Used for thousands of years by the Aboriginal tribes of Australia, tea tree oil made its worldwide debut in 1920, when Dr. Arthur Penfold, an Australian chemist, published news of the oil's antiseptic properties. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports that Dr. Penfold's discovery spread quickly, and today, tea tree oil is readily available in health food stores. Extracted by steam distillation, tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is found in many home remedies. Consult a doctor before using any home remedy to treat anything more serious than minor cuts or scrapes.
Colds
Adding six drops of tea tree oil to a glass of warm water makes a soothing gargle for a sore threat, says Gale. Inhaling steaming water, after adding four or five drops of tea tree oil, may loosen phlegm, ease coughs and unstop a plugged nose.
Cuts, Scratches and Rashes
Tea tree oil may be an effective topical antibiotic for skinned knees and cat scratches. Mix one or two drops of tea tree oil in a teaspoon of aloe vera gel and dab on washed scrapes and cuts. Gale also suggests using tea tree oil to sooth sunburn and to promote healing from hives, poison ivy and prickly heat rashes.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections, including ringworm and athlete's foot, may respond to treatment with tea tree oil. Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, also lists tea tree oil as potentially beneficial in the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungal infections. The oil may eliminate vaginal yeast infections and thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth. Talk to your doctor before using tea tree oil for oral or vaginal fungal infections.
Mouth
A drop of tea tree oil, added to your favorite mouthwash, may leave your breath fresher, says Medline. However, do not swallow any solution that contains tea tree oil, as it may be toxic.
Inflamed gums may benefit from a drop of tea tree oil added to regular toothpaste, says Gale, and if your gums are not sensitive to the full strength oil, gently dab a cotton swab, dipped in tea tree oil, directly on your gum line.
Pet Home Remedies
Home remedies aren't just for people. Gale suggests using tea tree oil to help the furry friends in your house. Four or five drops of tea tree oil, added to your pet's shampoo, may help to eliminate fleas, lice and skin parasites. To get rid of mange, a skin disorder that affects some dogs and cats, add 1 tsp. of tea tree oil to one-third cup of water in a small spray bottle. Shake well before lightly misting the affected area. Do not use on the animal's face or around its eyes.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 4"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Medline Plus: Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel)
Member Comments