Tea Tree Oil

What Tea Tree Oil Is

Tea tree oil is derived form the leaves of the Melaleuca tree through a process of distillation. The tree grows in North America, but is more common in Australia, Asia, and New South Wales. The oil is considered an antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent.

The leaves from this tree were at one time used in place of tea, as its name suggests. The oil that is procured from these leaves, however, is much more potent and should not be ingested.

As a Treatment for Acne

Tea tree oil can be purchased in its pure form, and it is also used as an ingredient in many other products. It is often combined with other natural ingredients, resulting in gentle but effective products. These range from medicinal agents to natural skin and beauty care products.

One of the most popular uses for tea tree oil is as a natural remedy for acne. It's important to follow the directions of your doctor, herbalist, or the instructions on the package insert when using the pure form. While directions vary by manufacturer, the concentrated form is typically applied to the blemish or affected area up to twice a day.

It is also found in a variety of other products to help treat acne. These include:

• Facial washes and cleansers
• Acne spot treatments
• Face creams
• Anti-acne gel
• Overnight acne treatments
• Blemish sticks
• Facial masks

Other Health and Beauty Products

This multi-purpose oil is also found in a variety of other health and beauty products. Many prefer the products to maintain a natural beauty and hygiene routine, including hair care. Tea tree oil-containing products available include:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Soap
• Body wash
• Hand and body lotions
• Lip balm
• Deodorant
• Foot powder

You can also find the oil in some natural pet shampoos and insect repellents.

Medicinal Uses

For medicinal use, tea tree oil-based antiseptic solutions and antiseptic creams and ointments are available. Athlete's foot treatments, suppositories, sore muscle/arthritis creams, chest rubs for congestion, and dandruff shampoo are other popular products.

Concentrated tea tree oil can help to heal canker and cold sores, nail fungus, blisters, and ringworm. The concentrated form, as well tea tree oil creams, can also be used to treat sunburns, insect bites, rashes, and minor burns.

Costs and Where to Buy

Some of the health and beauty products made with tea tree oil can be purchased in drugstores, grocery stores, and department stores. For the concentrated forms, as well as other health items and medicinal aids, you may need to check out vitamin shops or health and nutrition stores.

Online natural health and vitamin stores may also be a good place to purchase these items, but make sure that you're dealing with a reputable merchant.

Costs vary widely for tea tree oil products. You can purchase ten ounces of St. Ives' Swiss formula Pore Clarifying Cleanser at most drugstore for under $6, while Skin Elements' Anti-Shine Cream for oily skin with tea tree extracts costs almost $40 for a one-ounce bottle.

Some stores and sites that carry tea tree extract and oil products include:

• Vitamin World
• The Body Shop
• Drugstore.com
• Tea Tree Place
• Evitamins