Tea Tree - melaleuca alternifolia

Like Lavender, Tea Tree is a staple in 'oily' households - most notably for its antimicrobial properties.  

This oil is often used to help control acne and treat minor infections (both fungal and bacterial) and minor inflammation.  In addition, Tea Tree is good for the respiratory system especially in the case of cough (antispasmodic).  Its antihistiminic  properties may help reduce allergic tendencies.  

The main concern with Tea Tree essential oil is to make sure it doesn't oxidize.  If oxidized, it can irritate the skin.  The best way to prevent oxidization is to store it in a cool, dark place and to keep air exposure to a minimum.   When you are buying a bottle of Tea Tree, it's a good idea to be aware of how that bottle has been stored.  Has it been sitting on a store shelf for a year or more?  Is the ambient temperature in that store really warm?  Look for a date on the bottle - when does it expire, or when was it bottled?

As with any essential oil - dilute, dilute, dilute!  There is no need to use this oil neat, and doing so may cause you to become allergic to it.  

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