Tea tree essential oil – sometimes referred to as melaleuca – is known specifically for its cleansing and antiseptic properties, and its ability to clean and treat skin abrasions. Tea tree essential oil is made from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. The leaves of this plant are steam-distilled, resulting in a pale yellow essential oil that offers a herbaceous aroma and a myriad of benefits.

While its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are well known, tea tree essential oil is also widely used for skin care, hair care products and even cosmetics. It can also be very effective at treating skin infections, acne, lice, dandruff and more.

WAYS TO USE TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Inhalation/Aromatherapy

Tea tree essential oil offers a refreshing and medicinal aroma. You can diffuse this oil throughout the home or work space to promote a fresh, clear aroma.

Aromatic application of tea tree essential oil can be done with a humidifier or diffuser depending on your personal preference. But, it can also be done with a pot of boiling water, or in the shower or bathtub. A few drops can also be added to the palms of cupped hands and inhaled deeply.

Feeling sick? Try creating a steam tent to help ease breathing. Take a bowl of hot water and add several drops of tea tree essential oil to the bowl. Position yourself safely over the bowl and cover both your head and the bowl with a large towel, effectively creating a tent. The steam from the hot water will be infused with the tea tree essential oil, and as you breathe it in the combination of tea tree and steam will soothe airways and prompt easier breathing. Try it the next time you have a cold!

Oral Application

Note: we always recommend consulting with a trained aromatherapist who knows you and your body before using any essential oil internally.

Tea tree essential oil is popularly used in mouthwash and toothpaste thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Tip! Want to disinfect your toothbrush? Add hot water and a few drops of tea tree essential oil to a glass and dip/swirl the head of your toothbrush in the solution. Rinse thoroughly and your toothbrush will be refreshed!

Topical Application

Tea tree essential oil can be used topically on the skin to treat irritation or to enhance a massage. Tea tree essential oil can be used to treat small cuts and wounds; the oil can sometimes be added neat (undiluted) to help treat nail fungus or acne, or diluted with a nourishing carrier oil to help soothe skin irritations like eczema and rashes. The oil can also be diluted with witch hazel and/or water and used as a daily toner to help keep skin clear. Tea tree essential oil can work wonders on skin, and the possibilities are endless!

Complimentary Essential Oils

Tea tree essential oil can be very effective on its own; however, many users do find the medicinal and herbaceous aroma too potent. For this reason, many opt to pair the oil with complimentary essential oils to improve aroma, as well as to boost efficacy.

Tea tree essential oil pairs especially well with citrus oils like lemon oil and sweet orange oil, but it also blends beautifully with cedarwood, rosemary, and lavender oil. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a major role in oil pairings, so play around with your oils until you find combinations that you love.