History:
Tea Tree Oil was first extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia in Australia, and this species remains the most important commercially. In the 1970s and 1980s, commercial plantations began producing large quantities of Tea Tree Oil from M. alternifolia, many located in New South Wales. Since then, the industry has expanded to include other species for their extracted oil, such as Melaleuca armillaris and Melaleuca styphelioides in Tunisia and Egypt. The Melaleuca alternifolia tree received the name “Tea Tree” from eighteenth-century sailors, who made teas that smelled like nutmeg from its leaves.
 
Botanical Profile: Tea Tree Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Family: Myrtaceae
Country of Origin: Australia
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part Used: Leaves
Note: Top Note
Aroma: Fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous, herbal, slightly woody
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Blends Well With: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Peppermint, Geranium
Shelf Life: 3 – 4 Years 
 
Applications in Aromatherapy
Tea Tree Essential Oil is highly valued for its cleansing, purifying, and revitalizing properties.
1. Immune & Respiratory Support
May assist the body in fighting off bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Traditionally used to support respiratory health during seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, bronchitis, and sinus congestion.
2. Skin & Topical Applications
Can be used topically to address acne, fungal infections, minor cuts, wounds, and insect bites.
May help with skin conditions such as eczema, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
3. Emotional & Stress Relief
Known for its refreshing, clarifying aroma that can promote mental focus and emotional resilience.
4. Pain & Discomfort Relief
Traditionally used to soothe muscle aches, joint discomfort, and minor inflammations.
For DIY and Blending
Cleansing & Purifying Diffuser Blends:
Add Tea Tree to eucalyptus, lemon, or rosemary for a refreshing, purifying aroma that supports respiratory health.
Skin Care Blends:
Combine with carrier oils and calming oils like lavender or geranium for acne-prone or irritated skin.
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
Use in homemade cleaning sprays for surfaces to harness its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
First Aid & Wellness Blends:
Ideal for minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites when properly diluted in a carrier oil.
 
Safety 
Possible skin sensitizer
Old or oxidized oil should be avoided
 A maximum dermal use level of 15% is recommended
A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.
For topical application don’t use directly on skin, dilute with a carrier oil 
Discontinue use if skin sensitivity occurs 
Add 4-5 drops for Diffusing 
Don’t ingest 
Keep out of reach of children, avoid using if pregnant or nursing
 
Essential Oil Safety Guidelines
Never ingest essential oils.
Always dilute essential oils before applying to skin.
Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner if you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, cancer, or other medical conditions.
Use caution with children and the elderly; follow recommended dilution ratios.
Refer to trusted sources such as Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young for detailed safety information.
 
Quality Assurance: Our oil is rigorously tested for purity and quality.
Ethical Sourcing: We are committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
 
Click here for test results.
 
References:
Essential oil safety (Tisserand and young) second Edition 
Charles Fetrow & Julian Avila (2000) The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicine
https://www.foodchemicalscodex.org/
Lawrence BM, Essential oils from Agriculture to Chemistry
The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore Battaglia
Arcatender Perfume and flavor materials of natural origin