The Bundjalung Aborigines in the northern region of New South Wales have probably been aware of the special properties of the tea tree leaves for several centuries. These were used by the Aborigines as infusions and poultices – usually after soaking them for a long time in water. But it was not until James Cook prepared tea from the leaves that this miracle tree became known outside Australia in 1770. This is also how it got its name "Tea Tree."

The essential oil was distilled for the first time in 1925 and over the years it developed into a universal household remedy in Australia with a variety of applications. Even today it can be found in most Australian households!

Only around 30 of the over 200 Melaleuca types that exist in the world today – belonging to the myrtle family – are native to Australia and only one – the Melaleuca alternifolia, Terpinen-4-ol type – has the special properties. This species – growing in the hot and humid Australian climate – is extraordinary robust and resistant to diseases and is itself not prone to fungal growth under such extreme climatic conditions. The essential oil is produced by steam distillation using the leaves of this tree that is harvested every 15 to 18 months and grows again immediately.

The findings gathered on the active ingredients of this oil are reflected in the ISO standard that stipulates a minimum of 30% for Terpinen-4-ol. The percentage of cineol in tea tree oil is specified here as a maximum of 5%.

Cosmetic products that contain genuine Australian tea tree oil, such as creams, shampoos, shower gels, foot sprays and pimple dappers, also have excellent properties.

Therefore, in addition to pure Australian tea tree oil, the following Tebamol^® tea tree oil products are also available as cosmetics exclusively in pharmacies.