Medicinal Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea trees, also called Melaleuca alternifolia, are native to the northeast coast of Australia and are known for their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. The medicinal oil of a tea tree is made from crushing the leaves and distilling them.

How to Apply Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil can be used full strength on many skin irritations. According to Holistic Online, the oil can be used directly on the skin. However it is recommend that tea tree oil be used cautiously at first. If necessary, dilute with distilled water or vitamin E oil to reduce irritants.

Topical Uses

• Apply tea tree oil to cuts, abrasions, minor burns, insect bites, cold sores, warts, acne, yeast infections, nail infections and on feet for foot odor and athlete's foot.
  Tea tree oil is soothing as well as antiseptic. The oil has an anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling) as well as analgesic, or pain killing, effect when applied to the skin.

Additional Uses

• Tea tree oil can also be added to vaporizers for treatment of colds and flu. Adding tea tree oil to a warm bath can help ease muscle ache and to build immunity. Commercially, tea tree oil is available in mouthwashes, toothpaste, lozenges, soaps, deodorants, shampoos and lotions. This essential oil is not recommended for internal use except when it is commercially added to a product or under supervision by a knowledgeable health care professional.

Theories/Speculation

• Tea tree oil may help viral infections such as the herpes virus, according to C.D. Bishop in the Journal of Essential Oil Research.

Fun Fact

• The Bundjalung aborigines of northern New South Wales were the first people to recognize the healing power of the tea tree. In 1770, Captain James Cook found the trees while exploring Australia and made tea from their leaves, giving the name tea tree. In 1930, the Medical Journal of Australia reported the effectiveness of tea tree oil for treating infections.