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.
7. Nasal Congestion
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
