The common name of Tea Tree is applied to many species of Leptospermum and Melaleuca that are plant groups (genera) within the gum tree (Eucalyptus family). The Lavender Tea Tree or Southern Rosalina has the botanic name Melaleuca ericifolia. The name Melaleuca comes from the ancient Greek melas, meaning dark and leukos, meaning white, because the first specimens seen had white paperbark type trunks that were singed with black from bushfires. Ericifolia means foliage that looks like that of an Erica bush.
The common name Lavender Tea Tree refers to the fact that the essential oil of this species has a distinct lavender note that goes with a more traditional eucalyptus like smell of the other components of the oil. The species is found along the Australian east coast but the Tasmanian populations have a distinctly different oil to the mainland forms, with a delightful fresh aroma.
This oil has a fresh, earthy, gentle lavender aroma and a mild Eucalyptus and Tea Tree scent. This oil can be used in a diffuser, oil burner or in the bath to release its relaxing, refreshing and calming aroma. This versatile oil can be used as a cleaning products in addition to the common use as an antiseptic for cuts and abrasions.
This plant has become widely known for the medicinal qualities of the honey that bees derive from the flowers. Pure Oils of Tasmania is bringing you the essential oil from the foliage of this remarkable member of the gum tree (Eucalyptus) family.
The botanic name, Leptospermum Scoparium derives from the Greek word Leptos, meaning slender, and sperma, meaning seed, a reference to the fine, linear shaped seeds. Scoparium means like a broom, a reference to the dense foliage that an early botanist envisaged as having broom-like qualities.
The essential oil from Manuka has similar properties to Eucalyptus oil as it shares a number of the same chemical components. It has an earthy fragrance that is useful for aromatherapy as well as respiratory ailments as a decongestant. It also supports the appearance of healthy-looking skin, reduces the appearance of blemishes, and is also antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, and a relaxant used directly on the skin, with a diffuser or in a bath. It is made from the same plant as Manuka honey, and it believed to share many of the same benefits (though used externally, of course).
WHAT IS TASMANIAN BLUE GUM?
Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
The Tasmanian blue gum is the floral emblem of the Australian state of Tasmania and here at Pure Oils of Tasmania we thought it deserved to be transformed into an iconic essential oil.
There are close to 1000 species of Eucalyptus, almost entirely in Australia, with each one having its own unique essential oil that is made up of many components. Eucalyptus has been harvested and distilled since the 19th century and acknowledged as a effective decongestant remedy for upper respiratory infections and inflammatory infections, such as bronchitis, as well as a topical ointment for aches, skin problems and even a complimenting and enhancing antibiotics use. There is considerable scientific research into the benefits of its use, especially when we are all seeking different options to treat illness or enhance existing medicines.