The Fresh Scent
of Niaouli Essential Oil

Niaouli oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is distilled from a tree, the "Meleleuca" genus, of which tea tree is also a member. Niaouli oil is similar to tea tree in general scent, but the clear liquid has a strong, fresh, sweet-camphoraceous yet cooling odor, lighter and sweeter than tea tree. It is also reminiscent of eucalyptus oil and cardamom oil, but less spicy than cardamom.

The Origin of Niaouli Oil

This large evergreen tree is native to Australia, New Caledonia and the French Pacific Islands and has a flexible trunk, spongy bark, pointed linear leaves and spikes of sessile yellowish flowers.

Because the falling leaves covering the ground act as a strong disinfectant, it makes for a healthy environment, and it also purifies water. It was assigned its botanical name in 1788 during Captain Cook's voyage and was historically used in French hospital obstetric wards because of its antiseptic properties. It is still a popular ingredient for toothpaste and mouth sprays.

Extraction

Niaouli oil is extracted from the young leaves and twigs by steam distillation.

Precautions

Niaouli oil is considered a safe oil, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of niaouli oil are analgesic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, bactericidal, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, stimulant, vermifuge and vulnerary.

Uses

Niaouli oil helps to increase concentration and clears the head, while lifting the spirits. Since it has wonderfully antiseptic properties, it is most useful to fight infections such as colds, fevers, flu, chest infections, bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough, asthma, sinusitis, sore throats, catarrh and laryngitis.

It furthermore is useful against enteritis, dysentery, intestinal parasites, cystitis and urinary infection and to relieve the pain of rheumatism and neuralgia.

As a disinfectant, niaouli oil is valuable for washing wounds to clear up ulcers, acne, blemishes, boils, burns, cuts, insect bites, as well as acting as a decongestant on oily skin.

Summary

Niaouli oil's great benefit lies in its disinfecting properties, to fortify the body against infections, to tone the digestive system and to assist in any infection on the skin.

Burners and vaporizers

• In vapor therapy, niaouli oil can help with stimulating concentration and clearing the head, fighting infections, toning the digestive system and relieving pain.

• In a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, it is of great use to fight infections, relieving pain, toning the digestive system and sorting out skin infections.

• In a cream or lotion it is great to clear up inflamed problems, such as acne, boils, ulcers, burns, cuts and insect bites. It also helps to clear away congestion in an oily skin.

Niaouli oil blends well with

Although most essential oils blend well with one another, Niaouli oil blends particularly well with coriander, fennel, juniper, lavender, lime, pine and peppermint.