From the evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree comes an organic ingredient called Tea Tree essential oil. Experts agree that when suitably diluted, this potent, natural oil is beneficial to use on a daily basis for many ailments. It has been used in surgeries and for dental care and household use.
Let's unpack some of the many ways you and your family can benefit from this simple but effective essential oil.
Topical use
Tea Tree oil has long been used as complementary therapy for skin trauma from acne and athlete’s foot to burns and blackheads. If the preparation you have seems too strong for your skin when used topically, you may successfully dilute it with sunflower oil, olive oil or almond oil.
Spray applications
Infused in a humidifier or in a hot bath, tea tree oil opens the airways and lungs. Diluted with water, spray bottles containing tea tree oil freshen rooms, mute odours and quell mould.
Oral use
Not recommended for consumption, tea tree oil makes an effective mouthwash to defeat halitosis (bad breath). Used daily as a 30-second gargle with 3 drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water, pull it into the teeth after 30 seconds and spit out. No more foul breath!
Infections
Known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil has worked on drug resistant yeast infections. Suppositories form your health store would be best for vaginal insertion, or a dilution can be used in a daily vaginal douche.
Always be aware that even natural formulations can be too potent for sensitive areas, so start with 1 part tea tree oil to 10 parts warm water. Very little tea tree is needed in solution for ear infections but it has been effective.
Inflammatory conditions
Clinically akin to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, used as a blending ingredients works well for skin ailments such as eczema, acne and other skin blemishes. 4 drops in half a cup of water works well for dabbing on acne on the face or the back and arms.
Antifungal application
Long known to eradicate athlete’s foot, and contagious fungal nail infections, tea tree oil is a wonderful home remedy.
Household uses
Ants don’t like tea tree oil, so use in solution to wipe your kitchen counters and rinse out your indoor rubbish bin. Use 20 drops in half a cup of water and half a cup of white vinegar.
Add a few drops into your laundry wash to keep clothes, blankets and woolen garments mould-free.
Add tea tree oil to our bucket for window cleaning perfection.
Apply directly into a tick and it will pull away. Mosquitos and bug bites can be prevented using a tea tree spray.
List of ailments and uses for Tea Tree oil:
- Acne treatment
- Astringent
- Athlete’s foot
- Bad breath solution
- Bathroom freshener
- Blackhead remover
- Cold sores
- Controls dandruff
- Dental plague
- Deodorise
- Ear infections
- Eliminated dandruff
- Enhances hair growth
- Foot bath
- Gingivitis
- Humidifier freshener
- Laundry refresher
- Mould Spray
- Mouthwash
- Reduces vaginal odour
- Ringworm
- Skin cleanser
- Soothes razor bumps
- Toothbrush refresher
- Treats eczema
- Treats skin infections
- Treats yeast infections
Make sure your teens understand how beneficial tea tree oil is and how they can use it too.
The rule of thumb for successfully using tea tree oil is, NEVER swallow it and dilute, dilute, dilute for use on the body. As a blending ingredient or in solution, tea tree oil can be used daily to ease troubled and traumatic skin conditions and for household use.
Summary: Tea Tree Oil is a very useful natural ingredient to have in the home.
Feel free to explore the Cures & Creams online store and source the natural remedy that’s just right for you and your loved ones.
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