Coastal Tea Tree is a unique variety of the myrtle family and when we sampled this new essential oil while visiting Flinders Island, we were mesmerised by its sweet, citrus and earthy scent. 

Many people are put off by traditional Tea Tree, as it has quite a harsh, medicinal scent.

Coastal Tea Tree is very different. It is beautifully refreshing and has a much softer aroma, while retaining many of the traditional therapeutic benefits of Tea Tree. We are sure you will agree with us when you try it!

About Coastal Tea Tree Oil

Leptospermum laevigatum is a species of shrub that is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It has thin, rough bark on the older stems, narrow egg-shaped leaves, relatively large white flowers and flat-topped fruit that is shed after reaching maturity.

Coastal Tea Tree is steam distilled from the leaves of the Leptospermum laevigatum trees¹ and is one of the most unique additions to our Australian Natives Collection.

Although it isn’t as widely known as its Leptospermum cousins, such as Manuka and Lemon Tea Tree, the oil distilled from its leaves is aromatically much more pleasant than traditional Tea Tree  - with a sweet, earthy scent - while still demonstrating a lot of its traditional therapeutic uses.

Sustainably wild-harvested in small quantities on the pristine coastal dunes of Flinders Island, Coastal Tea Tree is still very new to the aromatherapy scene and only produced in small quantities. We are excited to be one of the first companies to include Coastal Tea Tree in our essential oil range!

“Tea tree will take you beyond any points of difference, raise your tolerance level and encourage you to see the bigger picture. Tea tree builds confidence and a strong sense of integrity that also helps to develop robust immunity and inner containment” -Robbi Zeck, The Blossoming Heart²

Like traditional Tea Tree, Coastal Tea Tree offers antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties³. It is wonderful to pop a few drops in your diffuser to help with upper respiratory complaints, or dilute in a base oil and apply to bites, stings or other sites in need of healing.

Essential Oil Facts

Botanical Name: Leptospermum laevigatum

Common Name: Coastal Tea Tree, Tasmanian Tea Tree, Australian Myrtle, Coast Tea Tree

Family: Myrtaceae

Extraction Method: Steam distilled from the freshly cut leaf and branchlets

Note: Middle

Strength of Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Scent: Sweet and earthy Australian bush aroma with a fresh, woody and light citrus background²

Typical Chemical Composition Range: alpha-pinene (22-37%), α-terpinene (0-8%), limonene (5-20%), α-amorphene (1-15%), ỽ-amorphene (0.10%), elemol (0.5-10%), α-epi-cadinol (0-10%), α- + β-eudesmol (4-15%)²

6 Uses of Coastal Tea Tree Oil

The essential oil from Coastal Tea Tree has a well-rounded terpene profile due to its composition which contains constituents such as alpha-pinene, eudesmols, limonene and elemol, to name a few³. These compounds have a range of beneficial properties.

Coastal Tea Tree is also great to use in therapeutic settings, such as day spas, massage rooms and health practices for overall well being, reducing stress and improving respiratory function³.

Here are some of our favourite ways to use Coastal Tea Tree Essential Oil.

1) Clear and Cleanse

Both traditional and Coastal Tea Tree have the compounds within the oils that make them effective as antibacterial and antiviral agents, making this a great oil to diffuse during the winter months.

Combine Coastal Tea Tree with Kunzea Oil in an aroma diffuser to create a powerful Tasmanian blend for clearing and cleansing the atmosphere.

Another great way to get the benefits of Coastal Tea Tree, is to add a couple of drops to hot water, place a towel over the head, and inhale to clear the sinuses and nasal congestion.

2) Stress and Tension

For stress and anxiety, blend Coastal Tea Tree with Tasmanian Lavender, bringing the true essence of two vibrant  essential oils together to heal and balance, physically and emotionally.

An individual being treated for a psychological condition may benefit from the added olfactory-limbic exposure to this gently pungent, sweet, aromatic fragrance to calm the mind and nervous system⁴.

3) Fungal Infections

Coastal Tea Tree can be used for its antifungal properties⁴. 

For a fungal infection of the feet or toes, add two drops of Coastal Tea Tree with our Kunzea Bath Salts and soak feet. After drying feet, massage one drop of Coastal Tea Tree Oil and one drop of Kunzea Oil directly onto the site of the fungal infection.

4) Skin Irritations

The medicinal potential of the paperbarks were recognised by Indigenous people who have traditionally used the leaves to prepare for steam inhalations, but also used the crushed leaves of the Tea Tree to mix a mud poultice and apply to injuries and skin infections⁴.

Add a couple of drops of Coastal Tea Tree to warm water, soaking a cotton gauze, and then dabbing to the affected area to treat cuts, wounds, insect bites or blisters. One drop may also be applied neat to help heal acne.

5) Natural Deodorant

The antibacterial benefits and aromatic quality of Coastal Tea Tree makes it a great choice to use as a natural deodorant or aftershave. It may help control underarm odour related to perspiration, while also having an aroma that is sweet and earthy.

Mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a double boiler. Remove from the heat once melted and stir in 3 tablespoons of baking powder with 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder. Stir in a few drops of Coastal Tea Tree and then place in a clean jar with an airtight lid or a deodorant container. 

6) Multi-Purpose Cleaner

With its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Coastal Tea Tree is a chemical-free alternative to store-bought cleaning products - with a much better smell!

An example multi-purpose spray can be made combining the following ingredients in a spray bottle:

• 2 cups x Distilled Water
• 1 cup x White Vinegar 
• 20 drops x Lemon Ironbark
• 20 drops x Coastal Tea Tree
• 20 drops x Sweet Orange
• Solubiliser such as Polysorbate 20 or Solubol

Be careful using vinegar on porous surfaces such as granite and marble (always patch test first!)

Blending with Coastal Tea Tree

Coastal Tea Tree has a sweet, earthy scent, and blends well with many essential oils - particularly Australian Natives such as Kunzea, Lemon Ironbark and Eucalyptus. Here are some recommended DIY blends you may like to try:

Soothe the Airways

2 drops x Coastal Tea Tree

2 drops x Kunzea

2 drops x Lemon Ironbark, or Lemon Myrtle

Boost Stamina 

2 drops x Coastal Tea Tree

2 drops x Frankincense 

1 drop x Bergamot

Tassie Trio

2 drops x Coastal Tea Tree

1 drop x Kunzea

1 drop x Tasmanian Lavender

Fresh Home

2 drops x Coastal Tea Tree

3 drops x Sweet Orange

2 drops x Lemon Ironbark

Lazy Sunday

1 drop x Coastal Tea Tree

1 drop x  Lemon

1 drop x Eucalyptus

1 drop x Peppermint 

1 drop x Lavender

 

The Essence of Coastal Tea Tree

A unique and aromatic essential oil, Coastal Tea Tree truly captures the essence of its native environment on Flinders Island. One of those unique aromas that defies expectation, Coastal Tea Tree is a well-rounded oil for any collection and has the ability to move things forward, both physically and emotionally.

Tea tree’s image is basically that of a simple anti-infective agent - the aromatic answer to antibiotics but definitely holds the promise of much greater clinical potential. So, if you are physically unwell with upper respiratory problems and/or you are feeling stuck, lethargic or in a space of doom and gloom and need more vitality, I encourage you to try this beautiful essential oil.

About the Author - Michelle Brass ND

With over 25 years of experience in the natural health industry, Michelle has dedicated her life to helping others embrace the therapeutic benefits of nature. Throughout her time as a health practitioner, she has used and recommended countless traditional and conventional treatments to her clients - as she believes an integrative approach to health and wellness is very important. Michelle is passionate about using and promoting essential oils and, in particular, Kunzea Oil, as she has seen them help thousands of people over the years. She knows that using essential oils in your daily life can help bring balance to the mind, body and soul. She is constantly trialling and testing new products with her loyal clients.

To learn more about Michelle, go to her full bio page.

References

1. Flora of Victoria. Leptospermum laevigatum https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/flora/taxon/0950f350-b832-4e5d-a719-11d8c420dba8. Accessed 29 June 2020
2. Zeck R. The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. Brolga Publishing; 2004.
3. Essential Oils of Tasmania. https://www.eotasmania.com.au/
4. Aromatica. A Clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics. Peter Holmes LAc,MH