Soft and sharp. Stimulating and relaxing. Tonic and calming. Pungent and sweet. Balancing. Niaouli is a plant chock full of dualities and contradictions. Niaouli's mission is to protect us, body, spirit, and mind. Niaouli can’t be placed in a neat little box. Yet, Niaouli knows who it is. It is strong and centered in its abilities and purpose. Niaouli is always happy to help you find your inner abilities and purpose. Niaouli is balancing centering, and clarifying. When you want to tune in and find your direction, take Niaouli along to guide your way.
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Niouli is in the Melaleuca family. It is a kissing cousin of Cajeput and the ever-popular Eucalyptus and Tea Tree. Just like its cousins, Niaouli hails from Australia and Papua New Guinea. This medium-sized evergreen tree grows up to 23 feet in height. It has a flexible trunk shrouded in a very unique brownish-grey papery bark. When in bloom Niouli produces delicate cream-colored bottle brush-like blooms.
In continuing Niaouli’s dual nature, it is a highly useful plant that comes with a lot of liability. It grows rather quickly. This makes it ideal to be used for windbreaks erosion control in marshy areas. In fact, it has been used to help repopulate the Everglades in Florida. The wood from the Niaouli tree has a variety of uses, from building supplies to making charcoal. Pollinators also love Niaoui. Niaouli is a major source of honey in both Australia and Florida. Then there’s the reason we’re all here. Niouli is a prolific producer of essential oils.
It is actually the amount of oil Niaouli produces that makes it a problem. In case of a forest fire the oil not only makes Niaouli trees extremely hard to extinguish, it intensifies the fire itself. The hearty Niaoulis don’t really mind. However, this can wreak havoc on their not-so-resilient neighbors.
Fun Facts
The British explorer Captain James Cook gave niaouli its botanical name.
Hospitals in France used Niaouli Oil as a cleaning agent in hospitals' obstetric wards.
Niaouli trees were first introduced to the United States in 1900 and have since become classified as exotic invasive species.
The common names broad-leaved paperbark, broad-leaved tea tree, or simply paperbark or tea tree are used in Australia, and punk tree is used in the United States.
Propogation
Niouli is a prolific propagator, producing up to 200 million per year. In fact, shortly after making its way to the USA Niouli was labeled as an invasive species. Seeds normally spread via the wind, but can also be carried away by the water. Niouli loves water. In fact, Niaouli naturally grows in swamps, wetlands, and riverbanks. It is a very resilient tree, however, tolerating both swamplands and drier soils. Niouli likes its sun and prefers full sunlight, but can also tolerate moderate shade. If it gets enough sun, however, Niouli will bloom all year long.
Niaouli Essential Oil
In terms of essential oil properties, Niouli has very similar properties to Tea Tree essential oil. It has a subtler, sweeter scent than its antiseptic cousin, but packs the same amount of punch.
Properties of Niaouli Essential Oil:
Analgesic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, febrifugal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, cicatrizant, decongestant, insecticidal, regenerative, reviving, stimulation, tonic, vulnerary.
Skin
Niaouli is a true champion for the skin. It heals and cleans wounds, burns, and boils. Its use as an antiseptic prevents infections. It is also an antifungal, helping fend off athlete's foot and other fungal infections. Niaouli is deeply cleansing. It is wonderful to add to skin care products to prevent breakouts and reduce oil. It promotes a natural radiance by evening out the skin tone and reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines. Niaouli is also good to add to natural shampoos. It cleans the scalp, and reduces dryness, eliminating flaking. It also supports hair health, producing fuller hair.
Muskulo-Skeletal System:
Niaouli is a natural analgesic and eases the pain of tired and sore muscles, arthritis, and rheumatism. This is a wonderful oil to add to muscle rubs and baths.
Immune System
Niaouli helps fight infections. Not only does it cleanse with its antiseptic properties, but it is also a tonic to the immune system. It is also a fever reducer.
Respiratory System
Niaouli really shines when it comes to matters of the respiratory system. Use Niaouli’s antiviral and antiseptic properties when battling bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia. It can also help ease the symptoms of asthma. As a natural decongestant, Niaouli is powerful at relieving congestion. Its antispasmodic properties help ease coughs. So pretty much, from nose, and throat to lungs, Niaouli is a major ally when you’re experiencing respiratory ailments.
Mind:
Niaouli is an extremely balancing oil. It is good to improve focus and concentration. It is a somewhat stimulating oil. It eases compulsions. Niaouli is a good oil to use when you’re feeling stagnant or foggy. It refreshes your energy. Niaouli is a wonderful choice when you need to balance your emotions. It boosts mood, yet is also relaxing and can encourage sleep.
Energetic properties
Niaouli clears the cobwebs and illuminates your sense of purpose. This is a good oil to use to open up a connection with your ancestors and spirit guides. Niaouli is a great tool to use in purification as its energy dispels negativity. It is a highly protective oil, that keeps the bad at bay and harbors a safe space for healing and growth.
Home Uses
Use Niaouli’s antiseptic properties to your advantage as a cleaning agent around the house. It also purifies the air, eliminating microbes. As a bonus, it is also an effective insect repellant.
Precautions
Niaouli Essential Oil is non-toxic and non-sensitizing. Avoid use during pregnancy.
Niaouli Essential Oil is a champion for both the skin and the respiratory system. It is a highly useful oil that should be in your regular rotation of oils. Some find it a more gentle Tea Tree. I disagree. While close in properties Niaouli certainly has its own place and purpose. It is a powerful cleanser. It is a wonderful tool to have around for use both in the home and on you. Niaouli is a balanced and centered plant. Use it to find your own balance and center.
Shameless Product Promo
We use ginger in our products to promote personal power, and protection. These blends are also good for increasing circulation and easing muscle pain.
