You know how some things in life quietly become part of your family routine, and you can’t imagine doing without them? For me, tea tree is one of those things.
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which grows in Australia. The Indigenous Bundjalung people have used it for generations - crushing the leaves to soothe wounds and brewing them into calming teas.
In the 1920s, an Australian chemist named Penfold discovered just how powerful the oil was, it’s antibacterial and antifungal properties were so impressive that Australian soldiers carried it in their first aid kits during World War II.
As a mum, tea tree oil is basically a natural first aid kit in one bottle.
I use it for
- As a naturally antibacterial and antifungal - Brilliant for cleaning little scrapes or helping a spot heal
- To helps with skin blemishes - I’ve used it (always diluted) on teenage breakouts in my older kids
- To freshens the air - Just a few drops in a diffuser and the whole house smells clean
- To soothes irritated skin - From insect bites to the occasional rash, it’s gentle but effective
- As a natural cleaner - Perfect when I want to avoid harsh chemicals around the kids
It’s not about being “anti-medicine” - it’s about having natural, safe options in my mum toolkit.
Not all essential oils are created equal. The cheap bottle from a market stall smelled nothing like the real thing and didn’t work nearly as well.
The scent of tea tree oil is distinctive and unmistakable - a bold, medicinal aroma with notes reminiscent of eucalyptus, pine, and mint, touched with a hint of camphor. Many people find it fresh and invigorating, while others consider it quite intense. It carries a crisp, herbaceous quality that feels clean, bracing, and purifying.
Here’s what I now look for - and what I’d tell any mum:
- Botanical name on the label - It should clearly say Melaleuca alternifolia
- 100% pure - No added perfumes, fillers, or hidden carrier oils unless it’s clearly pre-diluted for skin use
- Dark glass bottle - To protect it from light
I could honestly write a whole book about this, but here are my go-tos:
- For little skin mishaps - 1 drop mixed with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil on bites, small cuts, or blemishes (ratio of about 1:100)
- For cleaning toys - 5 drops in 250 ml water with 1 tablespoon vinegar, then spray and wipe
- For laundry freshness - 3 drops in the washing machine to banish musty smells
- For keeping the air fresh - A couple of drops in my diffuser during cold season (follow diffuser user instructions)
Essential oils are powerful. Never ingest them, and always store them well out of reach of little hands.
If you’re going to invest in a good bottle, you’ll want it to last. I keep mine:
- In a cool, dark cupboard away from sunlight
- Tightly capped so air can’t get in
- Away from heat sources like the cooker or radiator
- Labelled with the date I opened it (tea tree stays fresh for about 1-2 years)
For me, tea tree oil isn’t just another “health trend.” It’s part of my everyday family care - something that’s earned its place alongside plasters, thermometers, and cuddles.
I’ve built Biloosh around the belief that mums deserve to know what’s in the products they use and to have safe, natural options at their fingertips. Tea tree oil is a perfect example: it’s been trusted for generations, it’s affordable, and it just works.
So, from one mum to another - if you’ve never tried it, pop a good quality bottle in your cupboard. I think you’ll be surprised at how many ways it comes to the rescue.
Warning:
- With infants, use tea tree in very low concentration
- Do not apply directly on the skin unless diluted with another carrier oil (in the concentration mentioned above)
- Do not use orally
- Keep away from children