TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree, also known as melaleuca, is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds. Tea tree oil (TTO), the volatile essential oil derived mainly from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia has been widely used throughout Australia for at least the past 100 years. And for over seven decades, it’s been documented in numerous medical studies to kill many strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Tea tree oil uses are numerous: making homemade cleaning products, diffusing it in the air to kill mold, applying it topically to heal skin issues and taking it internally to treat viral infections. It’s becoming an increasingly popular active ingredient in a variety of household and cosmetic products, including face wash, shampoos, massage oils, skin and nail creams and laundry detergents. Tea tree’s natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions make it an essential oil that should truly be part of everyone’s natural medicine cabinet
Top 10 Tea Tree Oil Uses
Ready to use tea tree oil to transform your health? Here are the top 10 uses for tea tree oil for natural cures and home remedies.
1. Tea Tree Oil for Acne
One of the most common uses for tea tree oil today is in skin care products, as it’s considered one of the most effective home remedies for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the associated negative side effects that many people experience including red, dried and peeling skin.
You can make a homemade gentle tea tree oil acne face wash by mixing five drops of pure tea tree essential oil with two teaspoons of raw honey. Simply rub on your face, leave on for one minute, then rinse off.
2. Tea Tree Oil for Hair
Tea tree oil has proven very beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp. Like coconut oil for hair, tea tree oil has the ability to soothe dry flaking skin, remove dandruff and even can be used for the treatment of lice. To make homemade tea tree oil shampoo, mix several drops of tea tree essential oil with aloe vera gel, coconut milk and other essential oils like lavender oil.
3. Tea Tree Oil for Cleaning
Another fantastic way to use tea tree oil is as a household cleaner. Tea tree oil have powerful antimicrobial properties and can kill off bad bacteria in your home. To make homemade a tea tree oil cleanser, mix with water, vinegar and lemon essential oil then use it on your counter tops, kitchen appliances, shower, toilet and sinks.
4. Tea Tree Oil for Psoriasis and Eczema
Tea tree oil can help relieve any type of skin inflammation, including being used as a natural eczema treatment and for reducing psoriasis. Simply mix one teaspoon coconut oil, five drops of tea tree oil and five drops of lavender oil to make homemade tea tree oil eczema lotion or body soap. In addition, if you have eczema or psoriasis, you should consider going on the GAPS diet and supplementing with vitamin D3.
5. Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus and Ringworm
Because of its ability to kill parasites and fungal infections, tea tree oil is a great choice to use on toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and ringworm. Put tea tree oil undiluted on the affected area using a clean cotton swab. And for stubborn fungi, consider mixing it with natural anti-fungal oil of oregano. Tea tree oil has also been proven beneficial for treating and removing warts, so simply put tea tree oil directly on the area for 30 days once or twice daily.
6. Tea Tree Oil Kills Mold
A common problem many people experience in their homes is mold infestation, oftentimes without even being aware of it. Consider buying a diffuser and diffusing tea tree oil in the air around your home to kill mold and other bad bacteria. Also, you can spray tea tree oil cleaner onto shower curtains,your laundry machine, dishwasher or toilet to kill off mold.
7. Tea Tree Oil Deodorant
Another great reason to use tea tree oil is to eliminate body odor. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that destroy the bacteria on your skin that causes body odor. You can make homemade tea tree oil deodorant by mixing it with coconut oil and baking soda. (Yes, you can see that coconut oil uses and baking soda uses are many as well!) Also, if your kids play sports or if you’re a runner, you can add tea tree oil and lemon essential oil to your shoes and sports gear to keep them smelling fresh!
8. Tea Tree Oil for Infections and Cuts
Tea tree oil mixed with lavender essential oil is the perfect ingredient in a homemade wound ointment. Make sure to clean a cut first with water and hydrogen peroxide if necessary, then put on tea tree oil and cover with a bandage to help fight off infections. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology even found tea tree oil helps kills MRSA and staph infections.
9. Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste for Oral Health
Because of tea tree oil’s ability to kill off bad bacteria and at the same time soothe inflamed skin, it’s a perfect ingredient in homemade toothpaste and mouthwash. It’s been shown to reduce the bleeding of gums and tooth decay. Simply mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and baking soda for an amazing homemade toothpaste.
10. Tea Tree Oil For Cancer
both tea tree oil and frankincense oil have been proven to have anti-cancer benefits. For abnormal skin lesions, you can mix frankincense oil, raspberry seed oil and tea tree oil, then place on the area three times daily.
