Best Tea Tree Oils

There are a number of “essential oils” on the market nowadays, as well as diffusers for the oil. Tea tree oil is a derivative from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifotia. It is botanically related to the myrtle. It is an essential oil with a number of medicinal uses—even some antiseptic and antibiotic properties. It is especially promising in treating skin conditions and wounds. When inhaled, tea tree oil can be used to treat respiratory ailments as well. Here is a guide to some of the best tea tree oils on the market.

Note: Tea tree oil is not to be ingested. People who have swallowed even small amounts of the oil have complained of diarrhea and vomiting. It can also cause allergic reactions. Before using it as a skin treatment, be sure to test it on a small area of your skin, to check for any type of reaction to the product.

• Grades of Tea Tree Oil: There are two main components to tea tree oil: 1) terpinen-4-ol and 2) cineole. Tea tree oil should be 30-40% terpinen-4-ol and less than 7% cineole. Looking at the terpinen percentage will give you a good idea of how strong it is. Also, look to see if the tea tree oil is organic and 100% tea tree oil, or whether it has been diluted with some other oil.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• In skin care: Tea tree oil is effective against mild to moderate acne. Mix three drops of the oil with a tablespoon of distilled water and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. After washing your face, dab this mixture on with a cotton swab. If there is no evidence of an allergic reaction, consider increasing the concentration of tea tree oil.

• Packaging: It is best that tea tree oil should be packaged in a dark, amber-colored bottle. Sunlight can cause the oil to oxidize. Oxidized tea tree oil loses much of its medicinal properties, and is much more likely to cause an allergic reaction.

• Fungicide: People have used tea tree oil on stubborn nail fungus. They noticed results better than medicinal treatments, which can have dangerous side effects. It also can work against athlete's foot fungus: after applying the oil twice a day for 3-4 days, the athlete's foot clears up. You can either apply the oil directly, or mix it with Epsom salts and soak your feet in it with warm water.

• Decongestant: Tea tree oil has a camphor-like odor—so it has been found to be effective as a decongestant: Put 10 drops in a bowl of boiling water, and inhale the fumes. You can also add eucalyptus or echinacea oil as well.

• In an essential oil diffuser: People suggest putting 8 drops of tea tree oil in the oil diffuser. Then add chamomile, bergamot, or the like.

• In the bath or shower: It is also suggested to add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath—it is found to be exceptionally relaxing. Or you can use it on your hair--it is noticed to be effective against dandruff, and also to stimulate hair growth.

• As an antiseptic/antibiotic: It has been found that tea tree oil kills certain staph infections. You can apply tea tree oil either straight, or mixed with coconut oil, to an infected cut. It also kills the bacteria that cause bad breath or body odor (But, as mentioned before, don't ingest any of the oil—mix the oil with baking soda and coconut oil, and apply it to a toothbrush. Brush your teeth with it, and you'll notice that it fights gum infections as well as bad breath.).

• As a household cleaner: Tea tree oil is a disinfectant, and also repels insects due to its camphor-like smell. You can mix it with water and vinegar and spray it on counter tops in the kitchen or on tile in the bathroom.

ArtNaturals--is an organic health care company located in Los Angeles, California. They have hair treatments and oils, as well as bath, body, and skin care products.

Sun Organic-- is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. They make over 100 essential oils: basil, bergamot, carrot, camphor, cinnamon, cedarwood, sage, and more.

Essential Oils Labs—Is a family-run business based in Los Angeles, California. They make a number of essential oils and carrier oils from organic sources: peppermint, tea tree, lavender, lemon, frankincense, and more.

Majestic Pure-- is a company based in San Diego, California. They make a wide variety of botanical oils and cosmetics, as well as products for the hair, skin, and eyes.