Tea Tree essential oil is distilled form the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree which is native to Australia and is not the same plant as the black tea we commonly drink. The tree grows in damp swampy areas and helps to mitigate wetness in the land. The essential oil is an incredibly strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifunal and antimicrobial and carries the same "drying" properties as the tree itself. It also has Cicastrisant properties meaning it stimulates wound healing in addition to keeping the injury clear from infections. This is a great oil to use in surface cleaner blends or in difuser blends in small amounts to help fight airborn illnesses. While it is a great topical application oil it is NOT an oil for ingestion!