Information on Niaouli essential oil
Niaouli Essential Oil is extracted from Melaleuca viridiflora (also known as Melaleuca quinquenervia) of the Myrtaceae family.
Niaouli Essential Oil is used in aromatherapy as it has excellent antiseptic and stimulating qualities. It is extensively used to clear infections such as bronchitis, catarrh and sinus, as well as acne, boils, burns, ulcers and cuts.
Oil Properties
Niaouli Essential Oil has a slightly sweet, fresh smell and its color varies from colorless to pale yellow and greenish.
Origin
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 Essential Oil is extracted from the young leaves and twigs by steam distillation.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of Niaouli Essential Oil are 1,8-cineole, α-Terpineol, (+)-Limonene, , α and β pinene, Viridifloral.
Precautions
Niaouli Essential Oil is considered a safe oil, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing, but should not be used topically on the face or close to the face o children under 2 years, as it may cause central nervous system depression and breathing problems.
As with most essential oils, this essential oil should be kept in a dark and cool place and should be stored in an airtight glass bottle (Preferably in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius / 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad).
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 Essential 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.
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.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
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.
Blended in a Cream
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.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: Avoid Face, Scalp, Neck and Ears
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
3 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1%
Body: 0.5% to 1%
Bath: 0.5% to 1%
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
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. Care should be taken when using this essential oil near the faces of children who are two years of age and younger.
Blends
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, Niaouli oil blends particularly well with Coriander, Fennel, Juniper berry, Lavender, Lime, Pine and Peppermint.
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