6 Ways to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Can you say Melaleuca?! What is most commonly known as Tea Tree is one of the most studied oils commonly used in Aromatherapy (https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm). Many people have heard of the great benefits of keeping this one close by. The healing properties of this small tree are extracted from the leaves and twigs. An Australian native, it has been used for centuries by the Aboriginal tribes from anything to cuts, scrapes, fevers, cold and headaches. Tea Tree is still widely used today to help with Fungal Infections, Viral and Bacterial Infections, Colds, Influenza, Acne, and more.

Tea Tree Oil is high in chemical components called Monoterpenes. Their Therapeutic actions include being antiseptic, antiviral, stimulating, energizing, and decongestant. Tea tree oil is known to be highly effective against staph infections, even those that are antibiotic-resistant.  I wanted to share ways on how you might be able to benefit by keeping this oil in your medicine cabinet.

1. Acne– Help dry a pimple, don’t you hate when those pop up unexpectedly?! Here’ s what you can try:

Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with 1 Tablespoon of witch hazel. Keep in a glass container. Apply to skin once or twice a day with a cotton swab, especially before bedtime.

2. Cuts and Sores– Using a cotton swab, dab a single drop of tea tree oil directly on the sore. Avoid areas near your eyes and mouth.

3. Boils – Bathe the area twice per day with 2 drops Tea Tree and 2 drops Lavender in a small bowl of warm water. This will help cleanse and sanitize the area to promote healing.

4. Diffuse to cleanse the air– This is especially good around Flu season. Not only will this help kill off pathogens in the air but it also smells amazing!

Try this blend using a few drops of the following:

• Tea Tree
• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Lemongrass

5. Tea Tree Hand Sanitizer:

We chose these special ingredients:

• Aloe Vera- This is our base. It is known for its immune enhancing, anti-fungal activity.
• Tea Tree- For everything you have read so far from our Part One of this blog post. Tea Tree is: Effective against staph infections, antiseptic, and antiviral.
• Lemongrass – Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
• Lavender- Lavender’s name originates from the Latin word lavare, which means “to wash.” Lavender not only smells clean but has antiseptic properties as well.

Directions: Blend the following ingredients
25-30 drops of tea tree oil
8 drops of Lemongrass
10 drops of lavender oil
1 tablespoon of witch hazel
8 ounces Aloe Vera Gel

6. Stinky Feet- Keep those feet fresh!

Make a foot powder by blending the following:

• 4oz Corn Starch or arrowroot
• 15 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

Shake and sift well and store in a closed container to use as needed.

Have you tried any of these recipes? Please share we would love to hear from you!

Tea Tree oil is one of the most widely clinical researched oils for its powerful antimicrobial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It’s no wonder it’s becoming more common to find these in peoples households. Let’s face it, we are in a time where we want to be healthier individuals and live more natural lifestyles. That’s why it’s very important to make the right choices by also incorporating Aromatherapy into our daily lives. I added 2 new recipes I think you will absolutely love! The first is a Tea Tree Hand Sanitizer that also incorporates other botanical oils to work together to create this power blend of germ killers! As for the second, the name says it all! If this is something you have struggled with, ahem…stinky feet, maybe because of sports or the gym, whatever the reason, this Tea Tree Foot Powder can get those toes fresh again with a nice tingly sensation from the peppermint. 😉

by Fernanda Santiago, Certified Aromatherapist