Tea tree oil

Common Name:  Tea tree oil

Botanical Name:  Melaleuca alternifolia

Other Names:  Melaleuca oil, Ti Tree, Paperbark Tree, Australian Tea Tree oil

Introduction

Tea tree oil is a pale yellow colour essential oil with camphor like smell. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to Southeast Queensland and the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. They grow in colder climates.

Tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil. It is mainly extracted from the crushed leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia commercially. Tea tree oil is also called melaleuca oil. It is a pale yellow color to nearly colorless and clear essential oil.

Uses of tea tree oil

Aromatherapy uses: It has antiseptic and antiviral properties. In the form of aromatherapy, tea tree oil is used for the treatment of toothaches, acne, colds, persistent coughs, and sunburn. It is used as massage oil mixed with other vegetable oils.

Medicinal uses: Due to its antiseptic and antiviral properties it is widely used for the treatment of various ailments. It is used in the treatment of scabies, athlete’s foot, head lice, to loosen chest congestion, treating sinus infections, for dandruff and dry scalp, cuts and burns, cold and flu, eczema, various yeast infections and to treat acne.

Culinary uses: It is used as a dishwashing soap, insect repellent and helps in removing mustiness. It is used as a remedy to treat bacterial and fungal infections in aquarium fish.

Holistic uses: It is used in shampoo to treat hair problems. It is used a clothes smelling cleaner. It is used to keep germs at bay in car seats, chairs and high traffic posts.