One of the most versatile essential oils that you can perfectly use in the summer period is Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia).

Tea tree is a shrub or small tree native to Australia. Aboriginal people have used the leaves of the tea tree for centuries to treat wounds, among other things. This plant is now also found in South Africa and China.

To obtain essential oil, the leaves are steam distilled, yielding about 1.5 to 2%. This means approximately 50 to 75 kilos of leaves are needed for 1 kilo of essential oil. In addition, we also know products like tea tree hydrosol, where the water-soluble components are collected from steam distillation, often a byproduct of essential oil production. A hydrosol, a 'flower or herbal water,' is less potent than the essential oil but just as pleasant to use.

Tea tree is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Due to these amazing qualities of tea tree, you can use it in many different ways.

Four handy tips

1. Insect bites. Tea tree is disinfecting, fights bacteria, and prevents inflammation. If you are bitten by, for example, a mosquito, treat the bite by dropping a drop of tea tree oil (directly) on the spot.

2. Foot care. With the beautiful weather, our feet re-emerge. A weekly foot bath with tea tree oil can help keep your feet in good condition, strengthen the skin, and protect it against fungi and bacteria. A foot bath is also useful if you often suffer from sweaty feet.

3. Disinfectant. Tea tree is antibacterial and gives a 'clean' scent. It's great to make your own all-purpose cleaner with this essential oil, for example. Click here for the recipe.

4. Effective air purification. Do you want to keep your home fresh? Diffusing tea tree oil contributes to pure air. Research has shown that tea tree can kill airborne virus particles and fungi. If you don't like the smell of tea tree oil, combine it with eucalyptus, lemon, or orange, for example.

Naturally, there are many more possibilities and applications for this wonderful oil. Would you like to know more? Everything is clearly outlined in the Tea Tree Guide.

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Disclaimer:

It is very important that you use 100% pure essential oils and that you are well informed about which oils you can take responsibly and which oils you cannot take.

There is a possible interaction between medicines and essential oils, including an enhancement of the side effects of medicines. Consult your doctor if you have questions about the implementation of essential oils in your daily routine. Pay particular attention to what essential oil is safe to use during a (possible) pregnancy and when using blood thinners. Adapted guidelines also apply to children. Consult a qualified doctor for this.

This information has been compiled with the greatest possible care. The information is not intended to make diagnoses, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent diseases, nor to replace medical advice from professional doctors and medicines. Anyone suffering from a disease or injury should consult a qualified doctor.

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