Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odour and a colour that ranges from pale yellow to nearly colourless and clear. It is from the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The essential oil is obtained from the distillation of the leaves. Tea tree oil contains two major constituents: 1,8-cineole and terpinen-4-ol, which have insecticidal activity, possibly due to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. A 1% tea tree oil solution was found to kill 100% of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) within 30 minutes, in vitro.
Key Benefits
Insecticidal activity
Helpful for
Eradicating Head Lice
Holistic Hair products containing this ingredient