is a species of tree or tall shrub in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. The Tea Tree is a small tree or shrub with needle-like leaves. It can grow up to 7 meters (20 feet) in height and thrives in marshy areas, though it is now cultivated in plantations. The Tea Tree is very robust; it is ready for cutting only two years after its’ previous harvest.
In Australia an Apothecary Tea Tree Oil is extracted from the leaves of this tree, which is native to Australia. The aboriginal people of Australia have long used Tea tree oil. The Aborigines would bathe in medicinal pools of water where the tea tree leaves had naturally settled.

In World War Two, the producers and the cutters of Tea Tree were exempt from military service until enough essential oil had been accumulated. The oil was a highly valued product as it was issued to each soldier and sailor as part of their kit in order to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.

Contemporary Uses: Tea Tree Essential Oil is best known as a very powerful immune stimulant. It can help to fight all three categories of infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses), and there is evidence that Tea Tree Oil massages prior to an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post-operative shock. Used in vapor therapy, Tea Tree Oil can help with colds, measles, sinusitis and viral infections. For skin and hair, Tea Tree has been used to combat acne, oily skin, head lice, dandruff, toenail fungus, yeast infections, skin tags, cold sores, dandruff, and ringworm.
The Apothecary Extract Tea Tree Oil is packaged in a dark amber glass bottle with euro style dropper. Australian Tea Tree Oil Industry Association. It is 100% pure and unadulterated. No fillers, additives, bases or carriers added. The steam distilled oil is a colorless to pale yellow, clear liquid which has a fresh, antiseptic and medicinal scent. It also has characteristic mint and spice back-notes. For those interested in Aroma Therapy, the Tea Tree Oil blends well with: Cinnamon Bark, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Rosemary and Thyme.

Tea tree oil can be used to make shampoo, lotion, soap, face cleaner, and body wash. I am moving away from harsh chemical cleansers and like the idea of using natural cleaners in the house as much as possible, so I welcome the idea for using the essential oils as household cleaners . Every purchase comes with a FREE eBook 53+ Uses for Tea Tree Oil.

I received this product in return for my honest opinion about the product via Brand Backer and Apothecary Extracts. All opinions are my own.