Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia

Tea Tree Oil has often been referred to as "melaleuca" oil and has been used in holistic medicine as an herbal tea to stimulate the immune system.

A native of Australia, it has typically been used by the aboriginal people for all types of infections as well as minor cuts and scrapes.

It has the reputation as a cure-all for the inhabitants of Australia.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.



What is Tea Tree Oil?

Let's start with some basic information; a brief description of where the oil comes from, what it contains and how it is obtained. The following information is provided by Bill Fifield in his book "Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy".

This is a book that I highly recommend by the way.

About Tea Tree Oil

Family:  Myrtaceae
Origins: Australia
Other Names:  narrow-leaved paperbark tea tree, ti-tree, ti-troll and melasol.
Description:  A small tree/shrub with needle-like leaves much like a cypress and yellow or purple flowers.
Extraction:  Essential oil by steam or water distillation
Botanical Part Used:  twigs and leaves

Principal Constituents:  Terpinene-4-ol (up to 40%), cineol, pinene, terpinenes, cymene, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene alcohols, and others.

Integrated Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
by Bill Fifield  (forward by Dr. Daniel Penoel)

This oil comes from the twigs and leaves of a small tree/shrub with yellow or purple flowers. It is mainly grown in Australia.

The method used for extraction is by steam or water distillation.

It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic as well as a powerful stimulant for your immune system.

It can be safely applied directly to your skin to treat:

  • acne,
  • cold sores,
  • canker sores,
  • blisters,

Contrary to what appears to be the popular opinion in the English world, Tea Tree Oil (if it is clinical grade) can be taken internally. The French medical community has been using it internally for decades.

Methods of Application

Caution:

  • Possible skin sensitivity
  • Consult your physician before using if pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition
  • Avoid your eyes, mucous membranes and sensitive skin
  • Keep out of the reach of children
  • Aromatically - Can be inhaled or diffused into the air
  • Topical - Can be applied to the skin (may require dilution with a carrier oil)
  • Internal - Can be taken internally in foods or beverages (ingesting excessive amounts of over 10ml may have toxic effects)
  • Neat - Can be taken at full strength without dilution

Suggested Uses

Acne

Tea Tree Oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties. One of its principal constituents, Terpinene-4-ol (up to 40%), has been found to destroy a broad range of bacteria that can cause skin infections such as acne.

Topical application will help reduce the number of pimples, the pain and inflammation, as well as the possibility of future breakouts.

Tea Tree can be used to safely treat acne and studies have found it to be just as effective as the popular pharmaceutical treatment benzoylperoxide but with fewer side effects.

In the case of small breakouts, Tea Tree Oil can be applied twice a day to individual pimples, but for larger areas it is recommended that you mix the oil 50:50 with carrier oils such as fractionated coconut oil or aloe vera gel.

note: Try not to apply Tea Tree to healthy patches of skin especially when using in its undiluted form.

Other Oils for Acne   Main Page - Acne Skin Care 

Burn Treatment

Tea Tree Oil is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and can be useful as a treatment for minor burns. It can be used undiluted for small areas but for larger ones like a sunburn you should add it to water and spray it on the area of concern. A spritzer bottle works well for this.

Used as an antiseptic, it is perfect as a secondary oil to others such as Lavender or Helichrysum.

Other Oils for Burn Treatment   Main Page Burn Treatment

Candida

Tea Tree Oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca plant. It is well known for its extremely potent antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.

It is very soothing on itchy rashes and provides immediate relief against a yeast infection.

Tea Tree Oil inhibits the replication of candida cells and is well known for its ability to treat candida infections including vaginal candidiasis (infection with candida).

Apply topically in increasing strength as you discover your own personal tolerance:

  • Start with a blend of 5 drops Tea Tree mixed in 2 tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil on a test spot of clear skin. 
  • If after 24 hours there are no adverse reactions, wash the affected area and try a thin application to a small area. 
  • If you are still happy with your results you can apply to a larger area and gradually increase to a maximum of 10 drops.

Other Oils for Candida   Main Page - Candida Cleanse

Circulation

Are you suffering from poor circulation; concerned about slow blood flow to your brain; cardiac fatigue after exercising? Try mixing with a fractionated coconut oil in a 50:50 blend and massage it over your limbs, back and abdomen. 

Other Oils for Circulation   Main Page for Blood Circulation

Cold and Flu


For relief of cold, flu and other infections like chicken pox and shingles try diffusing 20 drops of Tea Tree Oil in the morning and evening. Follow up by massaging a 50:50 blend with a carrier oil on the infected area.

The above blend can also be taken orally in a gelatin capsule three times a day. 

Put a cup of Epsom Salts in a warm bath along with 15 drops of oil.

Blend with a carrier oil (50/50) and apply to the upper part of the breast bone (Sturnum).

Apply directly to the wrist where you take your pulse or on the balls of your feet.

H1N1 was going around and my daughter and wife came down with what matched all the symptoms.

They had sore throat, headache, a horrible cough, runny nose, fatigue, etc.

They were both sick for a week.

I decided I was next so started putting a drop of Tea Tree Oil on my tongue every hour. 

Sure enough I got a headache and that same cough but neither symptom was as bad as theirs. After 24 hours of this mild form of flu I was totally over it but feeling quite weak. One more day and I was back at work like nothing happened.

2 Days Total!  Amazing!

Other Oils for Cold & Flu   Main Page - Cold & Flu

Deodorant

Tea Tree Oil is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and as well as a powerful stimulant for your immune system. It is also a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.

It is very soothing on itchy rashes and provides immediate relief against yeast infection.

Its scent is fresh, spicy, camphoric, warm, medicinal, woody, earthy and herbal.

Gentle on the skin but is a very powerful microbial so it works great as a natural deodorant especially if you have very strong body odor.

Other Oils for Deodorant   Main Page - Natural Deodorant

Environment

Diffuse 20 drops of Tea Tree oil in a diffuser to cleanse the air in any room.

Other Oils for Environment

Hair Care

Tea Tree Oil is a very popular oil which has been used in the treatment of almost any skin problem including those associated with natural hair care.

It is well known for several purposes connected with natural hair care:

  • It moisturizes the scalp which relieves itching
  • It has antimicrobial & anti-fungal properties that help resolve fungal infections as well as scalp acne & bacterial growths
  • It unclogs hair follicles and promotes normal flow of skin oils
  • It's considered the best remedy for dandruff 

For Hair Growth - Blend 2 – 3 drops with 2 tbsp of a carrier oil like coconut or sweet almond oil and massage your scalp. Wait for 15 - 20 minutes then shampoo. This is a strong oil so if you have sensitive skin and you feel a slight burning sensation you can apply straight carrier oil to the area.

For Dandruff or Acne - Add 5 drops to your shampoo and allow it to blend for an hour before using. For a single application you may wish to add 1 drop to a tablespoon of shampoo instead.

Other Oils for Hair   Main Page Natural Hair Care

Hemorrhoids

Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using Tea Tree Oil for healing hemorrhoids.  PubMed.gov

Tea Tree Oil is antiseptic and has antimicrobial & anti-fungal properties so is well suited for healing hemorrhoids which have become inflamed or are bleeding.

Do not apply Tea Tree directly as it is much too strong for your sensitive skin.

Mix one drop with some carrier oil such as fractionated coconut or aloe and coconut and apply externally (without massaging) a couple times a day. Start with a very weak solution and increase gradually to find the ideal concentration.

Add 10 drops of oil to a cup of Epsom Salts and take a nice warm bath. Relax for at least 30 minutes to let it do its work. The combination of hot water and Lavender Oil will ease the inflammation and reduce/eliminate the pain.

Other Oils for Hemorrhoids

Main Page - Healing Hemorrhoids

Inflammation

To reduce swelling in your legs or arms use in a 50:50 blend with a carrier oil. Massage the mixture over the area and in the direction of your heart to remove toxins.

Other Oils for Inflammation   Main Page Chronic Inflammation

Infection

Tea Tree Oil is an antiseptic and is perfect when used as a secondary oil to others such as Lavender or Helichrysum.

Tea Tree, when combined with Oregano, packs a very powerful punch as a natural anti-fungal agent. For conditions such as athlete's foot add a couple drops of each to some Epsom salts in a hot foot bath.

It has antimicrobial & anti-fungal properties that help resolve fungal infections as well as scalp acne & bacterial growths.

Tea Tree Oil inhibits the replication of candida cells and is well known for its ability to treat candida infections including vaginal candidiasis (infection with candida).

For an ear infection it can be applied directly to your outer ear followed with a warm damp cloth covering to assist with penetration. Caution: do not put any essential oils inside your ear canal.

It can be used undiluted for small areas but for larger ones it should be diluted with a carrier oil before application.

Other Oils for Infection

Laryngitis

Tea Tree Essential Oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can assist with laryngitis treatment.

Use Tea Tree Oil in a mouthwash. Add a couple drops to 1/2 a cup of warm water and gargle. It is also beneficial to allow the solution to gradually drain down your throat so don't spit it out.

Alternatively, you can put a drop or 2 on the back of your hand and lick it off. In this case you will want to add your saliva to the mix, keep it in your mouth for a minute or 2 and slowly allow it to flow down your throat. This also works wonders for a sore throat.

Take a bowl of very warm water and add 10 drops each of Tea Tree and Lavender. Allow the oils to float on the surface. Lay a cloth on the top so it soaks up the oils and some of the water. If the cloth gets too wet you can wring some of it back into the bowl for future use. Apply the cloth around your throat.

Other Oils for Laryngitis  Main Page Laryngitis Treatment

Respiratory System

Tea Tree Oil can be used to assist with respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, cough, tuberculosis, etc.

Simply diffuse 20 drops in the air or add 15 drops to a warm bath together with a cup of Epsom Salts. Alternatively, you can put a few drops on a tissue and breath it in directly. Place the tissue in a plastic bag to maintain potency and you can use it periodically throughout the day.

To maintain normal respiratory function try applying a couple drops directly to your chest or reflex points of your feet.

Other Oils For Your Respiratory System   Main Page - Respiratory Problems

Shingles

Tea Tree Oil has anesthetic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which can sooth irritation and prevent scarring.

Mix Tea Tree with Lavender and float them in a bowl of water. Do not stir in. Place a cloth on the top of the water to soak up the oils and water. Wring it out and then apply it to the rash for 15 minutes or more. Repeat as often as needed.

Mix the oil 50:50 with fractionated coconut and apply it to the shingles rash. Coconut also has anti-fungal and antiviral properties so is a great addition to your treatment.

Other Oils for Shingles   Main Page - Shingles Pain

Skin Treatment

As a broad spectrum antimicrobial, Tea Tree Oil can be used undiluted to small areas like insect bites, blemishes, acne, cold sores, cankers, minor burns, athlete's foot, warts, rashes and infected sores.

Tea Tree is very effective on cuts and scrapes.

For larger areas like a sunburn, you may want to dilute the oil with some water and spray it on.

Try adding a couple drops to your favorite face cleanser to boost its effectiveness.

Other Oils for Your Skin   Main Page - Skin Treatment

Sore Throat

When you feel the beginnings of a sore throat put a drop on the back of your hand and take a lick frequently (every few minutes) until the pain disappears.

Keep your mouth closed and allow the oil to mix with your saliva and slowly slide down your throat.

I find a sore throat disappears quickly when I use Tea Tree Oil.

Repeat every so often throughout the day to make sure it doesn't return. this process will also work on many other conditions of your mouth including bad breath. 

Other Oils for Sore Throat    Main Page - Sore Throat Remedy

Toenail Fungus

Tea Tree, also known as Melaleuca, is another natural anti-fungal agent and when combined with Oregano, packs a very powerful punch. 

Tea Tree should also be diluted with a carrier oil before application.

Another option: After soaking your feet, mix and apply 1 drop each of the following oils to the affected toes:

  • Tea Tree

Repeat daily until the condition has cleared up then you will be ready to start repairing and strengthening your toenails.

Mix 1 drop each of Grapefruit Oil with Lavender Oil and apply directly 3 times a day until they have returned to normal. 

Other Oils for Toenail   Main Page Toenail Fungus

Combine with Other Oils

Tea Tree Oil blends well with:

Have You Tried Tea Tree Oil?

Has it helped you? Tell us how!

*** Please Share Your Comments Below! ***

Related Pages You May Like

  • Wintergreen essential oil is extracted from the small leaves of the evergreen herb using a process called steam distillation. Historically, American Indians and settlers were known to use it in a tea

    Wintergreen Essential Oil

    Wintergreen essential oil is extracted from the small leaves of the evergreen herb using a process called steam distillation. Historically, American Indians and settlers were known to use it in a tea

  • Black Pepper Essential Oil promotes normal circulation, digestion and respiratory function. It can stimulate your appetite & ease tired muscles. It has been used in dentistry as an antiseptic remedy for tooth-decay and gum swellings

    Black Pepper Essential Oil

    Black Pepper Essential Oil promotes normal circulation, digestion and respiratory function. It can stimulate your appetite & ease tired muscles. It has been used in dentistry as an antiseptic remedy for tooth-decay and gum swellings

  • Copaiba Oil promotes heart health, normal digestion, pancreatic & liver functions; it treats urinary tract infection; decreases inflammation & tooth decay; is used in pain relief & healing; has properties for skin ailments; it treats the respiratory system & flushes toxins

    Copaiba Oil

    Copaiba Oil promotes heart health, normal digestion, pancreatic & liver functions; it treats urinary tract infection; decreases inflammation & tooth decay; is used in pain relief & healing; has properties for skin ailments; it treats the respiratory system & flushes toxins


Where Can I Get These Oils?

I don't sell oils but here are my
recommended sources.

The companies I use and recommend guarantee the quality of their oils and I believe you will be satisfied with all your purchases, I am.

If you have any questions/concerns feel free to contact me.



Return to Essential Oil Remedies Home Page

Return to List of Essential Oils featured on this site

Return to List of Ailments/Conditions discussed on this site

Return to Essential Oil Accessories shopping

  1. Home
  2.  ›
  3. List Of Essential Oils
  4.  ›
  5. Tea Tree Oil

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Way Beyond Air Filtration

FDA-Compliant Military
Lab Tests show:

ActivePure Technology® Eliminates 99.9% of Airborne
SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Within 3 Minutes in FDA-Compliant Military Lab Tests

+ Sanitize Surfaces

Purifies both Air and Surfaces
Watch Video


Essential Oil Diffusers


Inhalers


Essential Oil Books