The Wonders of Tea Tree Oil, a.k.a. Melaleuca Tree Oil

Even though it’s been used by healers, shamans, and native cultures for thousands of years, it’s only over the past decade or two that Tea Tree Oil has skyrocketed in popularity. While at first glance, it might appear to be a life-saving cure-all, some medical professionals are concerned about the hype. Meanwhile, lovers of this Oil say that it provides a panacea for everything related to skin, hair, feet, mouths, wounds, veggies, fruits, and homes. While the science is sketchy, Tea Tree’s fanbase is huge.

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“Some of the most powerful antiseptic essential oils include lavender oil, tea tree oil, and clove oil.” ― Essential Oils for Beginners by Althea Press

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What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Derived from the Tea Tree or Melaleuca Tree, this medicinal oil is known by many names, including Melaleuca Oil, Melaleuca Essential Oil, and Ti Tree oil. The fauna is known by several Latin names, including Melaleuca alternifolia, armillaris, styphelioides, leucadendra, acuminata, ericifolia, quinqenervia, linarifolia, and dissitiflora. The tree is extremely durable and can be found in New Zealand, Australia, Tunisia, Egypt, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the United States.

Tea Tree Oil Benefits And Studies

While there has been no long-term, controlled studies involving Melaleuca Tree Oil, the limited studies have shown:

The oil can kill some common bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae
When adding Melaleuca Tree Oil to hand soap, studies have shown that it boosts effectiveness against E. coli
Mixed with coconut oil, this Oil can work as an antiseptic to minor cuts and scrapes and reduce dandruff severity and itchiness
This Oil reduces inflammation and has shown significant clinical improvement in cases of athlete’s foot, although some studies show that it’s not as effective at eradicating the fungus
Melaleuca Tree Oil might be effective against eczema, and more potent than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams
Tea Tree Oil fights acne, as effective as benzoyl peroxide
Mixed with apple cider vinegar, Melaleuca Tree Oil works great as an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner

Click to read How Essential Oils Can Help You Heal And Evolve

Tea Tree Oil Uses

What is this oil good for? Here’s a list of the most common uses:

Reduce facial and body blemishes like pimples
Use as a natural insect repellant
Use as a natural deodorant
Reduce skin inflammation by using a tea tree oil spray
Relieve Psoriasis
Sooth your dry skin
Reduce or control dandruff
Reduce the spread and severity of athlete’s foot
Kill head lice eggs
Clean your house
Wash your fruits and vegetables
If you love the smell, try it with aromatherapy
While this is not proven or recommended, some people enjoy and receive benefit from mouthwash made from this oil

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“The Healing Power of Essential Oils Many essential oils act as adaptogens, which are natural balancers. Adaptogens promote a balancing reaction in the body, which in turn can affect a multitude of the body’s systems, including blood pressure, the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, and digestion.” ― Essential Oils for Beginners by Althea Press

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Caution: Use Safely

While each person has unique sensitivities, Tea Tree Oil is known to be generally safe when used topically. That said, some people have reported the following reactions when using the oil:

Skin irritation
Burning
Redness
Dry and itchy
Peeling and scaling
Allergic reactions in the form of skin rash

Is Tea Tree Oil Toxic?

In some cases, science points to ‘yes.’ While it’s been a popular folk medicine since the beginning of time, it has never been approved by the FDA, and many believe it to be poisonous when taken internally. Here are additional Tea Tree Oil side effects and symptoms that can stem from consumption by mouth:

Weakness
Forgetfulness
Lack of muscle control/coordination
Decreasing levels of consciousness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Confusion
Dizziness
Allergies
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rashes
Hallucinations
Coma
Lethal at high doses to rats, cats, and dogs
One study suggests that repeated use of Lavender Oil and Tea Tea Oil can cause the swelling of breast tissue in young boys

How To Use Tea Tree Oil And How To Apply It

You might be curious about how to apply and dilute Tea Tree Oil. While there are many different formulas for this, consider that this is a powerful oil. While the packaging might look pretty and benign, the oil that results from steaming Tea Tree leaves can be both healing and vicious at the same time. Also, most Tea Tree tinctures are extremely potent, so you’ll want to use them sparingly, especially when mixing with other oils like lavender and coconut. I first started using Tea Tree Oil after a particularly rough workshop in Denver where we were working intensely with breath and shaking to release old trauma. My skin was raw from tension and sweat, and the oil wasn’t just soothing — it snapped me back to the present moment with its sharp, clean scent. It’s funny how something so simple can root you when your nervous system feels like it’s spinning out. I’ve also seen clients in readings carry this oil as a kind of talisman—not in a woo-woo way, but because it’s practical. One woman had a nasty foot infection that nothing else touched. A few days of applying Tea Tree Oil, combined with her somatic exercises, and she was walking without pain again. It’s a tool, like breath or movement, that helps the body find its balance. No magic, just real results. You can apply the oil as a diluted spray, in a handcrafted lotion, or as an addition to your liquid gel or soap. Be careful to use enough water or base before applying to your body. For stubborn acne, you might benefit from applying a drop or two directly onto the blemish, but be aware that it might sting. When using the oil to reduce dandruff or improve the antibacterial nature of your hand soap, begin with smaller amounts rather than the other way around. When using Tea Tree Oil, always consider safety first.

Where Can I Buy Tea Tree Oil?

Tea Tree Oil can be purchased online and from a long list of national chain stores. There are Multilevel Marketing companies (MLMs) that tote their version of the product as if it were akin to the birth of an Enlightened Master. Don’t buy into the hype. Membership in an MLM is not required for the purchase of this wonderful oil. In most cases, you’ll find non-MLM pricing to be much lower, less expensive to ship, more accessible, and of equal or greater quality than their MLM competition’s products.

What About Purity?

Like any medicinal oil, there are levels of purity to consider. Because most companies are transparent about their processes, it’s difficult to determine which brand is producing the highest quality oils. There’s also the marketing hype to consider. You’ll see ads for Melaleuca Tree Essential Oil, Organic Tea Tree Oil, and Pure Tea Tree Oil. You’ll see companies touting their “seed to tincture” manufacturing processes, and how they source their herbs solely from farms that they own. Some companies, especially the MLM essential oil companies, will tout how their scientists have proven that their company’s oils were birthed from the loins of Gods. Don’t believe any of it. If you’re skeptical, try a few different brands. Mix them with coconut oil or lavender oil and test them out. In most cases, I believe you’ll find that the best Melaleuca Tree Oil is the one that works for you.