Serious burns to forest fire fighters in the 1960s began a crusade that eventually led to the formation of Rye Pharmaceuticals. Concerned by the danger to fire fighters, Robert Everingham - Rye Pharmaceutical's founder - began experimenting with a gel-impregnated blanket which he believed could give protection from the intense heat generated by bush fires.

Using a woolen blanket as the carrier, his water-based gel was tested by Australian fire stuntmen and the CSIRO research laboratories. Protected by a layer of gel, stuntmen doused themselves in fuel which was then set alight. Despite the heat, the gel proved effective in keeping them cool for a period of time, and quickly became the number one choice for stuntmen involved in fire scenes. It's popularity spread and now Burnaid stunt gel has been used in such epic films as Mad Max and Braveheart and James Bond movies. Such is the extent of the stunt gel's cooling powers, stuntmen complain of becoming chilled after live fire scenes!

Extensive testing further refined the gel-impregnated blanket to add the therapeutic benefits of pain relief and infection control for the fire victim, as well as coolness - the fore-runner of the widely accepted gel fire blanket.

In 1983, Rye Pharmaceuticals was formed to broaden it's field of research and market the gel-impregnated blankets. Further research showed that the anti-microbial pain relieving and healing properties of the burn gel, were also beneficial for treating other skin conditions.

Testing found that Tea Tree Oil the active ingredient in Burnaid - was an ideal active ingredient for a number of other first aid and skin preparations. Tea Tree Oil became the basis for the development of the Burnaid burn gel range, the Rapaid first aid range and Tinasolve antifungal tinea cream - Rye Pharmaceutical's premium 1st aid products.

Tea Tree oil, which is distilled from the leaves of one of the Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has a long history of medical usage. Australian aborigines used it's leaves for healing long before European settlers arrived. The oil's anti-microbial benefits were documented by Dr Penfold as far back as 1920 . During World War II, Australian solders used Tea Tree oil as an anti-fungal, anti-itch and insect bite treatment in the tropics.

Penicillin's discovery and acceptance meant that many natural antiseptic agents were discarded. However, extensive on-going problems with antibiotic resistant microorganisms has now elevated natural antiseptics into prominence, particularly Tea Tree oil.

Tea Tree oil has broad-spectrum anti-microbial properties. With correct formulation, Tea Tree oil is an effective antiseptic that is gentle on skin but doesn't inhibit healing. It's anaesthetic action gives pain relief and combined with a water-based gel, makes an ideal treatment solution for burns.

Research by Rye, institutions and universities over the last few years has proven Tea Tree oil to be effective in treating a number of skin conditions. For example, it effectively kills Methicillin resistant Staplococcus aureus (Golden Staph).

As a pioneer in this field, Rye Pharmaceuticals has taken the beneficial properties of Tea Tree oil to successfully develop a range of innovative naturally-based 1st aid and skin treatment products. A continuous program of research ensures that Rye Pharmaceuticals is a leader in the development of Tea Tree oil for the treatment of a number of medical conditions.