SUNDAY SCENTS: Tea Tree Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Tea Tree Oil (Malaleuca alternifolia) has warm, spicy top notes with an undertone of pungent medicinal aromas.  Tea Tree is a small tree or shrub sometimes referred to as paper bark as the bark of the tree is white and papery.  Tea Tree is native to Australia.  The essential oil is steam or water distilled from the leaves and twigs.

Tea Tree essential oil is considered the most “medicinal” of all essential oils.  Studies in the United States, England and Australia have verified the germ fighting abilities of Tea Tree essential oil against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Health Use Ideas

·         Add 2 to 3 drops tea tree oil into a bath to help boost a poor immune system.

·         Apply 1 drop neat (undiluted) oil to a cold sore immediately upon breakout.

·         Put 3 drops tea tree oil with 2 drops lavender into an essential oil warmer to diffuse into room to help prevent infection.

Beauty Use Ideas

Tea Tree essential oil can be irritating to sensitive skin and has no know properties that would benefit skin care such as toning skin.  Other than the health use ideas listed above, tea tree essential oil should be used in small quantities and rarely applied directly to the skin.

Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor or licensed aromatherapist.  All information contained herein is for informational purposes only.  Please seek professional advice for any condition you may have.