Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of an Australian plant known as Melaleuca alternifolia, and it has been used medicinally by the native aborigines for centuries to treat respiratory problems and skin conditions. In recent years, the scientific community has found that tea tree oil contains many antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal qualities.
Skin Conditions
Applied topically, tea tree oil is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, boils and warts. It can also be used on insect bites or wounds to help promote healing. Tea tree oil is powerful, and in most cases should be diluted before any contact with bare skin. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a mild carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil, or to aloe vera gel, and massage into skin. To treat wounds or warts, a single drop of pure tea tree oil may be applied to the area before covering it with a bandage.
Hair Treatment
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your daily shampoo to treat dandruff. Tea tree oil also kills head lice, mites, and other insects, and can help repel ticks.
Oral Uses
Tea tree oil can also be used to promote mouth health, as it fights bad breath, plaque and inflamed gums. Add two or three drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and use as a mouthwash. Do not swallow tea tree oil. Gargling with a mild tea tree oil solution can also help heal canker sores and cold sores.
Sore Throat, Cough and Cold
Gargle with a mild tea tree oil solution to relieve a sore throat. To battle congestion, add tea tree oil to a water vaporizer, or bring a pot of water to a boil, remove from heat, add 5 to 10 drops of tea tree boil, then sit over the pot with a towel draped around you so that you can inhale the vapors. For a more portable version of this, rub a little diluted tea tree oil under your nose.
Household Uses
Pure tea tree oil applied with a cotton swab can be used to remove stubborn stickers or labels. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your dish detergent or laundry soap to boost its cleaning power.
Warnings
Some people may experience allergic reactions to tea tree oil, which may range from mild skin irritation to itching and blistering. Always begin treatment with highly diluted tea tree oil, and discontinue immediately if unpleasant symptoms occur. Do not use tea tree oil internally. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor or naturopath before using tea tree oil.
Member Comments