Tea tree oil is an extremely effective essential oil that can be used for a variety of different conditions. This powerful oil is also known as Australian oil or Melaleuca oil as it comes from the Melaleuca tree. Tea tree oil is made by steam distillation from the leaves of the trees which are usually grown in Australia. Historically the leaves of the Melaleuca tree were used as a substitute for leaf tea, hence how the oil got its name. Tea tree oil has been used medicinally for years and it continues to be an extremely popular form of treatment for the following conditions:

-acne

-athlete’s foot

-vaginitis

-dandruff

-thrush

-boils

-lice

-yeast infections

-eczema

-psoriasis

-athlete’s foot

-fungal infections

Though it may be hard to believe that one type of oil can have such a powerful impact on a wide variety of conditions, the science has proven it. In regards to the effect that tea tree oil has on acne, a randomized trial by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide. Though both treatments were highly effective in treating acne, there were fewer side effects of the tea tree oil. Other proof that tea tree oil is highly effective is provided by a controlled study published in the Journal of Family Practice. This study tested the effectiveness of tea tree oil on foot fungus. They treated patients for about 16 weeks and found that 80% of the people using this product had a significant decrease in their symptoms with very mild side effects.

Though tea tree oil can be very effective for treating a variety of health conditions, people who are sensitive, pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid this oil. Also note that it should never be taken internally, even in small quantities.