What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil derives from the shrub Melaleuca alternifolia. Hence why Melaleuca Oil called Tea Tree Oil, it is the same oil different names. The Melaleuca or Tea Tree is native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Its been used by Aborigines for centuries.
Tea Tree Oil is another powerhouse essential oil like Lavender read more here. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-protozoal properties.
Anti-protozoal kills protozoa, what the heck is that?
Wikipedia defines it as
Protozoa (also protozoan, plural protozoans) is an informal term for single-celled eukaryotes, either free-living or parasitic, which feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or biological tissues and debris.
What Can You Use Tea Tree Oil For?
This is not an exhaustive list but some of the most popular uses.
Wound Healing
It is the number one thing you’ll use it for as its great at healing wounds due to its antibacterial and antiseptic abilities. Allowing it to treat/heal abrasions or minor cuts and scrapes quickly. Always make sure to cleanse the area before applying Tea Tree.
Cleanse with saline, witch hazel, or whatever you like to use. Then apply tea tree using a q-tip, cotton ball, or pad. It’s easier to pour out a small amount of carrier oil and add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. Then dip the q-tip, cotton ball or pad into the solution and apply.
Sometimes I’m in a rush and put the carrier oil and Tea Tree right on the cotton pad or q-tip. It still works. Try not to touch the actual bottle with the q-tip or cotton pad.
Dandruff/Dry Scalp
Dandruff can be from dry scalp, product buildup, fungus, or poor hygiene. Still, it’s an itchy pain. Tea tree oil helps ease dandruff due to it’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Add Tea Tree to your regular shampoo (shake before each use), or you can buy tea tree shampoo. I’ve added it to my shampoo, and you can feel it working. There is a slight tingling when applied to your scalp. Tea Tree can also be used to kill lice.
I’ve used this for my dry scalp, and it worked! But, after switching to a natural shampoo and conditioner, my dry scalp problems have almost gone away. Using products for my wavy hair means using products without sulfates, silicones, parabens, paraffin, phthalates, propylene glycol, DEA, mineral oil, gluten, and synthetic dyes, to name a few. Eliminating these ingredients has made a difference. I’ll keep using tea tree in my shampoo as needed, though.
Insect Bites
Soothe irritated insect bites with Tea Tree. Apply with a carrier oil to relieve redness, inflammation, and irritation and minimize infection. Cleanse the area and apply it to bite with q-tip. Be sure to use a carrier oil, read further to learn about carrier oils.
Insect Repellent
Besides treating the insect bite, Tea Tree oil can be used to make an insect repellent. Tea Tree is a natural insecticide and works to keep several little buggers away. You can make your bug repellent using this essential oil and others like this one on Pinterest.
Skincare
Eczema
Melaleuca helps to soothe dry skin, such as eczema. You can mix this oil with lavender for a real super healing effect for eczema. I used this mixed with lotion and applied to my daughter’s eczema every night; it had gone away within 3-4 days. To completely get rid of it, you need to find the root source of what is causing the reaction. For her, it was consuming milk every day at school.
Oily Skin
It may seem counter-intuitive, but apply Tea Tree Oil to combat oily skin can work. Why? Because it contains antiseptic properties that assist in fighting oil buildup.
Recently I listened to a podcast where they discussed that dehydration is one of the causes of oily skin. Interesting. I wanted to share that with you in case you have oily skin. I can’t speak to this first hand as my skin is dry. Its something to look into as the root cause of oily skin. The same can be said for dry skin too.
Acne/Psoriasis
Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties are also why it’s an excellent addition for those of you who have acne or even psoriasis. Not only does it reduce inflammation and redness, but it can also help with reducing scarring.
Cleanse the face/area and mix tea tree and witch hazel to use as a toner. You may have noticed I mention witch hazel often that’s because I love this product. It won’t dry out your skin, and you get a deep-down clean feeling after using it. It’s great to use to cleanse minor cuts and scrapes as mentioned above. More witch hazel here.
How Do You Apply Tea Tree Oil?
Aromatherapy
Diffuse Tea Tree oil to cleanse and to purify the air while boosting your immune system.
Topically
Use with a carrier oil, unlike Lavender, it is not recommended to apply directly to your skin.
Do not take orally or ingest.
Carrier Oils
Use these oils to dilute the concentrated essential oil, and reduce skin irritation. Popular carrier oils include almond, jojoba, argan, and coconut oil—your preference on which one you like to use and how it feels on your skin.
I use almond and jojoba interchangeably. You can use roller balls to create easy to use roll-on that glides on smoothly, plus you can take it with you. Try these, and be sure to label the bottle!
Otherwise, you’ll be wondering later what the heck is in that little green/blue bottle. It’ll happen to you; trust me. Use a label machine or other method to ensure you know what you’re putting on.
Where Do You Buy Tea Tree Oil?
If you’re at all like me, you want to try as many as possible but don’t want to pay a ridiculous amount. There are quality companies out there, no doubt, but do they have to be soo expensive? I’ve tried them all; read more about that in the best essential oils.
That’s where Rocky Mountain Oils steps in, thank goodness because I was going broke trying to buy all these EO’s. You’ll love this brand, and the quality is not compromised. It’s a win-win.
Rocky Mountian Oils is a brand I use and love. Have a browse and give Tea Tree Oil a try. I hope you like them as much as I do!
Leave a comment and let me know how you use Tea Tree Oil. I’d love to hear your ideas! Check out the benefits of Frankincense here.
I wish you peace and guidance on your journey. Take care and be well.
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