All About Australia’s Lavender Tea Tree

Here at Koala Eco, we try not to play favourites with botanicals. However, we do always come back to Rosalina, also known as Lavender Tea Tree or Australian Lavender. A native Australian botanical, Rosalina is identifiable by its campherous, lemony scent; somewhat reminiscent of tea tree and lavender, but lighter and more subtle. While Rosalina is a relative newcomer to the world of essential oils, it has been used by Aboriginal communities for over a century.

Derived from the Melaleuca ericifolia tree, Rosalina essential oil shares a genus with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), however its composition resembles lavender, with both botanicals sharing the primary constituent linalool.

Benefits of Rosalina essential oil

Linalool has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and also aids in improving sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and acts as a natural insect repellent. A skin-loving ingredient, the linalool content in Rosalina essential oil also makes this native botanical effective in treating mild skin irritations like acne, boils, tinea, cold sores, fungal infections, rashes, cuts, and grazes.

While Rosalina essential oil has numerous uses, it’s most beneficial for the skin, respiratory system, and nervous system.

Rosalina in skincare

Gentle on the skin and easily absorbed, Rosalina was a natural choice for inclusion in our Hand and Body Lotion. Rosalina’s composition makes it less irritating than tea tree oil, allowing our Hand and Body Lotion to be used by the whole family and those with sensitive skin! A soothing ingredient, Rosalina works to calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it the perfect way to treat your hands after washing or sanitising. 

Rosalina for relaxation

Due to its high linalool content, Rosalina essential oil shares many properties with lavender. Rosalina has mild sedative properties and can be used to aid with sleep quality in both adults and children, as well as for promoting mental rest, reducing anxiety, and improving stress levels. The ideal scent to include in yourself care routine, Rosalina essential oil can be diffused in a room to cultivate a calm, peaceful environment.

Rosalina for the respiratory system

Rosalina’s antimicrobial and expectorant properties make it beneficial for use in minor respiratory illnesses. Expectorants clear the system of excess mucus, working to promote healthy lung function, clear congestion in the lungs and sinuses, and make it easier to breathe. Rosalina can be mixed with other essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus to create a natural at-home cold treatment; either use in a diffuser or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the chest to reduce congestion.