Niaouli oil has a slightly sweet fresh smell and its color varies from colorless to pale yellow and greenish. This large evergreen tree is native to Australia, New Caledonia and the French Pacific Islands.
It has a flexible trunk, spongy bark, pointed linear leaves and spikes of sessile yellowish flowers. Because the falling leaves covering the ground act as a strong disinfectant, it makes for a healthy environment, and it also purifies water. It was assigned its botanical name in 1788 during Captain Cook's voyage. Niaouli oil was used in French hospital obstetric wards because of its antiseptic properties and is still a popular ingredient of toothpaste and mouth sprays.
