Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a pale yellow colour to nearly clear essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Tea tree oil has beneficial medical properties when applied topically, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties.

Tea tree oil is usually used diluted, as reactions are common with pure tea tree oil, but it can also cause irritation for some people even when diluted. Tea tree oil is toxic when taken internally, and so should never be added to food or drinks.

Tea tree oil has strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA

I use Tea Tree Oil extensively for my skin and if I cut my hand or scrap my self a quick dab of the oil clean the area perfectly and treats the wound and infection.

You can gargle with the stuff, one drop in a half pint of water or a cup but it should not be as I said above taken internally.

It truly is an amazing product and can be used to disenfect anything.

Do you have any experience of using it?

I tried tea tree oil shampoo and I was really turned off by how it felt in my hair. Some also got into my mouth by accident (oops) and it was pretty terrible flavor. I haven't used it since then.

However, I did not know tea tree oil had so many benefits beyond that awful shampoo. I guess I have not done my research. I am "in to" homeopathy, herbalism and essential oils are one of my interests. I would definitely consider using tea tree oil instead of polysporin and see if it works well.

I use tea tree shampoo it does make your hair feel funny but it helps with my frizzy hair and its better for the enviorment.