Bring up the topic of tea tree oil, and “anti-acne" easily comes to mind. Yet it goes beyond the simple anti-acne medication. Here are the many reasons why tea tree oil deserves a place in your home.

By Tish Ong

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia or the Australian tea tree. An all-around remedy with ancient beginnings, tea tree oil has been used to remedy many ailments: athlete’s foot, bad breath, colds, dandruff, diaper rash, and the list goes on. It is widely used for its anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antiviral properties, among others.



The treatment of acne is perhaps the most popular use of tea tree oil. The extract has been a popular ingredient of a wide variety of anti-acne products, including soaps, facial cleansers, toners, blemish creams, and moisturizers. Because of its antifungal properties, the oil is also used in some anti-dandruff shampoos, while research suggests the undiluted tea tree oil has been successful in treating toenail infections. Diluted tea tree oil is available in small amber bottles at health and beauty stores for spot treatment of pimples and other skin ailments such as blisters, rashes, warts, and insect bites. Tea tree oil is also an ideal ingredient of insect repellants.



Tea tree oil can be used to help boost resistance and recovery, particularly for people who are about to undergo a surgical operation. The oil may be used in baths during the weeks prior to and after the procedure. As little as three drops of the oil may be added to a full bath to get the infection-preventing effect. The same can be done for children showing early symptoms of a cold or flu.



Some sources suggest tea tree oil gargle solutions to fend off bad breath, while others insist on the use of commercially-available tea tree toothpaste. For overall hygiene, you can also have a tea tree oil-infused bath for an invigorating ritual. The few drops of tea tree oil in the water can help ease muscle tension and fight body odor at the same time.



Research claims the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating yeast infection, vaginitis and candidiasis. This may be the rationale behind products such as feminine wash solutions containing tea tree oil.



In addition to its curative uses, tea tree oil can be used to eliminate molds and odors in the home. Green living sites such as Care2.com suggest the use of the extract in easy spray solutions. Just two teaspoons of tea tree oil in two cups of water, mixed well in a spray bottle, can kill molds and purge your home of its smell.



The list of warnings that comes with tea tree oil use is perhaps as long as its list of benefits. Tea Tree Oil is for external use only and must not be ingested or swallowed. Furthermore, pure or 100% tea tree oil can cause itching, dryness, redness, and rashes on sensitive skin. In some cases, even small amounts can cause adverse reactions. This is why it is usually sold at low percentage concentrations or mixed with carrier oils, and always accompanied by a moderate-use warning.

To be safe, always check labels and ask sellers about the product’s purity or added ingredients to make sure you can use it for the purpose intended. Also, test the product on a small spot on your arm and watch out for a reaction before purchasing. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people inflicted with hormone-sensitive cancers are also advised to avoid using tea tree oil. Keep tea tree oil away from children’s reach or where pets can accidentally discover it.

References: Wikipedia.org, altmedicine.about.com, holisticonline.com, www.care2.com