Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia. This plant species is unique and native to Australia and can be found in abundance in Northern New South Wales. For centuries, the Australian aborigines plucked leaves from the Melaleuca alternifolia which is a tree commonly found in Australia. They used it to treat various infections of the skin. Today, the oil is extracted from the Melaleuca leaves thru steam distillation. It is an aromatic oil whose fragrance reminds one of the nutmeg oil. In its pure form, the oil is colorless to pale yellow.

The oil contains over 100 components, mostly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their alcohols. High-quality melaleuca oil contains at least 40% terpinen-4-ol. It is this ingredient that gives the oil its reputation in fighting and preventing infections.

What are the benefits of tea tree oil? Truly, they are numerous. Here is a list of treatments where you can effectively use tea tree products:

Treatment of minor skin irritations
Tea tree oil is great for treating minor skin irritations and wounds such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings. It blends very easily and quickly with oil produced by the skin. The whole process changes the skin’s chemical make-up and makes the environment less conducive for the growth fungi, bacteria or any other organisms. These are the effects of Tea tree oil:
* Reduces the risk of an infection
* Promotes healing
* Reduces the chances of scarring

Sunburn is not only aesthetically unappealing, it is painful, and very much so. It can lead to complications such as sunburn swelling and peeling all the way up to nausea and fever. Applying tea tree oil soothes the skin and prevents sunburn skin peeling.

Treatment of fungal infections
Tea tree has also been found effective in fighting the fungus that cause various topical infections. Hence its effectiveness in the treatment of fungal infections such as nail infections, jock itch, and athlete's foot. How powerful tea tree really is can be observed in its use as a home remedy for yeast infection clearing the fungal infection quickly and effectively.

Treatment of acne and pimples
One of many tea tree oil uses is the treatment of acne and pimples. Acne is a skin disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions (pimples). Pure melaleuca oil does an excellent job of penetrating and killing any infection and rejuvenating tissue in the affected area.

Tea tree oil is applied directly to the affected area and controls breakouts, including acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and skin blemishes directly at the source. This acne treatment can be assisted through the use of soap that has tea tree oil which cleanses and conditions the skin.

When trying to control the cause of acne, it is very important to keep the surfaces affected by acne as clean as possible. Infection of the skin only worsens the condition, and including tea tree oil as a home remedy for acne results follow soon. Acne scarring is reduced since tree oil is powerful on infection but very gentle on skin.

When you are buying tea tree oil products be careful. Here are some special tips and guidelines:
* Before buying any topical antifungal preparations that claim to contain tea tree oil, check to ensure that the oil is derived from Melaleuca alternifolia and is one of the first ingredients listed. Tea tree oil derived from any other species may not be as pure. It may contain compounds such as cineole which can cause skin irritation. The presence of other compounds may also hinder the action of the oil.
* Many skin care products and other beauty products claim to have tea tree oil in them. If the amount present is too small, then it will have no antibacterial effects at all. Buy anti-acne products that have up to 15% melaleuca oil.

Tea tree oil use is so versatile, that it is a good idea to keep a bottle of tea tree oil handy at all times. Be cautious, excessive amounts of tea tree oil can be toxic, so use it within recommended amounts, learn the proper tea tree oil use, and enjoy it benefits.