Common Name: Tea Tree
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia

Origin: Australia
Apperance: Colorless to slightly pale yellow
Aroma: Spicy, medicinal, fresh

Some of the most effective aromatherapy uses for tea tree oil are cosmetic in nature.
For instance, tea tree has a marked oil dissolving and dispersing action, which can help alleviate overly oily secretions of the skin.
One way to take advantage of tea tree's natural astringent action is to dilute 12 drops of the oil
in about three ounces of warm water and gently wipe freshly cleaned skin with the mixture using a soft cotton ball.

An oily scalp can also benefit from an application of tea tree.
Before shampooing, a gentle massage with a few drops of the oil will gently invigorate
the scalp and help lift greasy deposits from the hair shaft.

Because of the mild qualities of tea tree's terpinen content, the oil can soothe cuts, scratches, sunburn and cold sores.
Because it's non-irritating, a single drop of the oil can be applied directly to minor injuries once or twice a day.

For a soothing sunburn treatment, tea tree is especially effective when paired with lavender oil.
Add five drops of tea tree and 11 drops of lavender oil to three ounces of cool, distilled water.
Place this mixture in a bottle with a spray atomizer attachment and mist sunburned areas whenever cooling relief is needed.