What is tea tree?
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a shrub native to Australia, whose leaves are distilled to produce an essential oil with powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Used for centuries by the Aborigines, tea tree essential oil is now a must-have in aromatherapy, cosmetics and natural medicine, particularly for treating skin ailments, infections and ENT problems.
What are the benefits of tea tree?
Tea tree essential oil is a natural remedy with multiple therapeutic properties:
How to use tea tree?
Tea tree essential oil can be used pure or diluted, depending on the desired application.
For skin and hair care
Acne and blemishes → Apply a drop undiluted to a pimple, or dilute in a cream.
Foot and nail fungus → Mix a few drops in a vegetable oil and apply to the affected area.
Oily scalp or dandruff → Add 2 to 3 drops to your usual shampoo.
Treatment of ENT infections and immunity
Colds, sinusitis, flu → As an inhalation: pour 5 drops into a bowl of hot water, then breathe in the steam.
Sore throat → As a gargle: mix 1 drop in a glass of warm water with honey.
As a natural disinfectant
Surface disinfection → Mix with white vinegar and water for a sanitizing spray.
Air purification → Diffuse a few drops in an essential oil diffuser.
Recommended dosage:
Skin application: Pure on a pimple, diluted up to 10% for sensitive areas.
Diffusion: 5 to 10 drops in a diffuser for 15 to 30 minutes.
Inhalation: 3 to 5 drops in a bowl of warm water, 1 to 2 times a day.
Is tea tree effective against acne?
Yes, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree essential oil :
Dries out pimples without aggressing the skin.
Eliminates acne-causing bacteria.
Reduces redness and accelerates healing.
It is often used as a pure local treatment or diluted in a vegetable oil (jojoba, black cumin).
Is tea tree good for respiratory infections?
Yes, tea tree essential oil is a powerful natural antiseptic that :
Decongests the respiratory tract for colds, sinusitis and bronchitis.
Stimulates the immune system, helping to prevent winter infections.
Eliminates viruses and bacteria from the air when diffused.
It is often combined with ravintsara and eucalyptus radiata essential oils for an enhanced effect.
Does tea tree help treat fungal infections?
Yes, tea tree essential oil is one of nature's best antifungal agents:
Eliminates fungi responsible for skin and nail fungus.
Relieves itching and reduces inflammation.
Cleanses the scalp in cases of seborrheic dermatitis.
Apply 2 to 3 drops diluted in a vegetable oil (coconut, calendula) and massage into the affected area twice a day.
What's the difference between tea tree and ravintsara essential oil?
Tea tree → Antibacterial, antifungal and purifying for the skin and the environment.
Ravintsara → Antiviral and immunostimulant, ideal for preventing and treating ENT infections.
The two oils complement each other, especially in winter.
Where to buy quality tea tree?
Tea tree essential oil is available in:
Pharmacies and parapharmacies → Pure essential oils and capsules.
Organic and aromatherapy stores → Certified organic and 100% natural products.
Sites specializing in natural health → Therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Supermarkets and wellness stores → Found in purifying cosmetics and skincare products.
Choose chemotyped, organically grown tea tree (HECT or HEBBD) for greater effectiveness.
Does tea tree have any contraindications?
Although natural, tea tree essential oil should be used with caution:
Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, except on medical advice.
Do not use undiluted on large areas of skin; always dilute to avoid irritation.
Do not use if you are allergic to essential oils; do a skin test first.
Do not ingest without medical advice, except in the form of specific capsules.
To avoid irritation, do not apply too close to the eyes or mucous membranes.
The benefits of tea tree can be enjoyed to the full with controlled, appropriate use.
