Niaouli Essential Oil

The Uses and Properties of Niaouli Oil in Aromatherapy

Nov 18, 2009 Sharon Falsetto

Niaouli essential oil is a lesser known essential oil, although it is related to tea tree; niaouli oil has a number of therapeutic properties and is used in aromatherapy.

Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) is a member of the tea tree family, of which Melaleuca alternifolia is most commonly known. Niaouli is a large evergreen Australian tree with yellow flowers; however, it is the leaves (which resemble the form of those found on pine trees) which are used to distill niaouli essential oil as they have a strong fragrant aroma.

Extraction of Niaouli Oil

Niaouli is native to Australia but is also found in the French Pacific Islands and New Caledonia. Niaouli essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the niaouli tree; niaouli essential oil is pale yellow-green in color and has a fresh, camphoraceous aroma, reminiscent of tea tree essential oil. Niaouli oil is primarily produced in Australia.

Properties of Niaouli Essential Oil

Niaouli oil possesses the following properties:

• analgesic – effective in the treatment of muscle pain, headaches, earache, toothache, labor pains, arthritis and rheumatism
• antiseptic – effective in the treatment of infected wounds, insect bites, respiratory infections and inhibits bacteria growth
• anti-inflammatory – effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions including respiratory and muscle injuries
• skin tonic – effective in the treatment of psoriasis, spots, oily skin, acne, cuts and other skin problems
• expectorant – effective in relieving coughs, colds and flu

Use of Niaouli Oil in Aromatherapy

Niaouli essential oil is also used in aromatherapy to treat cystitis, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, asthma and poor circulation. Niaouli oil possesses strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties and is similar in its actions to tea tree essential oil. However, its main chemical components consist of cineol (oxides) whereas tea tree essential oil's main chemical component is terpinene (monoterpenes).

Other Uses of Niaouli Oil

Niaouli is also used in antiseptic pharmaceutical products such as toothpaste, cough drops, mouth sprays and gargles. Niaouli is an essential oil which is sometimes open to adulteration. Niaouli essential oil should not be confused with other members of the tea tree family such as Melaleuca alternifolia and Melaleuca cajeputi (Cajeput).

Cautions for Using Niaouli Essential Oil

Niaouli essential oil is generally non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritant with no known contra-indicators. However, Shirley and Len Price in Aromatherapy for Health Professionals advise caution for using niaouli oil with children and in pregnancy. As is the case when using any essential oils, it is advisable to take advice from a qualified and experienced aromatherapist, if inexperienced in the use of essential oils.

References:

• Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
• Price, Shirley, Price, Len 2002 Aromatherapy for Health Professionals 2nd Edition UK: Churchhill Livingstone

The copyright of the article Niaouli Essential Oil in Natural Medicine is owned by Sharon Falsetto. Permission to republish Niaouli Essential Oil in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Niaouli Is Distilled Into Essential Oil