Description
Tea tree essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree or shrub native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree has been used by Aboriginal Australians for centuries and became widely known in western natural medicine following research in the early 20th century into its antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree essential oil has a fresh, clean, medicinal, and slightly camphoraceous aroma with green and woody undertones. The main aromatic constituents include terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, and alpha-terpinene. The high terpinen-4-ol content (typically 35 to 48%) is primarily responsible for the oil’s well-documented antimicrobial properties. The ISO standard for Australian tea tree oil specifies a minimum terpinen-4-ol content of 30%.
In aromatherapy, tea tree essential oil is one of the most widely used oils for its cleansing and purifying properties. It is a key ingredient in natural cleaning products, skin care preparations for blemished or problem skin, nail care products, and hair care formulations. In diffusers, it is used to purify and cleanse the air. It blends well with lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, and rosemary.
Tea tree essential oil is one of the safer essential oils for skin application in low dilutions. It should still be patch tested as some individuals may experience sensitivity. This 10ml bottle is suitable for use in diffusers, oil burners, cleaning products, and diluted skin care preparations. Not for internal use.
