Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its medicinal properties. Native to the New South Wales, Australia steam distillation of the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia helps obtain tea tree oil. Among the 100 compounds contained in the oil terpinen-4-ol mainly accounts for most of the antimicrobial actions.

Tea tree oil is a clear to very yellow or green-tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. These leaves were earlier used as a substitute for tea, which is how the oil got its name.

One should not confuse Tea tree oil and Tea Oil (the seasoning and cooking oil obtained from pressed seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera).

Tea Tree oil was used in Australia as a potent antiseptic much before any scientific research. Tea Tree crushed leaves were used as traditional medicine by inhaling the oils treating cold and cough and also sprinkling them on wounds.

It was only after 1920's use of oil itself become popular. A series of research papers evaluating antimicrobial properties published by Arthur Penfold led to the popularity. The oil was extracted using mobile, makeshift, wood-fired bush still and plant material was hand cut on the spot. The demand was very high till World War II and ebbed after the war mainly due to development of effective antibiotics and interest in natural products. However, the interest in natural essential oils was rekindled in 1970s and 1980s and its demand has surged for uses in medicinal and cosmetic uses. Further studies in the recent time support the use of tea tree oil in skin care and various aliments.

Here are glimpses of the uses of this wondrous oil:

•Tea Tree Oil Acne: A study done in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Department of Dermatology proved Tea Tree oil as very effective in treatment of moderate acne.

•Inhaled tea tree oil helps breathing easier by "breaking up congestion". It can also minimize the symptoms of flu, cold, sore throat and systemic fungal infection.

•Dandruff: Tea tree shampoo helped significantly reduce dandruff symptoms after 4 weeks of use. This was reveled in a study done on 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. This is due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the general common cause of the dandruff.

•Athlete's Foot: A study to cure athlete's foot was done and 50% tea tree oil solution and placebo was used. After two daily applications for 4 weeks, tea tree oil was found to be significantly more effective than placebo.

•Toenails and Fungal Infection: Another study found that 100% tea tree oil was as effective on toenail fungus infection as was the standard antifungal medication of 1% clotrimazole solution.

•Tea tree oil is also effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections.

•It can also be used as a bath additive and also may control bacteria in spas and pools.

• Tea Tree oil is also used in cosmetic products to make tea tree soap and shampoo.

•It has also been used in treatments for eye aliment and blepharitis.

•It is also used in toothpastes, mouth washes for curing bad breath and gum diseases.

•It is also effective in treating minor wounds, insect bites soothe sunburn and ear infection.

•Tea Tree oil diluted solution is also sold as to cure fungal and bacterial infection for pet fish.

These are just the few of its uses and the list surely goes on. Tea tree oil is a amazing gift from mother nature which we can put to a plethora of uses.