Tea Tree Oil...

How Safe Is It?
Tea Tree oil is non-toxic.
It is generally non-irritating but as with all essential oils those with sensitive skin should use the oil in low dilutions to begin with.

Tea Tree oil should not be taken internally!

In What Ways Can It Be Used?
The use of Tea Tree to aid problems of a physical nature is now practiced worldwide and a range of therapeutic Tea Tree Products are now available for home remedies...

• PURE TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL: this is Melaleuca Oil in its purest and most versatile form;
• Tea Tree is one of only two essential oils (Lavender being the other) which is often used neat on the skin in small amounts by applying one or two drops directly to spots, cuts, insect bites, stings, blisters and problems such as warts, verrucae, cold sores, shingles and Chickenpox lesions.
• During prolonged or debilitating illness blend 3 - 6 drops of Tea Tree Oil in 2 teaspoons of vegetable carrier oil for a stimulating massage.
• To combat the spread of airborne bacteria during illness, vapourise 8 drops of Tea Tree in an oil burner, or mix 20 drops with 200ml of spring water in a glass plant sprayer and spray directly into the air, shaking well before each use.
• The use of Tea Tree, perhaps combined with Eucalyptus or Peppermint oils, in a steam inhalation can be a very effective method of easing the airways during respiratory infections, cattarh, colds or flu. Add 5 drops to a bowl of boiling water, cover the head with a towel and inhale the vapours for several minutes.
• 5 drops added to a warm bath can help induce sweating to lower a fever during illness.
• To soothe troublesome feet add 3 - 5 drops of oil to a warm foot bath and soak the feet daily. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel, especially between the toes.
• Make up a mouthwash or gargle by diluting 3 drops of Tea Tree in a teaspoon of brandy. Stir into a glass of warm water and gargle or swish around the mouth. DO NOT SWALLOW!  
• To treat flea infestation in dogs or rabbits, prepare a repellent spray by diluting 2 drops of Tea Tree in 300ml (½ pint) of warm water. Brush the fur in the wrong direction and spray the coat with this solution, working from the tail to the head, avoiding the eyes. Brush the coat back into place and towel dry to remove excess spray. Repeat at 5 day intervals until clear. * Tea Tree oil should not be used to treat cats *
• A natural anti-bacterial kitchen surface spray can be prepared by combining 60 drops of Tea Tree oil with 500ml of spring water in a plant sprayer. Other oils such as Lemon, Mandarin or Pine may be added for fragrance and to increase de-greasing power. Shake well before each use and dry surfaces thoroughly before food preparation. (Not suitable for polished wood surfaces such as tabletops).
  This preparation is also excellent for cleaning up after pets on kitchen floors.
• Chewing gum can be removed from hair or clothing with an application of neat Tea Tree oil.
• Fungal Plant Diseases such as Mildew, Rust and Blackspot can be treated with Tea Tree oil which has anti-fungal properties. Full details are available here.