Tea Tree Essential Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Not for internal use. May be use on skin undiluted or with a carrier oil or in a diffuser by itself or mixed with other essential oils.

Known Uses

Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial proficiency (in fighting superbugs). Its many benefits include tea tree oil’s ability to treat acne, bacterial infections, chickenpox, cold sores, congestion & respiratory tract infections, earaches, fungal infections (candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot & toenail fungus), halitosis (bad breath), head lice, and psoriasis. It has the power to soothe itchy insect bites, sores and sunburns, heal boils from staph infections and reduce inflammation. Successful studies have been recently done using tea tree oil to treat some skin cancers. In addition to its usefulness in treating health problems, tea tree oil is also advantageous for cosmetic use as a natural make-up remover and to soften dry cuticles, as a safe deodorant, and to remove foot odor. For application in the home it can be used to freshen laundry, repel insects, remove mold and to inhibit the growth of several strains of bacteria.

History

Tea Tree oil has been commonly used in Australia for thousands of years. Natural health practitioners have applied poultices of crushed tea tree leaves to cuts and wounds, and they regularly inhaled the essential oil vapors to treat congestion and respiratory tract infections.

In 1923, however, a chemist “proved” the plant’s ability as an antiseptic when he determined that tea tree oil was about 12 times stronger than carbolic acid, a substance used to clean wounds before antibiotics were in use. During World War II Australian soldiers were given tea tree oil in their first aid kits. It became widely known as the go-to antiseptic. Unfortunately, when antibiotics were developed, natural remedies became obsolete. The tea tree oil industry has been making a slow comeback since the late 20th century.

Warning

Tea tree oil is not for internal use and can be poisonous if ingested. It is safe for most people when rubbed on the skin, but it can cause skin irritation and swelling in some individuals. In treating acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness. When applying tea tree oil to the skin, keep it away from your eyes and any other sensitive parts of your skin.