Thursday, January 2, 2014

20 Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia found in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales.  The oil is clear yet you may find some with a light gold hue.  The fresh scented oil known for medicinal effects should be stored in a dark colored glass bottle and should not be ingested orally.

Disclosure:  The article is not a replacement for medical advice.  Please consult a doctor with any concerns about treatment for any conditions you experience.
1.  Laundry Disinfectant
Tea Tree oil comes to the rescue when clothes get extra dirty or are left in the washing machine overnight.  Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to your laundry during wash cycle to disinfect and freshen clothing and towels.

2.  Mold Remover
Mold thrives where moisture lives such as bathrooms.  Keep your home free of mold by using a simple spray made of tea tree oil.  To make the spray, add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and shake.  Spray it over your bathroom tile or other areas mold may grow.  Do not rinse.  The spray may be used for grout but be aware the discoloration will remain.
3.  Pimple Zapper
Waking up to a pimple on your nose can pretty much set the tone for the rest of your day.  The first thing you want to do is zap it and zap it fast.  A natural way to treat pimples is dabbing a drop of tea tree oil directly on the pimple with a cotton ball.
4.  Combat Head Lice
Head lice sends shivers down the spine of any parent who hears of an infestation at the local school.  You might want to consider tossing the pesticides and chose a natural option that is effective and safe.  Combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and apply to shampooed hair.  Leave in for 15 minutes, rinse, and comb.  Adding 2 teaspoons to your regular shampoo can help prevent lice and remove hair product build up.
 5.  Pest Control
If you experience uninvited guests like ants or other pests give them their eviction notice with a spray of tea tree oil.  Place a few drops of tea tree oil at entry points and spray areas that are hard to reach.  Remove food from cupboards and spray and wipe down with tea tree oil then place food back.
6.  For Baby
Harsh chemicals around a delicate baby do not mix.  For a safe and natural disinfectant add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water.  Place the mixture in a spray bottle and wipe down high chairs, table tops, floors, diaper pails, and any where a baby may contact germs.
Use tea tree oil to combat nasal congestion!
7.  Nasal Congestion
Whether you have a cold or a sinus infection, not being able to breath is frustrating.  Combat it by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a pan of boiling water and then inhale the steam!
Use Tea Tree Oil as a multi-purpose cleaner!
8.  Multi-Purpose Cleaner
For those interested in eliminating chemicals but wondering if a natural solution is strong enough there is a solution.  Add 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to 1 gallon of water to make a natural cleaning solution.  Use the solution to wipe down floors, countertops, kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Use Tea Tree Oil to remove scuff marks from the floor!
9.  Remove Scuff Marks
Add a drop or two of tea tree oil to a damp cloth and rub into vinyl or linoleum floors to remove scuff marks.
Use tea tree oil to prevent mildew buildup!
10.  Prevent Mildew
Make a solution of tea tree oil and water to wipe down shower walls to prevent the growth of mildew.  Use the solution in a spray bottle for shower doors or shower curtains to prevent mildew growth.  To make the solution use 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil per 1 gallon of water.
Use tea tree oil as an effective insect repellent
11.  Insect Repellent for People
Use an oil and water spray, 2 teaspoons tea tree oil and 2 cups water, to repel insects.  It is generally regarded as safe to spray on clothing and skin.
Use tea tree oil to keep insects off plants!
12.  Insect Repellent for Plants
Use the same solution for people as for plants.  However, do not spray directly on plants but around the plants to prevent burning.
Use tea tree oil to prevent fleas on pets!
13.  Kill and Prevent Fleas on Pets
Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to pet shampoo can kill or prevent further flea outbreaks.  Make a solution using 1/3 cup Dawn (must be the blue kind) and 1 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil and 2 teaspoons of vinegar.  Wash your pet with the solution and rinse.  You can use a spray solution of oil and water to prevent fleas as well.
Use tea tree oil to treat and prevent athlete's foot!
14.  Athlete’s Foot
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to soles of feet and in between toes and allow to air dry.  Do this daily until fungus is gone.  Use a spray solution of tea tree oil and water on the shower floor to prevent fungus from spreading.  Use the same solution in shoes to keep fungus or bacteria from growing in shoes.
Use tea tree oil to help take the sting out of bee stings!
15.  Take the Sting out of Bee Stings
Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 drop of lavender oil and apply to sting.   Tea tree oil is a strong anti-inflammatory agent while lavender is calming.  It makes the perfect duo to taking the sting out.
Use tea tree oil to help clean minor cuts and scrapes!
16. Cuts and Scrapes
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it a commonly used treatment for cuts, scrapes, and minor skin irritations.  Do not apply tea tree oil directly but dilute it with 1 part oil and ten parts water.
17.  Wart Removal
Several people have reported that adding undiluted tea tree oil to a wart (being very careful not to touch skin) will get rid of it.  If irritation occurs, or you would prefer, make a 50/50 solution of tea tree oil and aloe vera or water and apply to wart.  Soak gauze in the 50/50 solution and cover wart for an overnight application.
Use tea tree oil to get rid of nail fungus!
18.  Nail Fungus
Since tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties it is highly effective against nasty nail fungus.  Use a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and apply to the affected nail.  You can apply up to three times a day.  You may want to wrap your nail in plastic after application to ensure absorption.
Use tea tree oil to get rid of dandruff!
19.  To Fight Dandruff
Adding 5 drops of tea tree oil to every 1 ounce of shampoo provides the proper concentration to be useful against dandruff.  Another solution is adding 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 ounce of olive oil and rub on the scalp.
Use tea tree oil to help fight gum disease
20.  Fight Gum Disease
Red swollen gums are a sign of gingivitis or gum disease.  Using a drop of tea tree oil on your toothbrush, using any toothpaste, can possibly help relieve and cure gum disease.  Be very careful not to swallow the oil and do not eat or drink for 15 minutes after brushing.

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