TEA TREE OIL

Learn about the origins and many uses of Tea Tree Oil!

Tea tree oil is an essential oil, which means oil that comes from plants, and is made by steam distillation of the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant, native to Australia. The small tree, similar to Cypress, has needle shaped leaves and yellow or purple flowers. It grows to approximately 20 feet high.  These leaves were originally used as a substitute for tea leaves, hence the name tea tree oil.

THE BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil is used for medicinal purposes. It has a rather strong scent.  Some people choose to blend it with other oils. Tea tree oil offers many therapeutic properties including:

It is also worth mentioning that tea tree oil is 100% natural, biodegradable and environment-friendly. The Australian Aborigines have long used the tea tree to treat cuts, burns, and skin infections. Crushing the leaves and spreading them over the affected area brought impressive results. They also bathed in what were known as healing waters, where tea trees dropped their leaves, creating a naturally healing bath.  Tea tree oil is a great addition to any first aid kit. While it boasts strong antiseptic properties it works effectively without damaging healthy cells.

TEA TREE OIL PRODUCTS

Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in beauty products such as shampoos, nail care products and skin creams. Skin easily absorbs tea tree oil.  Tea tree oil is effective on dry scalp and dandruff issues and also addresses foot odor issues while helping the skin to feel relaxed and refreshed.  Those with acne and oily skin issues often find tea tree oil products beneficial.  Tea tree oil is also found in mouthwash and tooth products and is said to help keep plaque and gingivitis at bay. Pets can get in on the action and reap the benefits of tea tree oil with flea and tick control products. Shampoos, conditioners, and treatments for pets are frequently formulated with tea tree oil.

With literally a lifetime full of uses, tea tree oil is a welcome multitasking product in these days. A little goes a long way and it’s easy to buy, available in drug or grocery stores.  If you haven’t tried tea tree oil yet, get yourself a bottle.  I guarantee it won’t be long before you’re reaching for it again and again.

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Article Written By:  Laura Miller; Laura is a beauty and health/wellness/fitness writer living in Atlanta, Ga. Her many years in the salon and spa business served as a springboard for her next career move as a full-time writer. She now writes articles for DivaVillage.com and their sister-site VillageMAMA.com.