Not to be confused with an extract of the tea plant (Camellia sinensus) – tea tree oil is distilled from leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melalenca alternifolia.)
Although it is highly toxic when ingested, tea tree oil has a
surprising number of topical uses to cure or prevent a whole host of
everyday maladies, hence why it is often referred to as a “medicine
cabinet in a bottle”.
1. Topical Anti-septic
Terpenes in tea tree oil give
this versatile substance anti-septic properties. Tea tree oil has been
shown effective against even the super-bug MRSA, a strain of staph
bacteria which is resistant to many common antibiotics. For this
reason, tea tree oil is often used as a natural remedy to prevent
infection in small wounds, blisters, and burns.
2. Acne Treatment
Due to its anti-microbial
terpenes, tea tree oil is also commonly used to combat acne. A gel
composed of 5% tea tree oil, when applied to affected areas has been
shown to be as effective as an identical dose of benzoyl peroxide.
Treatment is slower with tea tree oil, but this natural acne remedy is
also proven to be less damaging to skin.
3. Nail Fungus
Shown to work just as well as
over-the-counter chemical treatments, tea tree oil can also be used to
cure fungal infections in toenails and fingernails. Undiluted tea tree
oil applied twice daily to infected nails can relieve symptoms, and in
some cases completely heal these unsightly ailments.
4. Oral Rinse
For those prone to oral infections (fungal or bacterial), tea tree oil can be used as an effective natural mouth rinse. Alternately, add a drop of undiluted tea tree oil to toothpaste right before you brush your teeth to get similar benefits.
***It is very important never
to swallow tea tree oil as the toxic compounds it contains can cause
nausea, disorientation, and in severe cases coma. ***
5. Scalp Health
Often used as a non-drying,
non-damaging alternative to harsh chemical dandruff shampoos, tea tree
oil just might be the miracle cure for itchy, flaky scalp. Premixed tea tree oil shampoo is available from many natural health stores, or try this guide to make your own.
6. Sore Throat Treatment
Tea tree oil diluted in water is
also a great natural remedy for sore throat. Add 2 – 3 drops of tea
tree oil to boiling water, lower your face toward the vapors, and drape a
towel over the back of your head / the sides of the pot to trap the
steam. Inhale deeply for 5 – 10 minutes. Not only will your throat
feel better, this treatment also works to clear up chest and sinus
congestion. You may also add 3 – 4 drops of tea tree oil to warm water
to make a gargle solution. Use this method up to twice per day to
relieve soreness and kill bacteria in the throat and tonsils.
***Again, take care not to swallow tea tree oil as it is toxic when ingested. ***
7. Head Lice
When mixed with peppermint oil, tea tree oil has been shown to repel head lice
in young children. Treatment with tea tree oil is also an effective
natural treatment to eliminate lice already present on a host. While
useful against parasites on people, tea tree oil is not recommended for
treatment of pets as the toxins present in the oil present a high risk
of negative side-effects in smaller animals.
8. Insect Bites and Stings
Apply tea tree oil liberally to
insect bites and stings to disinfect the wound, lessen pain, and prevent
itching. Keep the wound covered with a bandage to keep the oil from
evaporating. Repeat once or twice per day until the bite or sting is
healed.
9. Ringworm
Ringworm – a fungal infection of
the skin caused by exposure to the fungus tinea – is highly contagious
and spread through contact with infected people, animals, or items. Due
to its anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil can be used to treat
ringworm and prevent its spread. Apply undiluted tea tree oil 2 – 3
times per day to treat skin infected with ringworm. Clean any personal
items that may have come in contact with the tinea fungus using a tea
tree cleanser to prevent further spread of infection.
10. Household Cleaner
The same anti-microbial abilities
that make tea tree oil so effective for clearing up infections of the
body also make this oil an amazing household cleaner. In a 1 quart
spray bottle, mix 4 ounces of vinegar with 24 ounces of water then add
about 10 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil cleaner can be used on
mold and mildew, as a disinfectant in bathrooms, and even to clean
mirrors and windows as the mixture dries streak free.
With so many great uses, tea tree
oil should be a staple for every natural living enthusiast. As always,
make sure to buy only certified 100% pure tea tree oil to avoid potentially hazardous additives.
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