Native to Australia, the “tea tree” produces one of the most well-known essential oils. Tea tree received its common name when Captain Cook observed Australian natives brewing tea from the leaves. He then gave this tea to his crew to fight scurvy, a common problem for sailors in the 18th century.
Decades of research has shown that tea tree essential oil has powerful antimicrobial and antifungal effects. It is found in many skin care products, especially those that target acne, athlete’s foot and other conditions involving bacterial or fungal infections. The oil is also used in natural cleaning formulas.
