TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Although Melaleuca alternifolia is known as the tea tree, it should not be confused with the plant that produces leaves used to make black, green and oolong tea.

Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional medicine by Aborigines for centuries. These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, which is then inhaled to treat coughs and colds or applied directly to the skin for healing.

Today, tea tree oil is widely available as a 100% undiluted or “neat” oil. Diluted forms are also available, ranging from 5–50% strength in products designed for the skin.

Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi

These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing.

1. Hand Sanitizer

Using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer may help kill a number of germs responsible for colds, flu and other illness.

2. Insect Repellent

Tea tree oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.

3. Natural Deodorant

Tea tree oil contains compounds that fight bacteria responsible for body odor. It can be used to make a safe and effective deodorant.

4. Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected.

5. Boost Wound Healing

Tea tree oil may help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell activity.

6. Fight Acne

Gels containing tea tree oil have been shown to reduce the number of lesions and severity of acne in a number of studies.

7. Get Rid of Nail Fungus TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tea tree oil appears to be as effective against fungal nail infections as antifungal medications applied to the area.

8. Chemical-Free Mouthwash

Tea tree oil can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and dental plaque.

9. All-Purpose Cleaner

Tea tree oil can be mixed with water and vinegar to create a chemical-free, all-purpose cleaner for your home.

10. Soothe Skin Inflammation

Applying a tea tree oil mixture may help combat skin inflammation related to contact dermatitis or insect bites.

11. Control Dandruff

Although research is limited, one study suggests that tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of dandruff and improve other symptoms.

12. Treat Athlete’s Foot

Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties may help alleviate symptoms of athlete’s foot.

13. Banish Mold from Fruits and Vegetables

Tea tree oil contains compounds that help fight the growth of mold on fruits and vegetables. Adding tea tree oil to water when rinsing produce may help your produce remain mold-free.

14. Relieve Psoriasis

Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil may help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

Cautions When Using Tea Tree Oil

Although tea tree oil is generally safe when used on adults’ skin, allergic reactions may occur in some people. Tea tree oil may be unsafe for young children and pets.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, tea tree oil can be helpful for a number of reasons.

It’s an inexpensive natural alternative to chemical-based skin and nail treatments, personal care products and disinfectants, among other things.

However, tea tree oil is not a magic cure-all. In fact, some people may experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction to using it.

Overall, tea tree oil serves many purposes and is a good item to have on hand.