Tea Tree

Botanical Name

Melaleuca alternifolia

Plant Family

Myrtaceae

Country of Origin

Australia

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves

Color

Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Tea Tree Oil smells medicinal, fresh, woody, earthy and herbaceous.

Possible Substitute Oils

Marjoram, equal parts oregano (terpinen-4-ol CT) and petitgrain (Mandarin)

Blends Well With

Bergamot, cajeput, carrot seed, chamomile (German & Roman), cedarwood, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lime, myrrh, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, pine, ravensara, rosemary, sandalwood, tangerine, thyme

Tea Tree / Melaleuca Essential Oil Uses

Analgesic (pain relief), antibacterial, athlete’s foot, candida, cuts, itching, migraine, ringworm, sports injury recovery, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anticancer, antifungal, improves nutrient absorption, antiviral, antimicrobial, expectorant, reduces hair loss, antiseptic, helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, helps burns heal, stimulates secretion of hormones, aids detoxification, helps boils, blisters, and abscesses heal, helps remove warts, relieves insect bites, helps hemorrhoids heal, relieves inflammation of the gums, stimulates immune function, relieves diarrhea caused by pathogens, protects against radiation damage and helps radiation burns heal, eases cough, relieves shock, builds confidence, reduces feelings of oppression, sinusitis, whooping cough.

Major Constituents

• Terpinene-4-ol
• Gamma-Terpinene
• a-Terpinene
• Terpinolene
• 1,8-Cineole
• a-Terpineol
• p-Cymeme
• a-Pinene

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: I. Southwell. Tea Tree Oil Composition, Standards and Monographs. (Cosmetics, Aerosols & Toiletries in Australia 10, 1997), 14-17. Source cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 440.

Tea Tree Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young indicate that there is a low risk of skin sensitization when using Tea Tree topically. They recommend a dermal maximum of 15% and precaution to avoid use of the oil if it has oxidized. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 440-445.]

Recommended Dilution Range

3%-50%; neat for some conditions

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.