The Melaleuca Family -Tea Tree, Rosalina, Cajeput, Niaouli & Nerolina
The very large Melaleuca genus is part of the Myrtle family. There are 300 different varieties of Melaleucas. Tea Tree or Ti Tree (Latin name Melaleuca alternifolia) is the most well known of the Melaleuca family. It also one of the smallest in size; Tea Tree is a "shrubby" tree with narrow, leaves and a medicinal scent that really clears your sinuses. It was first called Tea Tree by Captain Cook in the 1770's. It has a long history of use by the Australian aboriginals. They would crush the Tea Tree leaves and inhale the essential oil to relieve headaches or use the leaves as a poultice to heal wounds. During World War II, Australian soldiers were given Tea Tree in their first aid kits due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. When diluted, Tea Tree may be useful for: · cuts and wounds · cold sores · colds, coughs and sinusitis. · skin rashes · Athletes foot · insect bites Tea Tree is very effective when cleaning your home especially your kitchen and bathrooms. It is also useful for cleaning yoga mats. Dilute well before topical use. When properly and well diluted, Tea Tree can be used in blends for young children. May irritate the skin in some people. Rosalina (Latin name Melaleuca ericifolia) also known as Lavender Tea Tree, is relatively new to the essential oil world. It is found growing along the coast of northern New South Wales and in swampy areas of northern Tasmania. Rosalina is a gentle essential oil, that is appropriate to use with young children and the elderly. This lighter almost floral scented essential oil is calming and relaxing due to its high linalool content. (Perfect for use in your diffuser at bedtime for the entire family). Consider using Rosalina for: · allergies and sinus congestion · acne and oily skin · Rosacea · Diaper rash Rosalina is also good to use for cleaning your home especially if you have younger children. Dilute well before topical use. *Rosalina may irritate the skin in some people. Cajeput (Latin name Melaleuca cajetputi) has a long history of use by the Australian aboriginals as well as the indigenous people of Malaysia. It has also been found growing in India and Vietnam. It is thought that all other species of Melaleucas evolved from Cajeput; It is a taller tree with thick, pointed leaves and white-ish, flaking bark. Cajeput was introduced to Europe by the Dutch in the 17th century. It smells medicinal and somewhat camphorous, similar to Eucalyptus; it may be helpful for: · sore throats, colds and sinus congestion · arthritic or muscular pain · oily skin · insect bites I find Cajeput warming so it is one of my favorites to use in blends for sore muscles and joint pain. Cajeput is used commercially in throat lozenges and gargles. Dilute well before topical use. Cajeput may irritate the skin and mucous membranes. For ages 5 & up. Niaouli (Latin name Melaleuca quinquenervia) is another of the many varieties of the melaleuca genus and is more closely related to Cajeput. The trees have peeling white bark and white bottle brush-like flowers and has a strong somewhat camphorous scent. Niaouli is native to the swampy areas of New South Wales in Australia and New Caledonia; It is now grown and steam distilled for commercial use in Madagascar, as well as Australia. Niaouli is useful for: · acne, boils and oily skin · Cuts and wounds · poor circulation · sinus congestion · upper respiratory issues Niaouli is used commercially in toothpaste, gargles, and cough drops and cough syrup for respiratory issues. Dilute well before topical use. Niaouli may irritate the skin. For ages 5 & up Nerolina (Latin name Melaleuca quinquenervia) is the Linalool/nerolidol chemtype of Niaouli and is the sweetest smelling of the Tee Tree type of oils. It has a floral undertone that smell like a combination of Lavender and Lilac. It is often used in cosmetics and perfumery. Most Nerolina is wild harvested though plantations are now being developed. It is found on the wetlands of eastern Australia, New Caledonia, and Papua, New Guinea. Nerolina is useful for: · shingles · insect bites · dry skin · stress · insomnia Nerolina is not as well known as other essential oils in the Melaleuca family. It is a lovely, versatile essential oil that is calming and relaxing and would be a good choice to use in your diffuser at bedtime for the entire family. I like to use it in my body products and diffuser blends. Dilute well before topical use. May irritate the skin in some people.
My Blog is for general information only & is not meant to diagnose or replace medical advice.
Essential Oils are for external use only & should always be diluted before topical use. My blog doesn't include all of the precautions or possible essential oil interactions that may occur.
References Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd ed. Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2004. Print. Davis, Patricia, Aromatherapy: An A-Z. London: Vermilion, 2005. Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-being. Updated Edition London: Thorsons, 2014. Robert, & Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingstone, 2014 Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Guide of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, MacMillan London, Ltd 1990, (And the updated version, 2016) https://www.teatreewonders.com/history-of-tea-tree-oil.html https://paperbarkoils.com.au/rosalinaoil https://www.raedunphy.ca/products/rosalina-melaleuca-ericifolia-paperbark.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/ https://www.sunrisebotanics.com/products/nerolina-essential-oil-australia?variant=410 https://monq.com/eo/essential-oils/nerolina/