11 Aromatherapy Essentials from India: Uses and Benefits

3. Tea tree — Household cleaning and spot skin care

Tea tree oil is prized for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and is a practical staple in many homes. In India, people use tea tree for spot treatment of minor skin infections and for DIY cleaning sprays. For skin use, tea tree is stronger than lavender but generally gentle when diluted; try a 1–2% dilution for sensitive skin (3–6 drops in 30 ml carrier oil) for spot application. For a household disinfectant, mix 20 drops tea tree with 250 ml water and 15 ml white vinegar in a spray bottle, shake before use, and test on a small surface first. Avoid using tea tree undiluted on the skin, and do not ingest it. If you have a known allergy to tree oils or your skin becomes red or itchy, discontinue use and seek medical advice. When buying tea tree oil, check the label for “Melaleuca alternifolia” and a supplier that provides batch testing or GC‑MS reports where possible. Use caution around pets: some animals are sensitive to concentrated tea tree oil. (Sources: Veda Oils; Apollo Pharmacy.)