Tea Tree

Species name:  Melaleuca alternifolia.

Also known as: Melaleuca oil, Australian tea tree oil.

So what exactly is tea tree or tea tree oil? Tea tree is an essential oil made from stem distillation of the leaves of a plant native to Australia. Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, antifungal treatment for many conditions.

The part that is commonly used medicinally is the oil that is taken from the leaves. This oil is used by itself or as an ingredient in other medicines, shampoos, creams, lotions and much more.

History shows that Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. The same basic principal is still used today.

Home Remedies using Tea Tree

Many people refer to Tea Tree Oil as a “first aid kit in a bottle” because there are so many great things it can cure. There are literally a huge number of things you can treat with tea tree making it a valued natural remedy.

Benefits of Tea Tree

Many people use tea tree oil for: athletes foot, cold and flu, oral thrush, cold sores and canker sores, tooth ache and gum infections, eczema, ringworm, candida, head lice or louse, cleanser additive, gum problems, mosquito bites, mouth ulcers, herpes, cuts, abrasions, after shave, sunburn, anorectal or vaginal yeast infections, unwanted body odors, acne, toe nail infections and many other uses.

Uses of Tea Tree

Hand Sanitizer

Tea tree makes a great hand sanitizer. You only need a few ingredients and you've got your own handmade product.

In a small bowl mix together 1 cup aloe vera gel, 1 Tablespoon witch hazel, 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil, 20 to 25 drops tea tree essential oil, and for added scent (if desired) a few drops of bergamot, lavender, pine or rosemary essential oil.

After all ingredients of been mixed together well, pour into squirt bottles.

Treat Dandruff

Tea tree oil can also have positive results for treating dandruff. Either buy a shampoo that already contains at least 5 percent tea tree oil or add 5 to 10 drops to your current shampoo. How many drops you add depends on how full the bottle of shampoo is. Shake before each use.

Nail Fungus

Because of it's antiseptic and antifungal properties, tea tree oil can be a great option for treating nail fungus.

Wash the area before applying the oil. Use a cotton ball or Q-Tip to apply the oil directly to the nail needing treatment. Although most oils should not be used "neat" in this case if it can be used undiluted.

If you have concerns about using it undiluted, add to a carrier oil. Can be applied a few times a day.

More uses:

  • Can be used as a bug repellent to deter fleas and cockroaches
  • Deodorant

Side Effects of Tea Tree

If used topically you may be allergic to or have sensitive skin to Tea Tree Oil if you experience skin hives, rash, itchy skin stop using and consult your doctor.

Do not take "neat" internally. If accidentally ingested you may experienced abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness. You may also experience these symptoms if you are using a mouthwash or toothache treatment that contain tea tree oil.

If you are pregnant check with your doctor prior to use.