Tea tree oil is a yellow- or green-tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odour. It is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to Australia. Australian Aborigines have used oil extracted from the tree's needles for hundreds of years. The oil is claimed to have benefical cosmetic and medical properties (including antiseptic and antifungal action).Tea tree oil has been used in surgery, burn care, and dental care.

Numerous tea tree oil body care products are available, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, topical (used on the skin) cream, and essential oil.

What is tea tree oil used for?
Inhaled, tea tree oil is said to make breathing easier by "breaking up congestion".
Tea tree oil supposedly can alleviate a sore throat and minimize the symptoms of cold, flu.
Tea tree oil is effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections.
Tea tree oil also is used for athlete's foot, foul body odour, burning feet, etc.
Tea tree oil has been found to kill Propionibacterium acnes; the main cause of acne vulgaris both in vitro and in vivo.


Tea tree oil safety
Tea tree oil is considered to be safe as a topical treatment, and can be directly applied to the skin on a daily basis.

Tea tree oil is used almost exclusively externally. A patch test is advisable before using items containing tea tree oil, since it can be allergenic and cause skin irritation or rash.

Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested internally, and may result in dizziness, nausea and disorientation.