Essential oils have a very subtle kind of way about them. They normally come in these tiny vials, every drop of it is real essence (hence the name) and some of them have been used for thousands of years. Pretty impressive.
I guess the idea of ‘plant medicine’ is one which keeps on making a comeback with every new generation. You can honestly say that even though plants and herbs are considered ‘alternative medicine’, they never really left. When you think about it, it is in fact western medicine which is the alternative, not the other way around. Just a thought. Now, let’s talk a bit about the niaouli tree.
What is Niaouli Essential Oil? Where Does It Come From?
Papua New Guinea
‘Niaouli’ is one of the names given to Melaleuca quinquenervia. Other names include ‘punk tree’ and ‘paperbark tea tree’. You may have noticed something familiar about its Latin name. The niaouli tree actually shares its first name with that of the Australian tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. This is because it is a relative of the tea tree, though it has a scent which is arguably more reminiscent of eucalyptus (which, incidentally, is also Australian!). It has that kind of ‘after-smell’ which really hooks you.
Niaouli is native to the eastern coasts of Australia, and can also be found flourishing in the swamps and coasts of neighboring countries like Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Later on, it was introduced to several other locations, and has taken root there. In the United States, the niaouli was introduced to Florida at the turn of the 20th century, and it was brought to the eastern and western coasts of the U.S. in 1907 and 1912, respectively. Nowadays, it is considered by the Department of Agriculture to be an invasive species and a kind of glorified weed.
Niaouli Essential Oil Benefits For Skin & Acne
Like other essential oils, it can have a remarkable effect on the skin
The tree’s status as a weed notwithstanding, essential oil of niaouli is proving to be very beneficial for a variety of conditions, whether as a reactive substance or a preventive one.
Like other essential oils, it can have a remarkable effect on the skin. It is all about using it right, and in moderation. This oil has been used by the natives of Australia and Papua New Guinea for many generations, and it continues to be a part of their traditional practices, not unlike the tea tree itself.
Niaouli can help to speed up the natural healing and regeneration processes of skin cells – which can be useful with bouts of acne and blemishes relating to acne – and it can also regulate the production of sebum oil, the body’s natural oil. One of the main reasons for skin issues is the overproduction of sebum, and you may find that your skin problems vanish of their own accord once sebum and pH balance is returned to your system.
The skin is our largest organ, and it is also one of the most important protectors we have from the outside world. It keeps us safe, and so it is in our best interest to keep the skin happy, healthy, smooth, and shiny. When used as a preventive measure, niaouli essential oil can help the skin maintain its healthful status.
Niaouli Essential Oil Benefits For a Cold
Several oils are said to provide some measure of relief from cold symptoms
The common cold. What a situation. huh? Not very ill, though not quite well. For me, the common cold is like an annoying annual initiation ceremony. It is always a cacophony of sniffles, sneezes, coughs, and groans, sometimes stretching for weeks during the winter. And air conditioning is not helping the situation, let me tell you.
There are several oils which are said to provide some measure of relief from cold symptoms. Niaouli is one of those oils, and it is not difficult to see why. Most of us will immediately turn to cough syrups, lozenges, and pain medication. I am not saying don’t go that route, but I am saying that there are more natural alternatives. Using niaouli essential oil is a tried and tested way to loosen phlegm and mucus, and help the body along with its battle against infection.
The best way to get these benefits is by inhaling the oil’s fumes. This can be achieved by adding several drops to a bowl of hot water, or by placing some drops on a handkerchief (or cloth) and breathing through it. There is always the option of inhaling it directly out of some vial or container.
Niaouli can also be combined with other oils to form a kind of DIY chest rub, but more on niaouli combos later.
Niaouli Essential Oil Benefits For Cuts & Wounds
Niaouli has the power to aid in the healing of minor burns, cuts, and wounds
Being a powerful disinfectant, niaouli has the power to aid in the healing of minor burns, cuts, and wounds. Again, being a relative of the Australian tea tree has its advantages. It helps by cleaning the area in a more in-depth way, and it also makes sure that no buildup or infectious agents make a home on your body and penetrate your system. It can be mixed with pretty much any kind of skin cream or lotion.
Will it be able to heal anything skin-related? Absolutely not. Although it is considered something of a ‘cure-all in its native land – and rightly so – it is not a miracle cure. It assists the body, but doesn’t replace the need for a healthy immune system and balanced glandular activity. After all, you can’t expect a plant (or its oil, for that matter) to do the job of your internal defense mechanisms. Oils like tea tree, niaouli, and eucalyptus can be extremely helpful, but eventually it comes down to you and your body.
Can Niaouli Essential Oil Be Blended With Other Oils?
It mixes nicely with the essential oil of lavender
The short answer is yes. It can be blended with many oils, and it can be used as an addition to different kinds of already-existing medication, like with the case of skin creams and lotions mentioned in the previous paragraph.
It mixes nicely with essential oils of lavender (one of my personal all-time favorites!), peppermint, and lime. I read that juniper and pine also blend well with niaouli, though I never tried that combination on anything. When added for an extra punch, the oil of niaouli manages to provide the necessary benefits, and it does so usually without overpowering the other oil’s scent or presence. It’s not looking to steal anyone’s thunder! Of course, this also greatly depends on the amount and ratio.
My Experience With Niaouli Essential Oil
I’d take summer over winter any day of the week
I usually break out the niaouli in November. And I put some in a spray bottle, along with lavender and rosemary. I use it in my pillow, and if necessary, my chest, during the nights in the winter months.
I don’t have precise stats on this, but I can tell you that it is one of those things (along with steaming hot mugs of green tea and lemon) which help me make it through the winter. I am not a huge fan of winter, man… I get it. We need rain, and it is part of the yearly cycle, and blah blah blah. But I’d take summer over winter any day of the week.
When the kids were small, I used niaouli essential oil in their cold sonic vapor machine, to help them sleep, to freshen the air, and to ease congestion. I was careful to use an appropriate amount, and of course I got the green light from their pediatrician before starting.
Throughout the months of December through March, it was an indispensable part of their night-time ritual. They took turns helping me out. I always find it useful to incorporate natural products into their daily lives, and to give them the opportunity to help if they want.
Niaouli Essential Oil For Dogs Explained
Spruce up your best friend’s fur
Essential oils for dogs is not an entirely new concept. Dogs can benefit from plant medicine just like humans, although the amounts and types of oil differ. Some oils act as irritants, so you need to be cautious and mindful of your actions with dogs and oil. It cannot be used in the same exact way as it is with humans.
Many of us are very close to our pets, and it is natural that we would want to help them out, but don’t neglect taking them to a proper veterinarian, if you feel (or see) that something is up.
When administered in small amounts, niaouli oil can be used to treat intestinal infections, to repel ticks and fleas, and to spruce up your best friend’s fur. Remember that canine skin and human skin are very different, so keep an eye out for any strange behavior or visible issues.
If you are a fan of tea tree oil, niaouli will definitely be right up your alley. Different people react in different ways to essential oils. Remember that these are very strong and powerful substances, so get your doctor’s approval, keep it out of reach of small children, and monitor closely when treating expecting or nursing women with niaouli.
