Tea tree oil, distilled from leaves of the Australian paper bark tree, is known for its antiseptic properties. Several clinical studies have found the essential oil to be antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Its medicinal and household applications don’t stop there. Purify the air – place a few drops in an oil diffuser to naturally deodorize and disinfectant air. You can do this to remove bacteria, viruses, mould and other germs from your home’s atmosphere. Additionally, tea tree oil aromatherapy can supplement treatment for cancer patients by reducing anxiety and improving sleep. Make a multi-purpose cleaning spray – add 10 drops to two cups of hot water, plus a half cup of white vinegar, for a general disinfectant cleaning spray. A word of caution; don’t use this solution on granite or marble – the acidic vinegar can eat away at the stone. Clear up a sinus infection – place a couple of drops in a bowl of steaming hot water and drape a towel over your head as you lean over the bowl. Breathe in the vapours for five to 10 minutes. Disinfect yoga mats and other exercise equipment – make your own antibacterial spray using tea tree and eucalyptus oils, witch hazel and water. Remove ticks – this tip doesn’t have a lot of science to back it up, but some people swear by dousing disease-carrying ticks with a few drops of tea tree oil – the idea is that the saturation causes ticks to back out of the skin for easier removal. Fight acne – dab a drop on trouble spots to clear them up. When used in conjunction with glycolic acid, which is an exfoliant, tea tree oil helps destroy the bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups.