Tea Tree oil (or Melaleuca Alternifolia) is honestly one of my absolute favorite essential oils, because it actually lives up to its hype. Its uses are nearly endless. 

Some key facts:

• It is a natural antifungal, antiseptic, antibiotic, and antiviral ingredient
• Comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree or bush native to New South Wales, Australia
• Can be a mild pain reliever for wounds and burns
• Fights acne and reduces blemishes (use in place of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) - try Garden Girl's fantastic Spot Slayer!
• Excellent for fighting dandruff and dry scalp
• Can be an effective treatment for warts
• Works on eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis 
• Can help remove skin tags (but keep away from eyes!)
• Can help heal cold sores and canker sores
• Clears up athlete's foot and toenail fungus - ICK, I know - but good to know!
• Great for bug bites
• Works for pest control - and much safer than those terrible sprays!
• Great as a household disinfectant/antifungal spray (see below for a recipe)

It is important to note that Tea Tree oil should be used carefully. Tea Tree oil should never be swallowed and should be kept away from your eyes. In a few cases it is ok to use it in tiny amounts directly on the skin, but generally it should be diluted. Simply apply a drop to a cotton swab or cotton ball that has been dampened with water. Also, equally important, there is a tiny risk of developing contact dermatitis. Only about 1% of the population will develop a rash, but, as with anything topical, always stop using something if you develop a rash.Lastly, Tea Tree oil should not be used directly on infants under 6 months old.

Tea Tree oil is found in many Garden Girl products because of its fantastic properties. You will find it as an ingredient to help keep your skin clear in products like You're Fresh face wash, It's All That toner, Even Ste(pH)en toner and, of course Spot Slayer (to combat acne) and also as a general antibacterial agent in Zippity Do Dah peppermint foot cream.

These are only a few of the uses, but if you are interested, there is a ton of information on the web (but be selective - some is more hype than fact). A couple that I find useful are:

http://www.teatreewonders.com/

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredie...

When buying Tea Tree oil be sure to look for 100% Tea Tree oil. You can find it at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and health food stores. If you are buying it online, read the description carefully and buy from a trusted source.

Lastly, here are a couple of quick and easy household cleaner "recipes" for uses of Tea Tree oil:

Antibacterial Spray - Base Recipe

• 2 teaspoons Tea Tree oil
  
• 20 drops lavender oil (optional - but adds nice scent and increases antibacterial content)
• 1 quart of water (preferably distilled or boiled then cooled)

Mix in a new/clean 1 quart spray bottle. Don't re-use a bottle that previously had chemical/commercial cleaning products as there may be chemical residue that can cause a reaction.

Uses: yoga mats, sports equipment, bathrooms (kills mildew and mold), countertops, etc. 

To make it a CLEANER add:

• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon Castile Soap (found at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and in many grocery stores) - or use dish soap

Uses: Excellent all-purpose cleaner