Origin: a Latin derivative
meaning "Gift of the Earth."
Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca oil) possesses over 92 different compounds and, as such, possesses almost endless ways it can be used for wellness. But what is Tea Tree oil? Tea Tree oil comes from the Melaleuca plant which hails from Australia, where it was a daily necessity for the ancient peoples there. The Bundjalung Aboriginal people from the coast of New South Wales would apply the leaves directly to the skin for a cooling effect. Over time, the knowledge of Melaleuca’s numerous benefits spread worldwide, leading up to it's popular use today.
So, how do you use Tea Tree oil? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of Tea Tree oil and how to use Tea Tree oil in your everyday life.
Looking for additional Tea Tree oil uses? Take a look at some of our favorite Tea Tree oil DIYs:
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With roughly 250 species, Melaleuca is most typically found in Australia. Melaleuca oil, or Tea Tree oil, is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca shrubs or trees, which have a strong aroma when rubbed. Tea Tree oil is produced through the process of steam distillation where steam and pressure are used to release chemical components from the plant—pulling out the essential oil.
Fun Fact about Tea Tree oil: Bungwalbin Creek in Australia is surrounded by Australian tea trees and is held sacred by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As the sticky tea tree oil leaves fell into the creek, they created waters that natives still consider “magical waters” today.