(Melaleuca quinquenervia) Traditionally used to support healthy skin, breathing and digestion and to ease minor muscle aches and pain.
Aromatherapy Literature Notes Roberta Wilson writes: "As an endocrine tonic, niaouli shows an affinity for the pituitary gland and ovaries, probably due to its estrogenlike constituents."
Patricia Davis writes in Aromatherapy: An A-Z: "A little-known but very valuable use of Niaouli is in conjunction with radiation therapy for cancer. A thin layer of Niaouli applied to the skin before each session of cobalt therapy gives some protection against burning of the skin and has been shown to reduce the severity of such burns. The tissue-stimulating properties probably help the burns to heal faster." Kurt Schnaubelt writes in Medical Aromatherapy: "MQV or Niaouli oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora) Niaouli oil, or MQV as it is often referred to in aromatherapy, has a surprising variety of properties. Like many other Myrtaceae it is an excellent expectorant and also possesses moderate but distinctly useful antiallergic and antiasthmatic properties. It is an endocrine tonic with a special affinity to pituitary and ovarian glands. It strengthens and regenerates in cases of asthenia and has even been recommended to help alleviate arthrosis. When using MQV, it is best to experiment individually to establish a concentration that is well tolerated. To this end MQV is advantageously mixed with either tea tree, ravensara, and/or calophyllum to achieve a mix that is tolerated on the mucous membranes. You might start with a mix of 50 percent calophyllum, 25 percent ravensara and 25 percent MQV. If this is easily tolerated, the MQV proportion can be made somewhat higher the next time the blend is created. Once a proper blend is established it can be used topically for hemorrhoids and genital herpes. It can also be tried for fibroids (with variable results). In French aroma medical practice, it is also used for hepatitis and dysplasias of the colon and to protect against burns from radiation treatment. It is a safe vaginal douche (mixed with tea tree). Preferred mode of use: Topical."
Patricia Davis writes in Aromatherapy: An A-Z: "Niaouli combats infection within the body (antibiotic) and is considered a bactericide (kills bacteria). She also mentions Bergamot, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Juniperberry, Lavender, Manuka and Rosemary."
Melaleuca quinquenervia essential oil inhibits α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanin production and oxidative stress in B16 melanoma cells "The active functional components of MQ-EO were found to be 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and α-terpineol. Consequently, the results of present study suggest that MQ-EO is non-cytotoxic and can be used as a skin-whitening agent, both medically and cosmetically."
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Patricia Davis recommends using 5-6 drops of Niaouli in 250ml of boiled then cooled water to wash and clean a burn wound.
Children: Do on use on or near the face of a baby or young child. Please follow the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page. Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler Internal: Niaouli is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Tisserand/Young note that the "German Commision E Monograph of Niaouli oil recommends a daily oral dose of 300-600 mg" (10-20 drops). Internal use is contraindicated in cases of inflammatory diseases of the GI tract and bile ducts, and in severe liver disease. Click here for more information about internal usage.
