Melaleuca alternifolia
a.k.a. Tea Tree, Ti Tree, Narrow-leafed Paperbark
Tea tree is a gift from Australia. It grows as a small, humble looking tree with distinctly fragrant leaves, but its use as an essential oil has caught the world’s attention. Tea tree essential oil is a powerful antiseptic that knocks out even the most resilient fungi and bacteria.
This powerful medicine is generally for external use, unless of course, you have access to the fresh or dried leaves. Tea tree oil has close to 100 compounds, which the plant has developed to defend itself in the wilds of Australia. In our hands, as healers, this defense system must be handled with care. Tea tree is related to cajuput, another tropical tree, and shares cajuput’s antiseptic properties.
This second edition is expanded from our first, with more information and new images in each chapter. We’ve added a few new recipes to help you get started as well.
Here you’ll find all you need to add Tea Tree to your herbal practice. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of getting to know and love Strawberry. Start with the perspective that most engages you, then add to your knowledge by exploring further.
The primary medicinal properties we think of when we reach for Tea Tree in the Northern Hemisphere are topical in nature. Most of us only have access to Tea Tree as an essential oil, so those properties are highly concentrated. Very little goes a long way with essential oils. Tea Tree is no exception.
Tea Tree’s antifungal, and anti-microbial properties are the reason so many people have fallen in love with this Australian native. For ages, Tea Tree in its whole-herb form has helped the peoples of its homeland fend off a wide variety of troubles, including colds and flus, rashes, fungal conditions, and infections in topical wounds. Most of those wonderful defensive healing properties are thanks to Tea Tree’s resinous and volatile oils, all of which are present in Tea Tree essential oil, aka Tea Tree oil.
Tea tree oil is best known for its Terpinen-4-ol constituents, which contain the lion’s share of antimicrobial properties. Cineole is also a common constituent in tea tree oil. This is reputed to cause skin irritation, although researchers differ in opinion on this point. The best tea tree oil has high (over 35%) terpinen-4-ol amounts and low (under 5%) cineole amounts.
Cineole is more properly referred to as 1,8-cineole, although in less scientific-study literature you’ll see it discussed as either cineole or sometimes as eucalyptol. It’s generally connected with healing for the respiratory system, cleaning and clearing the body (and home), reducing inflammation, and easing stress and anxiety. That’s because many of the plants who contain this essential oil are connected to those actions. You can read more about Cineole’s medicinal actions Here.
As far as Tea Tree’s relationship with cineole goes, more recent science suggests it might be complicated.
For a long time Tea Tree was relatively unknown and little used in western culture. Then, companies began using Tea Tree oil in loads of products ranging from beauty and body care to laundry and cleaning products. It was everywhere…and the allergies began.
Tea Tree oil, like many other essential oils, can cause contact dermatitis. In sensitive individuals, that can range from a mild red rash to open weeping sores or worse. Tea Tree oil can also create sensitivity in folks who didn’t seem to have an allergy to it initially. Scientists blamed cineole.
That was a decade ago. Thankfully, Scientists have continued their study of Tea Tree’s healing properties. What they’ve discovered is that cineole isn’t the primary culprit in Tea Tree’s allergenic potential tool box. (see Terpinen-4-ol next to learn more.) It is, however, a helpful partner in Tea Tree’s infection-fighting team. And, it is fair to say cineole can have some allergenic potential in any of the herbs you find it. Generally, the benefits cineole offers outweigh the concerns, so cineole’s place in Tea Tree’s team is a treasured one.
Terpinen-4-ol, which we’ll call terpinen for short, is one of a small compliment of terpinen-type constituents Tea Tree has developed to fight off wide variety of microbial organisms including bacterial, fungal, and even viral infectious agents. These include:
The two most powerful actions terpinen and its close relatives have is the ability to stop microbial organisms from reproducing and to reduce inflammatory response. This two-punch action helps prevent invading microbes from proliferating while at the same time creating a space that’s less friendly to the invaders.
Basically, terpinens block the invader’s ability to replicate. That stops those who have entered from surviving beyond their own short lifespan. Then, terpinens set to work reducing inflammation in tissues. They do this by inhibiting the production of biofilm by bacterial and microbial organisms. This helps prevent the microbes from creating an environment favorable to their growth. Terpinens also prevent inflammation by encouraging healthy circulation in tissues, thereby maintaining an environment favorable to fast healing.
So what’s the catch?
As it turns out, Tea Tree oil has a higher than usual potential for causing an allergic reaction in humans and other animals. Terpinens are definitely part of the problem, but even that’s a complicated story.
When Tea Tree oil is fresh, the chances of it causing contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction beginning with a red, swollen rash and progressing into weeping sores, is present but relatively low. Like all essential oils, it’s generally wise to dilute Tea Tree oil before using it topically to prevent a reaction. Occasionally, folk apply Tea Tree oil neat, or undiluted, directly to open wounds. In a pinch, that may be helpful as long as the oil is quite fresh.
Trouble stirs when Tea Tree oil has had a chance to oxidize. Terpinens combined with oxygen break down into compounds that amplify the allergen potential considerably.
Tea Tree oil is one of the essential oils that needs special care for that reason. It’s wise to store your Teat Tree oil in the refridgerator or a similar cool, dark place. It’s also wise to keep it in a dark container with a good, tight cap or lid and very little room for air. That means, you’d be best off buying small bottles of Tea Tree oil and replacing them as you go rather than buying bulk because as you refill your smaller bottles or use up the contents of the larger bulk bottle, you’ll be opening that large bottle to greater quantities of oxygen while the bottle is in storage.
Terpinens oxidize fairly quickly, and the more air they come into contact with the faster and more easily they’ll begin to break their chemical structures down, which is the essence of oxidization. ,
Tea Tree has long been a part of the natural healer’s toolkit. The caveat to that statement is that the three main energetic traditions modern herbalists look to for guidance weren’t active in Oceania for a majority of those years.
That doesn’t mean Tea Tree has no energetic actions, and it doesn’t mean Tea Tree has no part in those traditions today. What it means is, we’ve got to apply the principles of those traditions to Tea Tree within the context of our modern understanding of how those systems work.
In other words, we get to look at Tea Tree through the lens of energetics without the usual documented history of analysis we get to draw on for so many of the other plants we modern herbalists rely on.
What do we know?
We know Tea Tree is cooling because it clears inflammation. We know it’s drying, because it is particularly effective against fungal conditions that love dampness. We know it’s tonifying or building because it strengthens and protects tissues against infection. That is just the beginning.
Tea Tree is not described in the Pharmacopia of Traditional Western Herbalism. If it were, it would be considered a fairly balancing medicine, toning and drying, warming, and generally one that helps bring conditions back toward a balanced center.
Tea Tree has particular talent as managing damp conditions in the body and in the environment, much like Willow and Cottonwood. In this way, it helps to tighten lax tissues, asking them to release excess water and moving toward a more toned state.
Tea Tree tends to improve or increase circulation making it warming in nature. That warming aspect helps counter the cooling that can come from excess tension, giving Tea Tree a balance in its toning action.
Tea Tree would be considered an essential oil that helps clear excess Pitta and Vata while building Kapha. In helping to drive out pathogens from the system, be they cold and flu germs or topical infection, Tea Tree is working to restore balance and strength to the Kapha of the area.
When Vata is disturbed, as in the later stages of a cold or flu, Tea Tree calms the area, aligning Vata toward the purpose of clearing out the microbes and debris associated with the illness while fortifying the Kapha toward rebuilding or restoring the body’s tissues and natural balance.
Tea Tree can help in the later stages of a fever, too. Here, he’s helping to cool Pitta and again draw on Vata and Kapha to remove toxins and restore balance.
When the body has an excess of Kapha, Tea Tree can be used to help dry the system, but he’d be best used in conjunction with more clearly drying herbs, such as Thyme or Lavender. Tea Tree essential oil will contribute a Vata- and Pitta- balancing action to the formula while the other herbs work to reduce excess Kapha. In this way, Tea Tree essential oil’s Kapha supportive energies are mild and flexible.
Tea Tree is best used when tonifiying is needed. The restorative action of tea tree’s essential oils works two-fold.
First, Tea Tree helps clear toxins and stagnations. As a steam during a fever or cold, for instance, Tea Tree can help release external wind-heat in the sinuses and respiratory system, making way for the body to begin rebuilding or restoring balance. Topically, tea tree helps clear fire toxins, like those associated with painful, itchy rashes, excema, and acne. Tea Tree has also been used more recently by some TCM practitioners topically to help clear blood stagnations like those associated with vericose veins or edema. In all these cases, Tea Tree is clearing and moving energies to make space for healing and restoration.
The second primary action Tea Tree offers to support restoration is in helping support the action needed to rebuild. Traditional Chinese Medicine describes this action as Nourishing the Yin and Qi. As Tea Tree clears the toxins or stagnant energies, it also draws in that which is needed to support Yin and Qi through the rebuilding phase.
Together, Tea Tree’s affinitiy for helping clear and rebuild gives him a strong connection with the Lung, Heart, Stomach, and Kidney meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine. (Holmes)
Tea Tree isn’t available as a flower essence commercially. You can make it yourself, if you have access to Tea Tree plants growing in the wild (see Medicine Making.) Be aware the common name, Tea Tree, is used to describe a variety of other and often non-related species as well. If you are looking at a product labeled some kind of Tea Tree flower essence, you may want to ask the maker from what species it was derived. Chances are it won’t be Melaleuca alternifolia.
Tea tree essential oil is potent stuff. Its ability to conquer strong bacterial infections such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as Staph or MRSA, has made it a standby in many hospitals and other medical institutions. At home, tea tree essential oil is just as powerful an antiseptic.
Tea tree oil is primarily used as an antiseptic for external applications. It’s absorbed into the skin readily and activates white corpuscles, which fend off bacteria and viruses. This makes it an invaluable ally in wound healing. Tea tree can be incorporated into antibacterial spritzers to promote healthy recovery from injuries.
Foot conditions are often caused by invasive fungi. Tea tree oil is a powerful antifungal medicine. Athlete’s foot, trench foot, or the follow up care for frostbite can be successfully conquered by persistent application of tea tree oil. It’s easily added to foot baths, foot wraps, or applied neat to severe conditions under a qualified health practitioners’s watchful eye.
Tea tree is often added to shampoos and conditioners for controlling dandruff. It’s just as easy to add it to homemade hair rinses for inexpensive and effective dandruff treatment. Tea tree oil is effective on its own or when blended with rosemary or chamomile essential oil.
Athlete’s Foot, Candida, mildew, mold all detest Tea Tree.
That’s because Tea Tree really knows how to dry things up. Tea Tree oil is well-known for helping the body fight off fungal infections of all types and create an environment that’s less hospitable to fungus in general. Much of that is thanks to the terpinens in Tea Tree, of course.
But chemistry alone doesn’t entirely explain Tea Tree’s exceptional ability to fight the fungus, as second world war soldiers can attest to. Back then, Tea Tree was standard issue to forces fighting initially in Australia and later through out the Western armed forces.
Why?
Trench Foot is the answer. Soldiers in the trenches battled in extremely adverse conditions. Damp, cold, lack of good food or sunlight were all common. That’s a breeding ground for fungus. Trench foot proliferated joyfully, until Tea Tree came to the rescue.
Tea Tree oil drys damp conditions and encourages a healthy circulation. In studies, Tea Tree oil has performed admirably in creating conditions where fungus fails to thrive.
For modern herbalists, Tea Tree makes a terrific partner against Athlete’s foot and Candida. It’s also a wise choice for cleaning the damp areas of the house, like the bathroom, showers, and kitchen. Pretty much, if it’s fungal in nature it won’t withstand the power of Tea Tree.
Ringworm is yet another fungal condition that bows to tea tree oil. It’s just one of many fungus related illness that can crop up around the body. Candida, jock itch, and thrush are all fungi related, too. Use tea tree oil topically with a supplement of pau d’arco or garlic internally to take care of the problem systemically. Remember to keep the digestive system in balance with probiotics as well.
The surgeon’s best friend, as it turns out, may well be a wee bottle of Tea Tree oil. That’s because Tea Tree has proven itself to be a powerful opponent to microbes of many sorts, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA included.
As we’ve discussed, Tea Tree’s combat skills include the ability to reduce inflammation and increase circulation, creating an environment that’s unfriendly to microbes. When it comes to viral microbes and especially bacteria, Tea Tree has demonstrated considerably effectivity in scientific studies.
Part of how Tea Tree oil prevents bacterial infection is by inhibiting bacterial cell reproductive capacity. Tea Tree oil also stops bacteria from creating biofilm. Biofilm is a layer of protective film that bacteria create to protect their newly claimed territory and create an environment friendly to their kind. When biofilm is formed in the gut, for instance, it prevents that area of the intestinal tract from being able to absorb nutrients. It also acts as a repellant or shielding layer that makes it harder for the body’s natural defense system to attack the invading microbes.
Tea Tree can effectively prevent bacteria from forming that biofilm while encouraging the tissues to release excess heat and swelling in the form of inflammation. This enables the body to fight off the bacterial invaders effectively. Conditions herbalist commonly call on Tea Tree for include a variety of infections both topical and semi-internal in nature like ear infection, open wounds, rashes, sore throat, gum disease, and tooth decay. (See a dentist if tooth you’re experiencing dental decay or pain.).
In viruses, including some of the herpes simplex viruses, Tea Tree has proven effective in protecting cellular structure against invasion. Studies suggest that Tea Tree is most effective before the viral agent has penetrated cell walls, making Tea Tree a better protector at the early signs of infection.
Once the virus has broken through, Tea Tree is less effective at pushing the virus back out. That’s when it makes sense to reach for herbs that specialize in drawing viral agents out and strengthening boundaries, like yarrow, elder, and thyme.
Still, good prevention is better than any cure, and Tea Tree is a good one to have in your corner.
Has flu, colds, or even covid been creeping about your neighborhood? You’re not alone! It’s a great relief to know Tea Tree is on your side when you’re protecting against our modern plagues.
Tea Tree oil can be dropped into steams for bronchial infections or into the bath water to loosen sore muscles or prevent infection.
Tea Tree shines most powerfully in prevention of viral-type illnesses. As an additive to topical preventatives, like hand soaps and alcohol-type sanitizers, it’s a good team member. You can make a simple Herbal Hand Sanitizer (see Recipes) or spritzer using Tea Tree oil to carry with you if you’d rather avoid the commercial versions that have become so prevalent in our communities.
While washing hands and using hand sanitizers are a really powerful way to prevent illness, Tea Tree can help you in other ways, too.
Tea Tree oil makes a good partner in aromatherapy blends designed to fend off illness. Tea Tree’s ability to prevent viral microbes from entering cells is the key. When a virus comes into contact with your lung tissues, which is what happens when you breathe in infected microdroplets, it sets to work straight away trying to break into your system. If you’ve also breathed in a small amount of Tea Tree oil as a part of your regular aromatherapy practice, you’ll already have a stronger defense against that attack.
The most important part when reaching for Tea Tree to help stave off colds, flus and other seasonal viruses is to be light-handed. Too much Tea Tree, especially in sensitive individuals, can cause sensitivities and allergies. Keep the percentage of Tea Tree oil you use in your blend to 1 percent or less. That means if you’re adding 10 drops to your diffuser total, only one drop will be Tea Tree oil. Additionally, if you live with animals, most especially cats, it is wise to save all Tea Tree oil blends for limitedd personal use; sprinkle the blend on a hankie or in your mask or add it to a small spritzer so you can use it without filling the house with any level of Tea Tree oil. Many animals are quite sensitive to Tea Tree oil. For them, and especially for cats, Tea Tree oil can be deadly even in tiny quantities. See Animals and Cautions for more information.
One more potential way to use Tea Tree to fend off illness is to use toothpaste with Tea Tree oil blended in. I keep a tube of Tea Tree toothpaste in my drawer for use when any family member or coworker comes down with a sniffle. If I’m noticing the first signs of potential illness in myself, I’ll also reach for the Tea Tree toothpaste. While I have no scientific studies to prove it works, I’ve noticed that when I’ve enlisted Tea Tree to help with dental care in the face of attacking seasonal illnesses I’m far more likely to dodge them than when I have not.
We’ve talked about using Tea Tree toothpaste to fend off seasonal illness, like flus, colds, and similar viruses. There’s little science behind that practice, but I’ve personally found it effective. The more common reason herbalists reach for Tea Tree today is to fend off and heal from bacterial infections.
Tea Tree’s ability to break up bacterial biofilm and kick bacteria to the curb is a boon when you’re facing a bacterial-type tooth or mouth infection. Often, we include Tea Tree in formulas for mouth wash and toothpaste to help manage and slow the progress of bacterial infection in the mouth and digestive tract.
A dab of tea tree oil on a cotton swab placed directly on sore gums can ease infection until the patient can get to a dentist. Tea tree oil is often added to commercial toothpaste or mouth rinse. It’s easy to make your own though. Gingivitis, or bad breathe, can be mitigated by a gargle of 1/2 cup warm water, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a few drops of tea tree oil. Swish, gargle, and spit at least once a day to get rid of bacteria causing the odors.
Tea Tree formulas, which should include a maximum of 1 percent Tea Tree oil or be made using fresh Tea Tree leaves, can help slow the progress of tooth decay…but they are not a replacement for seeing the dentist promptly. Combined with other common dental herbs, like sage, spearmint, and yarrow, Tea Tree can help slow the progress of a variety of bacterial agents, those causing tooth decay included. Gingivitis and Inflamed gums can potentially benefit from the same blend of plant power, as well.
Typically, herbalists recommend using your Tea Tree toothpaste or mouth wash until symptoms have passed or until you’ve seen the dentist. It is wise to avoid swallowing any preparation containing Tea Tree oil. If you living in a place where you can pick fresh Tea Tree leaves, you can potentially use them as a daily infusion to both swish about your mouth and swallow, but it is wise to limit your use to three cups (8 ounces or 240 ml) a day or just under to avoid developing a sensitivity to Tea Tree. Tea Tree’s natural essential oil concentration in a handful of leaves is quite small, but there’s still a potential for sensitivities to build with regular use. Tea Tree is one plant ally to keep for use when you really need it rather than to draw on as part of your daily routine.
Tea Tree is commonly included in topical skincare blends, especially those designed to promote circulation and prevent or deter infection. Acne, for instance, is often treated with a combination of yarrow and tea tree. Yarrow draws out excess fluids and Tea Tree helps prevent bacterial infection from taking hold.
Skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or boils are best treated by daily applications of tea tree oil. Bug bites are also quick to subside with attention from tea tree oil. Witch hazel astringent or apple cider vinegar are good bases for these applications. Both leave the skin feeling clean and pH balanced.
Other skin conditions that may benefit from Tea Tree’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial talents are topical rashes. When contact dermatitis begins, it often includes red, inflamed areas that can progress into itching and weeping. Tea Tree helps prevent bacterial pathogens from gaining ahold over the area, even when the skin has broken open. It also assists with cooling the inflammatory response and helps to drain the area of wastes as the skin works to heal itself.
As a first aid player, Tea Tree is a terrific ally. Minor to major wounds can be disinfected with Tea Tree oil used neat in an extreme emergency or used at a 1-2 percent dilution with a clean carrier oil such as in a First Aid Oil blend (see Recipes). This can help prevent infection from setting in.
You can add a few drops of tea tree to salves, herbal lotions, or herbal oils formulated for first aid. Buffered by the oils in these formulas, tea tree will not sting when applied to an open wound as it does when it’s applied all on its own. Plus, it will add its preservative power to the formula thereby helping increase your herbal medicine’s shelf life. This is serious medicine and should be handled carefully. Be smart. Remember that safety begins at home.
For most of the world, Tea Tree is an essential oil. It’s not native to our climates, and most of us aren’t likely to find it naturalized in our local parks. That doesn’t mean we cannot grow it, and it doesn’t mean we can’t encounter it when we visit Tea Tree’s homeland.
Tea Tree calls Australia and New Zealand home. There, it grows with wild abandon as a weedy, shrubby tree. Native peoples from that region have a wealth of folk knowledge and wisdom connected to this humble superstar of the modern herb world.
In tea tree’s native climate in Australia, it prefers a moist, loamy soil but is willing to grow in more arid conditions if need be. Tea tree prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It’s often found near water, such as inland lakes and rivers.
You can grow tea tree from seed or starts bought from specialty seed shops. Tea tree is a tropical, so for most northern growers it will be an indoor plant through the winters. According to The Sage Gardener Blog, even folks in the northern climates of North America can grow tea tree successfully. They’ve written a wonderful article on doing so.
Tea tree can stand a goodly pruning. If you’re planning to use tea tree as a hedgerow, plant your initial starts close and trim them into shape yearly. It’ll grow into a thick, fragrant, protective hedge within a few short years.
Tea tree grown for the tea tree oil industry is grown on plantations in fairly close rows and cut nearly to the ground once a year after the initial planting is established. Tea tree recovers from harsh pruning rapidly, allowing the farmers to harvest any given field of tea tree annually with ease. It takes just three or four years for Tea Tree to grow large enough for harvest.
Once plants are mature enough for harvest, they can produce for as many as 27 years if the plantation farmers tend them with care. Often plantations are sited on flood planes so that Tea Tree gets a deluge during the flooding season. That offers a bounty of fresh water and nutrients in the way Tea Tree naturally desires.
The pros use heavy machinery to tend and harvest their plantings, like tractors and harvesters. Some machines are designed specifically to harvest and distill, making the work easier to do on a grand scale. Despite the seemingly heavy levels of mechanism, farmers within the Tea Tree industry, at least those growing and distilling good quality oils, work to maintain balance and health in the whole of their environment to not only grow the best Tea Tree but also to ensure nature’s general health and balance is maintained.
Tea tree is susceptible to few diseases or bugs. Myrtle rust, however, is the bane of tea tree farmers. If you find the tell tale signs, powdery, yellow dust on the foliage, you’ll want to do some research on how to help your plant as soon as possible. The Australian Tea Tree Industry Association has a good article on myrtle rust, as does the New South Wales Government (NSW Government) web site. Both give information on how to identify and treat myrtle rust.
Steam Distillation is the method larger producers prefer for making Tea Tree oil. It takes about 133 pounds or 60 kg of Tea Tree leaves and twigs to produce about 2 pounds or 1 kg of Tea Tree oil. That’s about 40 oz (1 l) of Tea Tree oil when all is said and done. By most reckoning, that’s a very good rate of production, which is part of why Tea Tree oil is one of the more affordable essential oils on the market. The speed with which Tea Tree grows contributes to that affordable price, too.
For most of the world, tea tree is best gathered as an essential oil. If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate where tea tree grows, you can gather fresh tea tree leaves and dry them much as the early Australian people did. They can be used fresh or dried to make an infusion for external or internal use, but we don’t have personal experience with this practice. We, being from the Pacific Northwest in North America, use tea tree essential oil. Tea tree essential oil is sold readily in supermarkets, health food stores, and herbal shops in our area. You can find it online, too.
When buying tea tree essential oil, be sure you’re choosing only essential oil that’s 100 percent pure tea tree oil, preferably packaged in a dark bottle and in small quantities. Essential oils, including tea tree, can begin to break down when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen. If the essential oil you’re purchasing comes in a small, dark, glass container, chances are much higher you’re getting a good quality oil.
When you’re looking for a good quality Tea Tree oil, it’s wise to aim for organic. With all essential oils, organic is highly preferred. The process of distilling any essential oil concentrates all the chemicals found in the plant at the time of distillation considerably. That includes any harmful herbicides, pesticides, or other contaminants, which means you’ll find higher levels of those chemicals in your essential oils than you might in other wildcrafted or farmed herbal preparations or plants.
Essential oils that are not pure are often mixed with other additives, or adulterated, to make them less expensive and more profitable in the market place. These additives can be harmful and may or may not offer positive benefits to your use of the essential oil. With tea tree oil, as with all essential oils, it’s wise to stick to the pure stuff and add or dilute it with ingredients you control rather than trusting the manufacturer to do so safely.
Since Tea Tree oil tends to be relatively inexpensive, choosing organic gets a bit easier. Since we tend to reach for Tea Tree when trouble is brewing, it’s that much more important to look for an organic option to better support the healing and prevention we most need.
Tea Tree essential oils carrying this logo have passed the standards of the Australian Tea Tree Oil Association for purity and quality.
Note: This image is trademarked and should not be reproduced.
According to the Australian Tea Tree Oil Association, adulteration is common in Tea Tree oils. They have a strong set of certification standards in place to prevent adulteration in oils that carry the Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil label and certification. When you’re looking for a good Tea Tree oil, look for the Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil logo on the label. (Not an affiliate)
You can test to see if your oil has been adulterated or diluted with other types of oils by placing a drop on a clean, white piece of paper. Let the oil evaporate, which may take only a few moments or a day or two depending on the oil and the humidity of your environment. When the oil has evaporated, you should see no oily residue left behind. Any oily residue left behind means the essential oil was mixed with additives, which is often done to increase profitability. If you plan to use your essential oils therapeutically, only use those which truly are pure and leave no reside behind. This won’t ensure your oil doesn’t contain other types of chemicals, but it will help you tell if the manufacturer has added additional fatty-chain types oils to the bottle.
Pure tea tree oil doesn’t come in multiple grades or quality levels as do a few essential oils, such as camphor or peppermint. Many essential oil manufacturers use words like “therapeutic grade” or “pharmaceutical grade” to describe their products. Be aware that these are marketing terms rather than standards upheld or defined by any governing organizations. For tea tree oil, they don’t honestly apply.
A majority of the world’s tea tree oil comes from Australia, though not all. Australia’s tea tree oil’s industry exerts tight controls on the essential oils produced in their region. All Australian tea tree oils contain between 30-48 percent terpinen-4-ol, the chemical most often cited as the active or main constituent in tea tree oil. Most other regions produce tea tree oil of similar quality, but it’s wise to be aware of the quality standards before purchasing or using any tea tree oil clinically. Even for home use, it’s wise to do a little research before choosing the brand of tea tree oil you purchase.
Tea Tree likes marshy, damp conditions along waterways or in flood planes. Look for an environment that’s damp, semi-tropical, and sunny.
Tea Tree grows in tree to shrub form, up to 23 feet or 7 meters. Bushy crown, papery bark peels away in large chunks. Hairless leaves are scattered and whirled, long and narrow. Flowers are multiple flowered spikes with axes bearing short hairs, each flower is white within a bract and has several petals .118 inches or 2.5 mm in length. Flowers have stamens and styles. Fruit is cup-shaped, small like flower petals, and sparsely spaced on branches. Seeds are released and scattered by wind.
Essential Oil…not viscous, can range in color from pale yellow to clear and colorless.
Piney with a slightly sweet and strong antiseptic flavor.
Essential oil…tastes similar to pine, slightly sweet with a strong antiseptic, tingly quality and a harsh, astringent flavor reminiscent of the top of a carrot root that’s old and gone green. Be careful to not ingest tea tree oil. See Cautions.
Piney, like turpentine.
Essential oil…sharp, like turpentine.
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Plant Part: essential oil, steam distilled from leaf and bark
Natural Environment: Australia’s moist, loamy waterways
Identification: Tree grows in tree to shrub form, up to 23 feet or 7 meters. Bushy crown, papery bark peels away in large chunks. Hairless leaves are scattered and whirled, long and narrow. Flowers are multiple flowered spikes with axes bearing short hairs, each flower is white within a bract and has several petals .118 inches or 2.5 mm in length. Flowers have stamens and styles. Fruit is cup-shaped, small like flower petals, and sparsely spaced on branches. Seeds are released and scattered by wind.
Constituents: Terpenes (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), cineole, phenols, oxides and alcohols
Actions: Antibacterial, anti-fungal, fungicide, anti-septic, antimicrobial. anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, anti-protozoal
Aromatherapy: Listed as top note. Blends with citrus, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, rosemary and thyme. Used for Strength, Resistance, Confidence.
Conditions: Acne, athlete’s foot, bacterial infections, boils, candida, canker sores, colds, dermatitis, ear infection, gum disease, inflammation, sore throat, viral infections, wounds
Magical Properties: Protection, guidance, tenacity, subtle learning/learning to listen to the subtle
Caution: Not for internal use. May cause skin irritation to sensitive areas. Do not use on cats. Be very careful using tea tree oil with dogs or other animals. If tea tree oil poisoning occurs, seek medical help immediately. Signs of tea tree oil poisoning may include:
Tea Tree medicine is powerful stuff. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a place Tea Tree thrives, you can make use of all aspects of this medicine fairly easily. For most of the world, however, Tea Tree oil is the primary way we encounter the medicine of this herbal powerhouse.
If you have access to fresh tea tree leaves, you can dry them as you would most other herbs. They can be infused in water for colds, mononucleosis, cystitis, and urinary infections. Use about 1/2 teaspoon or approximately 10 grams per cup of water.
For external application, such as for rashes, external yeast and other infections, athlete’s foot, trench foot, and the like, you can use the same concentration or increase the potency by adding more tea tree leaves per cup of water.
Tea Tree oil or essential oil is steam distilled from fresh leaves of the Tea Tree (melaleuca). One of the few essential oils that can be safely used undiluted, or neat, on the skin, Tea Tree oil is still a potent medicine. For most applications, dilution makes a great deal of sense. For some treatments, such as insect bites or infected nails, a drop or 2 of undiluted essential oil on a cotton swab works wonders, although be aware tea tree oil used on an open cut will sting. In a pinch, tea tree oil can be applied neat to rashes as well.
Yeast infections are treated by diluting tea tree oil with water to a 1 percent solution. This may sound very mild but remember that the vagina is a tender area. It requires gentle care. If, however, the yeast infection you’re treating is not vaginal, but rather topical, you can use a higher concentration of tea tree oil if so desired. The beauty of tea tree oil is that a very little amount goes a long way.
Most compounds using essential oils involve a carrier liquid, such as vinegar, water, or oil, and a few drops of tea tree oil. Treatments for stubborn conditions such as difficult fungal infections on calloused body parts can have dilutions as high as 5 percent (for example, 19 oz carrier oil (560 ml)/1 oz (30 ml) Tea Tree essential oil).
Tea tree can also be blended with aloe vera gel or lotions. Use a few drops of Tea Tree essential oil to an ounce (30 ml) of gel or lotion to treat rashes including ringworm, boils, or athlete’s foot (aloe vera gel recommended) or bug bites.
If Tea Tree grows in your neck of the woods, you can make your own Tea Tree flower essence fairly easily. (The procedure is outlined in the second edition of Strawberry under Strawberry Flower Essence Options.)
Tea Tree flower essence can be used on it’s own as a simple or in combination with other flower essences or formulas designed to help one gain and hold focus, stay grounded and in motion when challenges arise, or find the courage to stay centered when facing the inevitable including health challenges and difficulties.
Internal use of tea tree is limited. It may be used in suppositories for yeast infections or in rinses for ear infections or as dental rinses or toothpastes for tooth infections. Note that each of these applications include medicine that doesn’t go into the digestive system.
Tea tree oil can be used neat (straight) in very select situations. One drop can be put on a boil or on ringworm sites or rubbed between the fingertips and massaged into the scalp for dandruff control. In cases where you fear infection, tea tree essential oil can be applied neat to open wounds as well. It’s likely to sting, so if you have access to lavender essential oil instead that would be a better choice. But, in extreme situations, such as when injury occurs away from home, tea tree will gladly step up to the challenge.
Tea tree essential oil is a good choice for adding to a vaporizer. Use moderation when adding drops to the machine as this essential oil is sharp. If used in a facial or respiratory steam, close or cover the eyes to prevent membrane irritation.
None Available
Tea Tree is generally not used with most modern pets or animals we humans keep. Most pets are sensitive to Tea Tree oil and for some it’s deadly, so it’s wise to use extreme caution. One of the few exceptions is our aquatic friends, for whom Tea Tree is a helpful friend.
Tea tree is found in remedies for aquarium fish. These are sold as diluted solutions for bacterial and fungal infections. The dilution will vary according to the size of the fish. Smaller fish, such as Bettas, have compounds sold in the lowest concentrations.
Tea tree is an excellent disinfectant for use in cleaning small animal cages. Use a drop or two in a vinegar solution. It’s good for lizard and bird cages, too. Be sure to give the cage some time to air out after you’ve cleaned as you would with any cleanser so that your animal friend is not overwhelmed with the volatile oils or small of Tea Tree.
Dogs don’t like the smell of tea tree but will tolerate it, especially if you explain what it is and why you’re using it. Dogs are more capable of processing Tea Tree oil than are cats, but they can develop sensitivities. Even large dogs are better off avoiding frequent direct contact with or use of Tea Tree oil. Smaller dogs are more highly susceptible to developing toxicities. Generally, it’s wise to minimize your use of Tea Tree oil with your canine friends. There are instances when Tea Tree oil can be helpful, especially if it has been properly diluted or handled with care.
Tea tree essential oil used in moderation is good for healing infected and smelly ears–for bacterial and yeast infections, use two ounces or 60 ml of garlic infused vegetable oil with one drop of tea tree essential oil. Wipe the inner ears and ear flaps gently with an oil soaked cotton ball or fingertips or spritz lightly if the ears are very tender.
Tea tree essential oil is most excellent for dog laundry–Add a drop or two to the drier when drying dog beds and towels. It’ll help prevent fleas and ticks and the heat of the dryer will reduce the intensity of the oil so risk to your companion will be reduced.
You can use tea tree essential oil for external use on cuts and rashes in an emergency, but beware tea tree essential oil stings. Lavender essential oil is gentler and safer for deeper wounds. Plus lavender is less toxic to animals. Be sure the injured animal cannot lick the wound if you’ve used tea tree on it.
Tea Tree cannot be processed properly by many of our furry friends’ systems. Cats, in particular, are unable to detoxify when they’ve come into contact with Tea Tree. That means Tea Tree’s potency will quickly add up in their systems and can lead to fatality fast.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, tea tree oil is toxic to cats and dogs. As little as 7 drops of undiluted tea tree essential oil can cause signs of severe poisoning. If your cat (or dog) was exposed to tea tree essential oil, call your vet or Pet Poison Hotline immediately. See Cautions for more information.
Tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant for laundry, especially after illnesses. Add a drop or two to a dryer hankie or to your dryer sachet with each load of laundry. Alternately, you can add a drop or two to the bottom of one of your freshly laundered, still wet socks as you put them in the dryer, so long as you’re not worried about potential stains on the sock. Essential oils that aren’t pure can leave a small, oily stain behind when dried this way. As an insecticide, try putting 5 drops of tea tree oil on a small piece of cotton cloth and throw it in the dryer with bed sheets or pillow covers to ward off fleas and bed bugs.
Clean laundry baskets and shoes with tea tree oil spray to prevent and cure athletes foot.
Clean kitchen counters with tea tree oil and four thieves vinegar spray instead of bleach to disinfect.
Bathrooms benefit from a good spritz of tea tree oil disinfectant spray to kill germs, molds, and mildews.
For First Aid Kit Use: Clean first aid tools with tea tree oil straight or mixed into rubbing alcohol to disinfect before and after use.
Tea Tree can also make a good arial disinfectant, as long as no non-human animals share your space. Tea Tree oil can be added to aromatherapy blends at a rate of 1 drop per 100 drops total or 1 percent of the formula.
Tea tree is a good antifungal for the greenhouse or other garden applications. Include it in your recipe for natural antifungal sprays for house plants and garden plants. Be sure no animals are likely to eat sprayed plants within the first few days after spraying. See Cautions for more information.
Tea tree, also commonly called Melealuca after the first part of its botanical name Melealuca alternifolia, has cured a variety of ailments since the Aboriginal tribes of Australia began to pass down tales of the Dreamtime. Long before Captain James Cook discovered for England the therapeutic uses of this tree in 1770, the native people’s of Australia used it to heal all manner of topical conditions as well as for a variety of internal complaints we would today no doubt call viruses like colds and flus as well as other bacterial and yeasty conditions.
In the tale of Eelemani, from the Bundjalung people, tea tree finds its first roots. In the story, Eelemani, a special princess with magical powers, must take a long journey through the wild bush. She fears she won’t be able to find her way back to her people, so she asks the Divine Powers of the Land for help. They give her a pouch of seeds and instruct her to plant them as she goes. She does, and tea tree sprouts rapidly, marking the path home with its light, peeling white bark and slender leaves. Thus, the magic of Tea Tree enters our world as a healer and guide for those in need.
For centuries, the people of Australia worked with tea tree as a medicine on many levels while the rest of the world remained largely unaware of this tree’s remarkable powers. After Captain Cook introduced tea tree to Europe, tea tree’s healing began to spread worldwide. By World War II, tea tree was recognized even by medical science as a potent and practical medicine. Soldiers in Australia were issued vials of tea tree oil as a part of their first aid kits.
On a more magical level, tea tree has long been recognized as a protector and a guide. It has been used to cleanse and protect before and after magical workings and to help the shaman successfully enter, navigate, and return from the Dreamtime with the knowledge he or she seeks, particularly when that knowledge relates to matters of healing, protection, or growth. Today, it’s used to cleanse and consecrate magical tools and spaces in conjunction with other magical herbs.
Lakes on whose shores tea tree grows have long been reputed to hold healing waters. The land where tea tree grows has been called healing ground.
Tea tree bark was used for knife sheaths, thatching, sandals, and small canoes due to its waterproofing qualities and because it easily peels away from the trunk in thick chunks.
Tea Tree grows in a variety of conditions in its native Australia, favoring moist, well-drained soils in warmer areas. Despite the harsh treatment he receives from the Tea Tree oil farmers, who cut him to the ground every 12 to 18 months to harvest his leaves and aerial parts to distill essential oil, Tea Tree prevails, growing into a hearty bush form soon thereafter. Tea Tree teaches us even amidst the most challenging of situations, recovery is possible and can even be quick and regenerative. Tea Tree magic is tenacious in nature.
Tea Tree’s leaves are slender, compact, airy slices of pale to dark green. These were the first taste Europeans had of his healing powers. Captain James Cook observed the native Australian people he encountered using Tea Tree’s leaves as a tea to heal sore throats and illnesses, and he gave it a try himself. Those leaves may be small, but they pack a wallop when used to stimulate the body’s immune system into fighting off invaders. Tea Tree shows us we have within us the tools we need to successfully navigate challenges and challengers, if only we’ll listen to the little bits of wisdom he offers. If Tea Tree has appeared in your life, you would be wise to listen carefully to your intuition and watch the world around you for the subtle signs you need. Tea Tree magic is the magic of subtle yet powerful learning.
For centuries, the aboriginal people of Australia have used Tea Tree to fight topical infections. This reflects the power of Tea Tree as a protector. If Tea Tree has come into your life around a specific project, expect to encounter resistance to your work. Whether it’s criticism or roadblocks, Tea Tree can help you fortify your skin against whatever abrasions you may incur and show you how to keep moving forward despite those challenges. Tea Tree magic is both strong and protective.
Tea Tree flowers are androgynous; they contain both male and female parts, signifying the need in any project governed by Tea Tree for balance between the male and female aspects of the work.
After the flowers have finished blooming, Tea Tree produces rows of capsules, each containing 50 or more tiny seeds. For planting, these tiny seeds are best collected from capsules that have stood for at least a year. Once planted, though, Tea Tree’s seeds sprout and grow rather rapidly. If Tea Tree has offered his help in any of your projects or an aspect of your life, be patient with the process, which may seem to be taking forever at the beginning. Just as Tea Tree protects his seeds until they’re seasoned, you may need to protect your ideas or early work until the time is right for rapid growth.
Tea Tree’s planets are the Moon and Mercury.
One of the friends I reach for when it feels like I’m lost or when I’m hitting one road block after another is Tea Tree. Tea Tree’s ability to clear the way, a little like the Hindu Deity Ganesh, adds focus and clarity to my path. Tea Tree comes in particularly handy for annointing candles when I’m doing work around finding my way. The light of the candle paired with Tea Tree’s light-in-the-darkness energy can help clear the emotional stuff that’s made it hard for me to see my next move. In incense, it reminds me of my canine-nature, helping me to sniff my way in the right direction.
When I’m seeing information on directions I may or may not want to go or trying to recognize potential challenges that lay ahead, I like to add a drop of Tea Tree oil to a small dish of Dream Herbs placed by my bedside. You can do the same with a dream pillow. The scent helps me as I travel through my dreams to carry home the crucial information that my unconscious. self believes will best help me choose my path wisely. It also helps me remember to ask my Spirit Friends for help and protection as I dream my waking and sleeping dreams.
This working is for finding the strength and courage to keep moving forward despite setbacks that feel a bit like being cut to the ground. You can use any type of candle that suits you. I often use a small white beeswax tea light and repeat the working nightly for 7 nights. Taper or jar style candles can be used similarly.
Ingredients/Materials
Instructions
Try these recipes to incorporate tea tree into your life, or search The Practical Herbalist® for other great recipes.
This essential oil blend is simple to make and relatively inexpensive to use. I keep two versions on the shelf by my dryer, the first with thuja essential oil added and the second without. The thuja version is for flea season; thuja is remarkably good at deterring fleas and gives my laundry, especially sheets and dog linens, a wonderful cedar-like scent. The second version without the thuja is for flu and cold season. Tea tree in both versions helps to clear germs of many kinds from our household and to banish insects, like bed bugs, fleas, and house spiders from our beds, closets, and linen cabinet.
Keep Tea Tree Laundry Deodorant in a cool, dark place, preferably in a dark colored glass bottle. Add two or three drops to a dryer hankie, dryer sachet, or to a clean, damp cloth along with your laundry before drying. Conversely, if you line-dry your clothing, you can add several drops to the wash with a fabric softener such as vinegar. The scent may not be as strong, but tea tree and the others will still do an outstanding job of killing germs and the bacteria that produce offensive odors.
If you’re faced with nightmares, especially the recurring kind, a bit of tea tree may well help you turn the herd in a lighter direction. Children are especially helped by tea tree’s power to persevere even when it seems the bullies of their dreams are much larger and stronger than themselves. This dream pillow mix can be added to a traditional dream pillow or used like a potpourri in a dish by the bedside. However you use it, the scent of tea tree while you sleep will help give you the confidence to face whatever haunts your dreams and will help you find your way home even through the darkest places.
After you add this dream pillow blend to your favorite dream pillow, slip the finished dream pillow under your pillow before bed. I like to put mine inside my pillow case so it doesn’t get lost amidst my tossing and turning. If you want to use it as a potpourri, add it to a shallow bowl or plate on a table near your bedside. Just before you settle in to sleep, take a moment to focus your intention for the night’s dreams, such as to get to the bottom of your recurring nightmares or to carry the nightmare into the light where it will lose its power to frighten you. Breathe in the scent of the herbs, touch the dream pillow, or visualize the herbs in your mind. Ask them to help you as you sleep. Then, relax and slip into the Dreamtime assured you’ll have powerful allies as you journey into dreaming.
Recurring athlete’s foot can get very serious if left untreated. If it travels into your toenails, it’s extremely tricky to get out of the system. This blend is designed to add to either a foot soak or a spritzer bottle. Ideally, it will be used every day. Daily foot soaks are not always possible so the foot spray is a quick way to administer the healing powers of the essential oils in a travel sized container.
The procedure for this recipe seems complex at first, but really it’s just broken into two steps to make it easier in the long run. Begin with making the base, then make the essential oil blend. Once the two are done, you can mix them as needed for your final formula.
Click Here for more complete information on how to do a foot soak.
Be sure to shake the essential oil blend bottle before adding it to your foot basin and shake the spray bottle before spritzing. Do not use this essential oil blend or spray directly on an open wound.
Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not spritz the fluid into anyone’s eyes or mouth.
Store your blend in a glass bottle if possible. Essential oils can eventually break down plastics with which they’re in contact for a long duration, so keep your eye on it.
Tea Tree oil is a terrific sanitizer. When you pair it with another powerhouse, Lavender, and add a solid buffer, you get the best hand sanititzer Mother Nature could offer.
I suggest an alcohol base for this blend. I typically use 90 percent isopropyl alcohol when I can get it, but 70 percent will do as well.
The isoproply alcohol adds to the germ-fighting power of this blend. If you want to avoid excessive drying of your hands, you can substitute clean, filtered water or vinegar. The blend will be a little less potent and a little less shelf-stable, but it will still handle a majority of the microbes and germs most of us will encounter on a daily basis.
Use your Tea Tree Hand Sanitizer or Spritzer as often as needed. The formula may be slightly drying if you used alcohol. You can play with adjusting the level of alcohol and adding clean, filtered water or vinegar to make up the difference to make the formula less drying.
Be sure it’s labeled clearly. Do not spray it in the face or mouth. Do not use it on or near animals, especially cats.
I keep this first aid oil blend in my first aid kit. I use it on minor cuts and wounds, contact dermatitis and rashes, and occasionally I’ve used it on deeper cuts and minor burns. It doesn’t take the place of proper medical attention or care, but it can buy you some time before infection has a chance to set in.
With minor situations it has been a solid and helpful companion to the other poltices, soaks, infusions, or natural treatments I’ve used.
I use jojoba oil becasuse it has a chemical structure most similar to that of our natural skin oils. I use grape seed oil because it’s pretty light and tends to soak in fast even for people with oily skin. Either is a good option here.
First Aid Oil will keep for months in a cool, dark place.
When needed, begin with a few drops of the oil on the injured area. If you can gently rub it in, that’s great. If not, gently bandage the area and let it be. Reapply as makes sense while the injury is healing.
As always, seek proper medical attention as needed. Do not consumer this oil and do not use it in or around the eyes, nose, or mouth.
I make this salve loose, so it’s easy to apply to the throat and upper chest area when my throat is sore due to cold/flu/illness or allergies. It’s a terrific partner to a good cup of elecampane and sage tea for fighting off all sorts of seasonal sore throat conditions.
As always, if the sore throat is extreme or persists or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like high fever, cough, chills, nausea, or diarrhea, seek proper medical attention.
Topical Sore Throat Remedy lasts for months in a cool, dark place. Keep it sealed when not in use.
When a sore throat has arisen, rub a small amount of Topical Sore Throat Remedy on the base of your throat, upward toward the upper neck to chin, and down to include the upper areas of the chest.
This remedy can be applied to the area of the throat and neck that reaches around to behind the ears, which is especially helpful if you’re experiencing an accompanying ear ache or a lot of upper respiratory drainage.
If you’re applying it just before bed, it may be helpful to loosely wrap a hankie or lightweight towel around the area to help protect the bedding.
Reapply as needed.
This aromatherapy blend is one of my go-to favorites for cold and flu season. It freshens the air and gives everyone a little boost in fighting off seasonal illnesses.
I use lavender essential oil, but some folk are allergic to lavender or dislike the scent. If you wish, you can substitute eucalyptus (my favorite substitute) or marjoram essential oil for the lavender.
I offer this blend in both drops and parts. If you have a diffuser and don’t mind taking extra time to add the essential oils one at a time, use the drops, adding a total of 10 drops to the diffuser at a time.
If you don’t want to spend time opening and closing many essential oil bottles to get your diffuser going or your diffuser requires fewer than 10 drops total at a time, you can make this blend using parts in a glass essential oil bottle. I have used dropper bottles for this kind of blend. If I have also reused emptied essential oil bottles. If I’m reusing an essential oil bottle, I try to use one that originally held an essential oil that’s already part of my blend. So, I’ll reuse an empty Tea Tree oil bottle for this blend, for instance.
If you’re using a diffuser…
If you’re bottling your blend for later use…
Store Illness Prevention Diffuser Blend in a cool, dry place if you have bottled it. It’ll last as long as the base essential oils will last, generally several months when stored properly.
If you are using drops to add directly to your diffuser, store the individual essential oils in a cool, dry place as well.
One of our favorite cleanser for counter tops is Four Thieves Vinegar. Sue’s recipe is made that much more powerful by the addition of just a little bit of Tea Tree oil. This version, of course, is not for consumption of any sort. Once Tea Tree oil is added, it is strictly for cleaning and no longer safe to eat.
Find the Recipe and a video for making Four Thieves Vinegar Here.
Tea Tree Counter Cleanser with Four Thieves will last a long while stored in a cool, dark place. You can use it daily to wash counters and surfaces, like those in the kitchen or bathroom. We’ve also added a bit of it as a fabric softener to the laundry when the family has been plagued with repeated bouts of seasonal illnesses like cold/flu.
There are loads of Thieves Blend and Four Thieves Oils on the market today. Most of them claim to have the secret recipe that’ll protect you against anything. Maybe one of them actually does, but it’s doubtful. The original plague-fighting blend used the the medieval thieves in question has been lost to the ages.
This Thieves Oil Blend is one that stands up to the test of modern science. Lavender, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus have all been studied for their microbial-fighting properties and won even against a variety of strains of Staph. Red Thyme and Lemon have also performed admirably in studies pitting them against a variety of bacterial agents and microbes.
The best part…this blend smells lovely, too!
Store DIY Thieves Oil Blend in a cool, dark place. It’ll keep several months if properly stored.
Use DIY Thieves Oil Blend as an addition to your cleansers and mop water during seasonal illness season.
It’s a good choices for the diffuser, especially when you’ve been exposed to someone who has been ill.
It also makes a good choices for use as a portable blend to fend off illness when you’re out and about. I like to add a single drop to my mask, especially when I know I’m going to be in a medical setting or around people who are actively ill.
Mouth tonic is designed to be a one-two punch for driving bacterial infection from the mouth and digestive tract. Here, though, it’s taking on a slightly different job as a Mouth Wash.
Mouthwash, both the commercial kind and this particular blend, is intended to be used and spit out. The idea is that you can use more potent anti-bacterial ingredients if you’re not going to consumer them. That’s why Tea Tree makes a good partner here. It’s unwise to consumer Tea Tree oil in any quantity, but as essentially a surface sanitizer for the teeth, gums, and mouth in general it’s not only safe but surprisingly effective…even if the taste isn’t super deliciious!
To use, measure 1 teaspoon of Tea Tree Mouth Wash into a small cup. Add a couple ounces (30 ml or so) to the cup. Then take small mouthfuls of the blend, swish well, and spit it out into a sink or similar drainage spot.
You can use Tea Tree Mouth wash up to three times a day. Be careful not to swallow any of it, as this is potent medicine that’s not designed for the rest of the digestive tract.
If you are fighting off any dental problems, it’s wise to seek prompt medical attention from a dentist or qualified medical expert. This mouth wash does not replace proper medical treatments.
Boundaries are one of modern life’s greatest challenges. From sun up to sundown, we’re confronted with pushback and challenges to our boundaries through just about every facet of life.
Tea Tree is expert at recognizing and holding boundaries. This blend is designed to draw on that strength. Reach for it when you’re feeling exhausted by the constant challenges or when you feel uncertain where your boundaries really are. In either case, Tea Tree will help you see the boundaries more clearly and find the strength to defend them as needed.
Use Tea Tree Protection Blend as you might a solid perfume. Dab a small amount onto your pressure points as needed, such as on the neck or throat, wrists, ankles, and heart.
You can make this blend as a perfume oil for use topically or in ritual by omitting the shea butter or cocoa butter and blending directly into a glass container. Heat will not be needed in this case. If you choose this avenue, Tea Tree Protection Blend can be a terrific boundary keeper to dab at the corners of your front and back doors. This is especially helpful of you wish to ward off uninvited guests or protect your space from intruders of all sorts. It won’t, of course, be a substitute for practical solutions like locking the door.
Tea Tree oil is a restorative, according to Peter Homes. I tend to agree with his assessment. Tea tree’s ability to protect boundaries and help one regain balance contributes considerably to restoring health and well-being.
This blend draws on Tea Tree’s restorative nature. Here, we’ve partnered Tea Tree with Rose Geranium and Rosemary, both of which tend the heart center and offer gentle healing to one’s nervous system, adrenal system, and emotional heart. A little Bergamot or Sweet Orange offers the positivity needed when one is recovering after a long haul of challenges.
You can use this blend in a diffuser or as you would use any aromatherapy blend. Or you can blend it with a carrier oil to make a perfumed oil for regular application to the pulse points. Exhaustion Blend is a fairly versatile essential combination that’s there just when you need a little support.
Use Exhaustion Blend as you would any aromatherapy or essential oil blend. It works great in a diffuser, in a carrier oil as a massage oil or a oil-based perfume, in an alcohol base as a perfume spritzer, or as an anointing oil for your space.
Exhaustion Blend will keep well in a dark, cool place. It’s best to store it in a dark-colored glass container to protect it from sunlight.
No gardener can avoid the occasional fungicidal attack. Whether it’s fungus invading your plants or infecting your tools, at some point you’ll encounter it. Tea Tree is a good ally to have when that day comes.
This blend of essential oils can be quite helpful in fending off fungus of all sorts. It’s a good one to add to other anti-fungal preparations for both cleaning your tools and equipment and for cleaning and protecting your plants.
For use with tools, we suggest you use a rubbing alcohol base on those that won’t be damaged by alcohol. For those that might be damaged by alcohol and for your plants, a base of vinegar may be a better choice.
Store Garden Fungicide Blend in a cool dark place.
To Use This Blend
As you recover from illness, exhaustion, or even just a long hard day, it’s good to lay back in the bath tub and let warm water infused with this blend soak into your body.
This recipe makes enough for one bath. If you so desire, you can easily scale it up to make enough for future baths as well or you can make some as gifts for friends and family.
Another option to consider is to make an essential oil blend using this recipe. Just omit the epsom salts and measure the essential oils in parts rather than drops. If you choose this method, store the blend in a dark glass bottle with a dropper top or similar.
To use the essential oil blend, add a cup or so of epsom salts as your bathtub fills. Shortly before you get in, add up to 7 drops of the blend to the water. Do not use more than 10 drops, as essential oils are potent and more can cause a rash in sensitive individuals.
Store Bath Soak Blend for Recovery in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use it.
This recipe makes enough for a single bath. Run your bath at a temperature you like. When it’s close to full, add this blend and gently agitate or stir the water so the epsom salts will dissolve. Enjoy!
Tea Tree offers two wonderful layers of protection and energy to driving. First, the healing properties of Tea Tree help to keep the car environment health and generally cleared of harmful germs. The side bonus here is that this particular blend will also help deter other types of pests from invading your car, like ants and rodents.
Secondly, Tea Tree magic offers a bit of boundary protective energy to help you stay alert and safe as you drive.
You can, if you so desire, turn the essential oil part of this recipe into an essential oil blend for freshening your car freshener regularly. Convert the drops in the recipe to parts and blend the essential oils in a dark glass bottle with a dropper top or similar tightly fitting lid. Label it and keep it in a cool, dark place for storage. When you need to freshen your care freshener, add four drops of the blend to the car freshener.
Tea tree oil is concentrated medicine. Do not put any essential oil in the eyes. Use caution near the nose or mouth as some concentrations may cause a temporary burning sensation. Do not take tea tree oil internally. Call poison control if tea tree oil is swallowed.
No known drug interactions with tea tree oil exist. However, some people are known to have hypersensitivity to this herb. Use only a small amount when first trying tea tree oil. Do not take it internally. It may be used as a rinse for body orifices but should not be swallowed.
Tea tree does cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to plants with d-limoneme, such as celery or thyme, avoid tea tree and tea tree oil.
Use moderation. One documented case describes a patient who drank 1/2 cup of tea tree oil and lapsed into a coma. Signs of tea tree overdose and sensitivity in humans can include those for cats and dogs listed below. If you see these signs in humans, cease exposure to all tea tree and seek medical help immediately.
Even external applications can cause skin irritation. The 1,8-cineole, which varies between sources, can cause dermatitis as an allergic reaction, although researchers disagree on the question of how much 1,8-cineole tea tree oil needs to contain to reach a level where it causes dermatitis in humans.
Tea tree is reputed to be deadly to cats. The key is to use tea tree in highly diluted amounts, 1 percent or less, and to avoid ingestion. Dogs can be susceptible, but there are fewer reported cases. Dogs, as well as most mammals, are capable of detoxification through Hepatic glucuronidation, a process by which they break down chemicals like the ones found in all essential oils including tea tree oil. Cats, however, cannot detoxify their systems in this way. That’s part of what makes them highly susceptible to tea tree oil poisoning. In addition, cats have a relatively small body weight and are far more likely to ingest tea tree oil applied topically, either neat or as an ingredient in shampoos or other topical treatments, as they’re cleaning their fur than are dogs. For these reasons, most authorities strongly recommend against using tea tree oil in any form, including added to shampoos or deodorant sprays, on or around cats.
Possible signs of a tea tree overdose in animals may include:
If you suspect tea tree overdose has occurred in your animal, take him or her to a veterinarian immediately. The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists has a good article on tea tree overdose and poisoning. Robert Tisserand has republished an article from Feline Wellness on cats and essential oils that explains how cats metabolize essential oils, including tea tree oil, and how to best keep your cat safe.
The Pet Poison Helpline website also has good information on tea tree oil poisoning.
Australian tea tree industry. Australian Tea Tree Oil Melaleuca alternifolia website. “Myrtle Rust – Uredo rangelii.” March 22, 2014. http://www.teatree.org.au/myrtle_rust.php.
Carson, C. F., K. A. Hammer, and T. V. Riley. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, “Melaleuca alternaifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: A Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties.” January 2006. March 22, 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/.
Groot, Anton C. de, andErich Schmidt. Tea tree oil: contact allergy and chemical composition. May 13, 2016. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.12591
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Sue Sierralupe is a Certified Master Herbalist, Master Gardener, professional writer and Sustainable Landscape Specialist. Sue also volunteers as the clinic manager and herb team leader at Occupy Medical clinic.
She is author of The Pocket Herbal: Medicinal Plants that Changed the World and co-author of The Practical Herbalist®’s Herbal Folio series. Follow her blog at HerbalistManifesto.com for commentary on herbs, parenting, nutrition, and a whole lot more.
Candace Hunter has more than 10 years of experience in herbalism, homesteading, shamanism, magic, and energetic work and more than 20 in writing, editing, and publishing. She is co-author of The Practical Herbalist®’s Herbal Folio series.
She likes to spend her time writing, creating fiber arts, selling herbal products, practicing taekwondo, teaching, and playing. Most especially playing. You can find her work at ThePracticalHerbalist.com and CandaceHunter.com.
The Practical Herbalist®’s Herbal Folios
Tea Tree: Liquid First Aid
Second Edition
By Candace Hunter and Sue Sierralupé
Practical Herbalist Press
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Original Copyright: 2013 © by Candace Hunter and Sue Sierralupé.
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