Tea tree oil (melaleuca) is well known for its powerful antiseptic properties and its ability to treat wounds. It is derived mainly from the Australian melaleuca alternifolia plant.

Tea tree oil may be diffused into the air to kill mould, applied topically for cuts and scrapes, or to heal skin problems and treat viruses. Tea tree oil is often an active ingredient found in facial washes, shampoos, massage oils, skin creams, nail creams and laundry soap.

Homemade Tea Tree Oil Recipes and Uses

  1. Acne treatment; Mix five drops of pure tea tree oil with two teaspoons of raw honey.  Rub mixture on your face. Leave on for one minute, then rinse off.
  2. Hair and scalp; Tea tree oil can soothe dry skin, remove dandruff and may also treat lice. Mix several drops of tea tree oil with aloe vera gel and coconut milk. Apply to the scalp, then rinse off.
  3. Household cleaner; Tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties. Mix tea tree oil with water, vinegar and lemon essential oil. Use the mixture to clean counters, kitchen appliances, sinks, showers and toilets. Spray cleaner on shower curtains, in your dishwasher or washing machine.
  4. Psoriasis and eczema treatment; Tea tree oil relieves skin inflammation and is used as a natural eczema treatment. Mix one-teaspoon coconut oil, five drops tea tree oil and five drops lavender oil. Apply to skin and rinse off.
  5. Toenail fungus or ringworm treatment; Add tea tree oil to a cotton ball and dab the affected area. For very stubborn fungi, mix tea tree oil with oil of oregano. For wart removal, apply tea tree oil directly to the wart once or twice daily for 30 days.
  6. Deodorant; Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and baking soda. Make another mixture with tea tree oil and lemon essential oil, then combine the two. Spray running shoes and sports equipment.
  7. Treat cuts and infections; Cleanse wound with hydrogen peroxide, then, mix tea tree oil with lavender essential oil and apply to the cut. Cover with a bandage.
  8. Toothpaste; Tea tree oil kills bacteria, soothes inflamed skin, reduces bleeding of gums and prevents cavities. Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and baking soda.
  9. Cancer; Tea tree oil and frankincense oil may have certain anti-cancerous benefits. For skin lesions, mix frankincense oil, raspberry seed oil and tea tree oil and place directly on the affected area three times daily.


Using Tea Tree Oil Safely
Although tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant, it’s non-poisonous when used externally and gentle to the body. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, tea tree oil was used as an antiseptic and kept in soldier’s first aid kits. Recent studies show that tea tree oil may have an effect on reducing cancerous tumours and boosts immunity.

For your safety, always consult with your physician before treating any serious health conditions with tea tree oil. Never use tea tree oil internally as it is poisonous and should not be taken orally for any reason.

If you choose to purchase tea tree oil, look for 100 per cent pure, essential tree oil and ensure that it says Melaleuca alternifolia on the label. It should be therapeutic grade and organic to ensure it has been tested and is free from chemical toxins, fillers or solvents. Light, heat, exposure to air and moisture affect oil stability, so keep your tea tree oil stored in a dark, cool, dry place in a dark glass container.