Description:
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) also known as melaleuca oil, is native to Australia. Tea tree oil was first extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia in Australia, and this species remains the most important commercially. During 1970-1980, commercial plantations began to produce large quantities of tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia. Latter on tea tree was cultivated in Tunisia, Egypt, Malaysia, Vietnam, United States and other countries.

This essential oil is extracted from leaves and terminal branches by steam distillation. The yield of oil is from 1 to 2% of wet plant material by weight. The major constituents of tea tree essential oil are Terpinen-4-ol (32.0–48.0%), γ-terpinene (12–28%), α-terpinene (5.0–12.0%), 1,8-Cineole (0–10%).

In perfumery, it is used as a middle note

Odor profile:
Fresh, woody, earthy, and herbaceous

Major Constituents:
Terpinene-4-ol, γ-Terpinene, α-Terpinene, 1,8-Cineole, Terpinolene, α-Pinene, α-Terpineol, δ-Cadinene, ρ-Cymene, Aromadendrene, Limonene, Sabinene.

Application:
~ The antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil are because of the higher amount of terpinen-4-ol, which helps in the clearance of bronchial congestion; and also effective in asthma, coughs, sinusitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis, antifungal.
~ It acts as an anticancer activity in humans Anti-inflammatory, Psoriasis.
~ In industrial products this oil is used in Cream or lotion, Mouthwash, Shampoos and Shaving creams, etc.

Aromatherapy:
Tea Tree Essential Oil is usually blended with massage oil, in the bath, Burners and vaporizers, Diffuser. It is also extensively used for Inhalation for the treatment of Cold Sores, Flu, Itching, , skin pain, Dermatitis and Burn treatment, etc.