Okay, everyone! We’re going to discuss another amazing plant and essential oil today. Tea Tree is a key personality for your essential oil kit, and is almost as awesome as Lavender oil. So, without further ado, let’s talk Tea Tree.

Tea Tree, also called Melaleuca, is a very powerful plant known for its clean scent and antiseptic properties. Originating in Australia, the Aborigines used the tree’s leaves and twigs in their medicinal practices; now, with a growing interest in natural medicines, herbs, and essential oils, Tea Tree is being researched on an international level.

Historical fact: Tea Tree was actually used during World War II by Australian servicemen when treating wounds. The oil stopped being used, though, when antibiotics were discovered, becoming more popular and the obvious choice when in need of treatment.

Tea Tree is most used in circumstances requiring antiviral, antibacterial, or anti-fungal treatment, some of them including:

• candida (yeast/parasitic fungus)
• infection
• sun burn
• acne
• athlete’s foot
• toothaches
• ringworm

One thing I’ll mention here is that you should never use Tea Tree around your eyes. I’ve seen several homemade facial products, mostly makeup removers, that contain Tea Tree essential oil, and they are fine as long as you don’t use the solution on or around your eyes. Tea Tree oil is often an optional ingredient in these recipes, so if you’re wanting to make eye makeup remover specifically, just don’t add the Tea Tree.

Tea Tree essential oil is, as I’ve already mentioned, a very useful remedy to many ailments, but you have to use extreme caution when using it. Tea Tree oil has a high enough concentration, that it’s been known to actually cause skin irritation. So, even though this oil and plant can be useful and a great remedy, as always, be careful, and watch for any side effects you might have.

So, to wrap it up, Tea Tree is great, and very strong, but please, as always, be careful. Enjoy!