Thyme, Rosemary and Tea Tree Infusion

The main constituents of the oil are thymol and carvacrol and it is often used as a disinfectant. It is used in mouthwashes, surgical dressings, and soaps. It is well known for its antiseptic, bactericidal and carminative properties.

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, and may grow up to six feet tall. It has green, needle-like leaves and purple flowering tops. It is native to the Mediterranean and belongs to the Labiatae family. Depending on the local climate, it may bloom all year. Rosmarinus officinalis is also known as sea rose, compass plant and Mary’s tree.

Leaves and flowering tops are collected in spring and early summer. They are distilled for oil, or dried for infusions, decoctions, extracts, spirits, and tinctures. It is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Externally, it is used to help relax muscles, and for dandruff. Rosemary is used on the hair and skin and in bath products.

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a small tree belonging to the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family and it is native to Australasia. Tea tree oil is made up of around 100 substances, including terpenes, mostly considered to be responsible for tea tree oil’s reputation as a remedy. The oil has been scientifically proven to be antibacterial, antifungal and particularly effective against the types of fungi we call yeasts.