Tea Tree Essential Oil

What is Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Tea Tree Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. This tree grows naturally in Australia. Its Latin name is Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.

The Aboriginals, the original inhabitants of Australia, have been using the leaves of the Tea Tree for thousands of years. As a herbal wrap, in infusions and as a tea. The tree got its name from explorer James Cook, who took the leaves to England in the 18th century and made tea from them. During World War II, Tea Tree oil was given to soldiers in their first aid equipment. That says something about how versatile this oil is.

Tea Tree oil is a purifying and cleansing oil. Add it to your skincare, hair care, or homemade cleaning products. In short: an indispensable ingredient for every beauty DIY'er!

How is Tea Tree Essential Oil made?

Tea Tree oil is extracted by steam distillation. The freshly harvested leaves and twigs are exposed to steam. This releases the volatile aromatic compounds. These are collected and condensed into oil.

The result is a clear, pale yellow oil with a fresh, spicy scent. 100% pure, undiluted and without additives.

What's in it?
Tea Tree oil naturally contains a high concentration of terpins-4-ol. This is the main active compound in the oil and responsible for its purifying effect. In addition, the oil contains α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and 1,8-cineole, among others.

Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree oil is especially suitable for oily, combination and blemished skin. But normal skin and scalp also benefit greatly from Tea Tree oil.

Purifies the skin Tea Tree oil cleanses the skin and helps restore its natural balance. This makes it a great ingredient for pimples and impurities.

Regulates sebum production Tea Tree oil helps balance sebum production. Great for oily and combination skin.

Cares for the scalp Tea Tree oil helps to keep the scalp clean and healthy. It supports the hair follicles and removes excess sebum.

How to use Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Tea Tree oil is concentrated. Always dilute it in a carrier oil before use on the skin. Never apply it pure or ingest it.

Dilute Tea Tree oil in a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Squalane. Use a maximum of 1 to 2% (that is 1 to 2 drops per 5 ml of carrier oil). Apply it to cleansed skin, for example with a cotton swab on a pimple or mixed with your facial oil.

A few drops of Tea Tree in your shampoo can strengthen your hair and keep the scalp healthy.

You can also make a foot bath. Dissolve 8 to 10 drops in a little Solubol or soap and add it to warm water.

In a diffuser or oil lamp, Tea Tree oil has a refreshing and purifying effect.

Tips for using Tea Tree oil

In DIY products, you use a maximum of 1% in leave-on products and a maximum of 2% in wash-off products.

Tea Tree oil has a rather medicinal smell. If you don't like it, combine it with Lavender or Lemon Essential Oil for a softer scent.

What is the difference with Tea Tree Lemon?

Tea Tree Lemon (Leptospermum Petersonii) is a different plant species than the common Tea Tree. The shrub also grows in Australia and was used by both the Aboriginal and Maori people of New Zealand.

The big difference is in the smell. Tea Tree Lemon has the fresh effect of regular Tea Tree, but with a delicious lemon aroma. Many people find this scent more pleasant than the medicinal scent of regular Tea Tree.

In terms of operation, they are similar. Both oils are purifying and suitable for pimples and impurities. Tea Tree Lemon is a stronger oil and must be diluted well.

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil is a strong essential oil. Always use it diluted. Always test on a small spot on the skin first, wait 24 hours and see if a skin reaction occurs. Take special care with sensitive skin.