Australia has evolved unique species of flora and fauna found no where else on earth. While most associate the Land Down Under with kangaroos, Australia has also garnered a reputation for botanical medicines derived from its unusual native flora. The narrow-leafed paper bark
Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, a member of the botanical family, Myrtaceae, which has oil glands that are visible as dots in their leaves, is one example. Indigenous to the coastal subtropical wetlands of New South Wales, the leaves when crushed, release essential oils of varying amounts and constituents. The crushed leaf was used by Australian Aboriginals to heal cuts and wounds, and for respiratory infections for thousands of years.
First Aid In A Bottle
In 1923, Australian chemist Arthur Penfold, independently discovered the strong antibacterial properties of tea tree oil, and that the oil was well-tolerated on the skin. When further research and clinical trials in the 1930s showed the oil to be the ideal antiseptic, tea tree oil became a standard remedy for oral and for topical applications. An early tea tree industry was established at Bungawalbyn, and tea tree oil products were found everywhere, from hospital dispensaries to home medicine cabinets. With the outbreak of World War Two, the Australian Government commandeered all tea tree oil stocks for military use, and the oil was standard issue in army first aid kits.
As synthetic antibiotics became widely available in the 1950s, tea tree oil fell out of favour as natural medicines were considered old fashioned. However, with the rise of drug resistant strains of pathogenic organisms, and greater public awareness of drug side effects, interest in this bush remedy was revived, largely due to the efforts of Mr Eric White, founder of Thursday Plantation, and his stepson, Christopher Dean, and his wife, Lynda.
A pioneer in the modern Australian Tea Tree Industry, Thursday Plantation was the first to produce a 100% pure therapeutic grade Tea Tree Oil from Melaleuca alternifolia. The volatile essential oil, obtained through steam distillation of the crushed pinnate leaves harvested from selected seedlings, offshoots from a genetically superior ‘mother tree’, proved to be a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial and germicide. Gentle to the skin, this "First Aid in a Bottle", has the ability to effectively inhibit or kill micro-organisms by damaging the cell wall and membrane of microbes, resulting in the subsequent death of the microbe.
A Record of Firsts
From their first product, a 100% all-natural pure Tea Tree Oil, Thursday Plantation has evolved a complete line of skincare, haircare and dental care products - all made from plants derived from the original ‘mother tree’, which is represented on the Thursday Plantation logo. Still a working plantation where Melaleuca alternifolia leaves are harvested, processed, distilled and bottled, Thursday Plantation also has its own manufacturing and research facilities, ensuring Quality Control from the raw material to the finished product. Over 20 years of research confirms the efficacy of their tea tree oil as a natural broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Clinical trials have proven tea tree oil’s value in treating sinusitis, sore throat, tinea, Candida albicans, Herpes simplex, boils, acne, and golden staph infections. Tea tree oil also kills head and body lice, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and mites.
A recognized leader in the Australian Tea Tree Industry, Thursday Plantation was:
• First to scientifically develop a Tea Tree plantation in the world.
• First to guarantee the main germicidal active, Terpinen-4-ol, exceeds minimum specification of Australian and International standards by at least 20%
• First to ensure a low para-cymene content, thus minimizing potential skin irritation.
• First to introduce protective harvesting, handling and packaging, to ensure product potency.
• First to screen for environmental contamination for a pesticide-free Tea Tree Oil.
• First to obtain a therapeutic registration (Australia) for Tea Tree Oil.
Quality Assured Products
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree products have garnered an international reputation for quality, safety and efficacy. Besides their First Aid in a Bottle, their innovative product line includes soaps and washes, shampoos and conditioners, skin creams and lotions, foot powders, deodorants, etc.
- all made from 100% pure Tea Tree Oil.
-Their skin soothing 100% pure therapeutic grade Tea Tree Oil is a powerful antiseptic and germicide, great for cleansing cuts, bites and stings, abrasions, burns and wounds. Available in 50ml, 25ml and 10 ml. sized bottles, the oil can also be used to prevent acne, pimples and skin blemishes.
The company is also famous for their popular:
- Fluoride-Free Tea Tree Oil toothpaste, safe for sensitive gums and helps to control bacteria, which can cause build-up of plaque and tartar.
-Talc-Free extra absorbent deodorizing Foot Powder which helps treat and prevent fungal infections such as Athlete's foot.
- Free of chemicals and gentle on the hair, Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Anti-Dandruff normal and deep scalp shampoos and conditioners relieve itchy, flaky scalp and leave hair softer, shinier and more manageable.
- Zero-Lice and Egg Removal Kit, an effective, safe treatment scientifically designed to remove lice and eggs from all hair types.
-Deet-Free Walkabout Insect Repellent, a natural bug repellent available in roll-on or lotion.
The company has not rested on its laurels. Besides the Thursday Plantation Tea Tree products familiar to Canadian retailers, a new cotton-tip applicator delivery system with tea tree oil and aloe-vera in a wand for a clean, hygienic, and natural means of skin relief is the latest innovation. Canadian natural health retailers can also expect the reintroduction of their acne and blemish care products later this year.
From the founding of the tea tree plantation at Bundawalbyn in New South Wales (NSW) on a Thursday in 1976 (hence the name, Thursday Plantation), the company has also evolved into a major natural health products player Down Under. Through a series of acquisitions, Greenridge Botanicals in 2001, then Sunspirit Oils in 2004, Thursday Plantation added liquid herbal extracts and essential oils to their product mix. The company changed its name to TP Health Ltd. in 2003, and in 2006, the firm was sold to New Zealand’s Thompson Nutrition, a leader in natural products manufacturing with an established track record of product innovation. From 100% pure tea tree oils to offering a broad spectrum of natural health products, Thursday Plantation is looking to meet all your natural health needs.
