Unlike the name suggests, the essential oil of tea tree is not extracted from the plant commonly associated with tea as a beverage. Neither is it related to tea oil, which is extracted from the seed of the tea plant. Instead, it is extracted through steam distillation of twigs and leaves of tea tree, which has the botanical name Melaleuca alternifolia. The tea tree is native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales, in Australia, which is why it is such a popular essential oil in that country. However, its impressive qualities have spread to other parts of the world, so it can now be found internationally.

The main constituents of tea tree essential oil are alpha pinene, beta pinene, sabinene, myrcene, alpha phellandrene, alpha-terpinene, limonene, cineole, gamma terpinene, para-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, terpineol, and alpha-terpineol. This tree is native to Australia and its oil has been used by the original inhabitants of that continent as a cure-all medicine since ancient times.

Tea tree oil uses are numerous: making homemade cleaning products, diffusing it in the air to kill mold, applying it topically to heal skin issues and using it to treat viral infections. It’s becoming an increasingly popular active ingredient in a variety of household and cosmetic products, including face wash, shampoos, massage oils, skin and nail creams and laundry detergents. Tea tree natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions make it an essential oil that should truly be part of everyone’s natural medicine cabinet.

The health benefits of tea tree oil (also called tea tree essential oil) can be attributed to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, and stimulant properties. The oil treats infections, improves oral health, and even relieves root canal pain.

Some of the many traditional uses for tea tree include healing:

• Acne
• Bacterial infections
• Chickenpox
• Cold sores
• Congestion and respiratory tract infections
• Earaches
• Fungal infections (especially Candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus)
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Head lice
• MRSA
• Psoriasis
• Dry cuticles
• Itchy insect bites, sores and sunburns
• Boils from staph infections 

Tea Tree Oil Uses:

Ready to use tea tree oil to transform your health? Here are the top 10 uses for tea tree oil for natural cures and home remedies.

1. Tea Tree Oil For Acne:

One of the most common uses for tea tree oil today is in skin care products, as it’s considered one of the most effective home remedies for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the associated negative side effects that many people experience including red, dried and peeling skin.

You can make a homemade gentle tea tree oil acne face wash by mixing five drops of pure tea tree essential oil with two teaspoons of raw honey. Simply rub on your face, leave on for one minute, then rinse off. 

2. Tea Tree Oil For Hair:

Tea tree oil has proven very beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp. Like coconut oil for hair, tea tree oil has the ability to soothe dry flaking skin, remove dandruff and even can be used for the treatment of lice. To make homemade tea tree oil shampoo, mix several drops of tea tree essential oil with aloe vera gel, coconut milk  and other essential oils like lavender oil.

3. Tea Tree Oil For Cleaning:

Another fantastic way to use tea tree oil is as a household cleaner. Tea tree oil have powerful antimicrobial properties and can kill off bad bacteria in your home. To make homemade a tea tree oil cleanser, mix with water, vinegar and lemon essential oil  then use it on your counter tops, kitchen appliances, shower, toilet and sinks.

4. Tea Tree Oil For Psoriasis & Eczema:

Tea tree oil can help relieve any type of skin inflammation, including being used as a natural eczema treatment and for reducing psoriasis.

In addition, if you have eczema or psoriasis, you should consider going on the GAPS diet and supplementing with vitamin D3.

5. Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus & Ringworm:

Because of its ability to kill parasites and fungal infections, tea tree oil is a great choice to use on toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and ringworm. Put tea tree oil undiluted on the affected area using a clean cotton swab. And for stubborn fungi, consider mixing it with natural anti-fungal oil of oregano. Tea tree oil has also been proven beneficial for treating and removing warts, so simply put tea tree oil directly on the area for 30 days once or twice daily.

6. Tea Tree Oil Kills Mold:

A common problem many people experience in their homes is mold infestation, oftentimes without even being aware of it. Consider buying a diffuser and diffusing tea tree oil in the air around your home to kill mold and other bad bacteria. Also, you can spray tea tree oil cleaner onto shower curtains, your laundry machine,  dishwasher or  toilet to kill off mold.

7. Tea Tree Oil For Infections  & Cuts:

Tea tree oil mixed with lavender essential oil is the perfect ingredient in a homemade wound ointment.  Make sure to clean a cut first with water and hydrogen peroxide if necessary, then put on tea tree oil and cover with a bandage to help fight off infections.

8. Tea Tree Oil For Cancer:

Both tea tree oil and frankincense oil have been proven to have anti-cancer benefits. For abnormal skin lesions, you can mix frankincense oil, raspberry seed oil and tea tree oil, then place on the area three times daily.