Best known for its powerful antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil is great to keep in your first-aid kit, ready to use on wounds and sores. Studies show it is effective against a range of bacteria and fungi that can lead to infection. It also has a strong deodorizing action that can combat body odor.

What is it good for?

Boosts immunity Tea tree has immune-stimulating properties that help the body fight off infection. A massage with a tea tree blend can aid recovery during convalescence

Fights skin infections The oil acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can be added to an ointment to treat athlete’s foot and ringworm, or can be dabbed on neat to cold sores, warts, and plantar warts.

Heals cuts, scrapes, and bruises Tea tree promotes the formation of scar tissue to aid healing.

Helps to control acne A popular ingredient in skin remedies, the oil can be applied to pimples as an immediate treatment.

Acts as a hair tonic A tea tree scalp massage can help bring dandruff under control, and used in a rinse, tea tree can restore the balance of oils to combat oily hair.

Mouth and gum care Use well diluted to treat bad breath, mouth ulcers, and gum infections.

Fights body odor A natural deodorizer, tea tree can be added to baths, body sprays, or creams to combat body or foot odor.

Fights cold and flu symptoms This antiseptic is effective in warding off colds and flu. Once a cold has set in, a steam inhalation with the oil eases congestion and breathing.

Eases urinary-tract infections Tea tree can help to fight cystitis and other genital infections, including yeast, herpes, warts, pruritus, and trichomonas.

Best Uses:

As first aid Use tea tree essential oil in a dilution of 10 percent (1 part tea tree to 10 parts witch hazel) to rinse and clean infected cuts and sores

In a footbath For tired, hot, smelly feet, or for athlete’s foot, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a small basin of warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes. Dry thoroughly.

Safe usage Nonirritant in dilutions of less than 10 percent. Nontoxic externally.