What is Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Tea Tree Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia, a tree that grows naturally in Australia. The Latin name is Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil. Our Tea Tree oil comes directly from Australia, its country of origin.

The Aboriginals, the original inhabitants of Australia, have been using Tea Tree leaves for thousands of years. As herbal compresses, in infusions and as tea. The tree was named by explorer James Cook, who in the 18th century brought the leaves to England and made tea from them. Since then, Tea Tree oil has become known worldwide. That says something about how versatile this oil is.

Tea Tree is a purifying and cleansing oil. An essential ingredient for every beauty DIY enthusiast and a wonderful base in skincare, haircare and homemade cleaning products.

How is Tea Tree Essential Oil Made?

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

The result is a colorless, thin oil with a fresh, spicy and slightly medicinal scent. 100 percent pure, undiluted and without additives.

Tea Tree oil naturally contains a high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, the main active compound and responsible for the purifying effect. In addition, the oil contains among other things a-terpinene, g-terpinene and 1,8-cineol.

Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree is especially suitable for oily, combination and impure skin. Normal skin and the scalp also benefit greatly from this oil.

Purifies the skin
Tea Tree oil cleanses the skin and helps restore its natural balance. A wonderful ingredient for spots and blemishes.

For oily skin
Tea Tree oil helps remove excess sebum. Great for oily and combination skin.

Cares for the scalp
Tea Tree oil helps keep the scalp clean and fresh and removes excess sebum.

Versatile in DIY
From facial care to shampoo, cleaning products and hand soap. A real workhorse in every recipe.

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 and do not ingest it.

On the skin
Dilute Tea Tree oil in a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Squalane. Use a maximum of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Apply to cleansed skin, optionally with a cotton swab on a blemish.

In your shampoo
A few grams of Tea Tree in your shampoo or hair mask gives your scalp a fresh feeling.

As a foot bath
Dissolve 8 to 10 drops in a little Solubol or mild soap and add this to warm water.

In a diffuser
Add 3 to 5 drops to an aroma diffuser for a refreshing, purifying atmosphere.

In cleaning products
Tea Tree is a popular ingredient in homemade all-purpose cleaners and hand soap. Combine with lemon or lavender for a nice scent.

What is the Difference with Tea Tree Lemon?

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

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

In terms of effects, they are comparable. Both oils are purifying and suitable for impure skin. Tea Tree Lemon is a stronger oil and must be well diluted.

Tips for Using Tea Tree

• Store Tea Tree in a cool, dark place to slow oxidation.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use.
• In leave-on and wash-off products a maximum of 1 percent.
• Tea Tree has a fairly medicinal scent. Combine with Lavender or Lemon for a softer scent.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Cautions and Side Effects

Tea Tree oil is a strong essential oil. Always use it diluted and never apply it pure to the skin. First test on a small area, wait 24 hours and see if a skin reaction occurs. Be extra careful with sensitive skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consulting an expert. Keep out of reach of children. Not intended for ingestion.