This post may contain affiliate links. These help support this website. Enjoy our post on tea tree oil benefits.
We’ve had some reader questions about this, so today we are discussing the uniqueness behind tea tree oil benefits. Of all the essential oils, this one has such a unique chemistry, making it fantastic for multiple things for body AND home.
On Chemistry Cachet, you’ll notice I am not a huge essential oil fan. I use a few occasionally or incorporate them for scent, but I don’t use them for everything. Many of our readers like the cheapest options available, and essentials oils can get pricey.
All the oils I share with you are affordable and have science to back up why the work so well.
Tea tree oil is one of those essential oils you need around the home.
And it isn’t expensive. You can buy this bottle for $15 and it lasts forever!
So, why is tea tree oil so awesome?
The Uniqueness Behind Tea Tree Oil Benefits
First, tea tree oil has nothing to do with the tea plant. You can learn more about tea plants in this post.
Tea tree oil comes from the Tea Tree, scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia. This is a plant native to Australia.
Chemically, tea tree oil is composed of hydrocarbons and their associated alcohols. For an in-depth analysis of the chemicals, check out this table from the US National Library of Medicine. The key to tea tree oil benefits is terpinen- 4-ol.
The BEST Tea tree oil benefit is the high anti-microbial activity.
For centuries, the leaves were crushed up and used to treat coughs or wounds.
The essential oil is also known to contain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral benefits. Scientists have spent years testing out the properties of this oil to prove how effective it is in these areas.
This is why tea tree oil is the only thing I use to treat blemishes or acne. Read more about that from this post on the best, cheapest skincare products.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil For Skin
First, remember that tea tree oil should always be used topically.
Acne
For how to use tea tree oil on acne, visit this post.
Nail Fungus
You can dilute it with some grapeseed oil and dab onto the fungal area, or add some to your fungal product to enhance the benefits.
Athletes Foot
Add tea tree oil to your athletes foot product to make it work faster and more effective. You can also dilute about 20 drops with 1 cup of water and wipe feet with it.
Ringworm
Treat ringworm the same as the others above.
Itchy Scalp
You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to shampoo.
Any other type of skin infection
You can use tea tree oil. Dilute it by adding to a product you are using like lotion, ointment, cream, etc. It will enhance the effects.
Or dab some on a cotton ball and gently apply to the area. Be careful using it concentrated, you will only want to use a very small amount!
For blemishes, I always dab some on a q-tip and apply to the area.
Tea Tree Oil Benefits For The Home
You can use tea tree oil around the home too!
Add some drops to your favorite homemade cleaner from the eBook. Or add it to your favorite cleaner for enhanced cleaning benefits. Since it is so high in anti-microbial benefits, it makes a great addition to your kitchen and bathroom cleaners!
Remember to use caution around pets and children!
It is the best thing for cleaning mold too! Here is an awesome 2 ingredient mold remover we love.
What Type of Tea Tree Oil Should You Buy
Don’t get caught up in organic, expensive, etc.
Tea tree oil is made with steam distillation, so the most important thing to keep in mind is avoiding chemically extracted oils. Most oils are either steam distilled or cold-pressed. These are two terms meaning your product wasn’t chemically extracted.
The best brand that is cheap is this one. It’s the only one I use plus it works better than some expensive brands. Now products are also non-gmo, so you know are you are getting a pure substance.
Now you can make sure to keep this in your home for a variety of benefits!
Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk
Mary C says
How much should I add to my cleaning products for the best effects
Alexis says
Depending on the size, 10-20 drops. For large bottles, add 20. For smaller ones, 10 should be good 🙂
Mary C says
Thanks so much . I look forward to each of your posts!
Alexis says
Thanks Mary!! So glad you enjoy
Jessie R. says
This is so great! I love your posts, I learn so much! I have always thought tea tree oil was just like all the others. I need some
Alexis says
Thank you! So happy you like our posts. This is definitely an oil worth having on hand 🙂
sandra york says
I have the dries skin on my legs almost looks like alligator skin what product do you recommend
Alexis says
I use almond oil for really dry skin. I use it before adding lotion, or add it to lotion. You can read about it here. 🙂
Laurie S says
Oh wow… I thought this was “just another oil”, until lately I’ve been hearing about the cool properties of tea tree oil… and you’ve confirmed it for me. I’m curious to see how it would work on a nail fungus… I will need to get me a bottle! Thanks for all this great info!
Alexis says
It really is an amazing oil! It is one I always keep in the house!
Tina says
Tea tree oil also works on large abrasion or “road rash”. Dilute a few drops with water into a spray bottle and spray on abrasion. Less scarring. I had a small skin transplant and sprayed the area twice daily. When I went for a follow-up the doctor said I was ahead of schedule for healing.
Alexis says
It is great for aiding in healing! We use it on cuts too and it really helps 🙂