Used by practitioners of alternative medicine for centuries as a versatile cure for everything from minor cuts and burns to dandruff and jock itch, tea tree oil has long been touted as a powerful anti-fungal and antimicrobial agent. Some have dubbed it 'a medicine cabinet in a bottle.' Derived from the oil of the Australian plant melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil can be used for a host of home remedies, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Consider keeping a small bottle at home to use for a variety of ailments.
Dandruff Cure
According to the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association, tea tree oil in a shampoo is helpful for unblocking follicles, moisturizing the hair, loosening sebaceous glands and helping to shed dead skin. One can purchase shampoo with tea tree oil already added or take any natural shampoo and add approximately twenty drops per eight ounces. A study reported by the NIH tested patients suffering from dandruff and had them use a five percent concentration of tea tree oil shampoo for a month. Researchers found that there was significant improvement in dandruff symptoms, including itching and flaking.
Skin Benefits
Due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is a popular alternative treatment for acne. In a comparison study reported by the NIH, tea tree oil performed as well as benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of moderate acne. Although the tea tree oil took a little longer to work, patients reported no irritation or side effects from the five-percent tea tree gel solution as compared to the benzoyl peroxide group who did experience some side effects. The Natural Acne Treatments website states that tea tree oil is an effective way to cure minor bacterial infections and suggests that a home acne-prevention solution can be made by adding one or two drops to one ounce of aloe gel then applying the gel to the affected area.
Fungal Infections
Due to tea tree's strong anti-fungal properties, it is a popular home cure for nail fungus. A study reported by the NIH showed significant improvement after participants used either a twenty-five or fifty percent solution on the affected area for one month. According to information provide by the Tea Tree Wellness website, tea tree oil can be an effective solution to many types of fungal infections including athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Tea tree oil can also be useful as a home remedy to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, according to the Green Living website. In addition to its antiviral properties, tea tree oil may help unlock chest congestion and alleviate coughing when added to a hot bath.
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