10 Terrific Uses for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia is an essential oil derived from a plant native to Australia.  Tea tree oil has some pretty amazing properties, such as: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, astringent and disinfectant.  Because of its many wonderful properties it is one of the most used essential oils in my medicine cabinet.  Please click on the links in red for recipes using tea tree oil.

Here are ten terrific uses of tea tree oil:

1.  Antiseptic:  use slightly diluted on a cotton ball with witch hazel to cleanse cuts and scrapes.

2.  Treat acne:  use a small drop on break outs to help clear skin up faster.  Some people find it irritating so it can be diluted with witch hazel.

3.  Treat dandruff:  add 25 drops of tea tree oil to your average sized shampoo bottle and shake well.  Tea tree oil will eliminate dandruff and dry scalp.

4.  Deodorant:  use tea tree oil in Homemade Deodorant because it is known to eliminate the bacteria that cause odor.  

5.  Relieve insect bites:  put a small drop directly on bites for itch relief.  Or mix with coconut oil for a double dose of itch relief. 

6.  Soothe sunburns:  use in combination with witch hazel, vinegar or aloe vera gel to ease the sting of sunburn.

7.  Hand Sanitizer:  use in combination with a few other essential oil for an effective Hand Sanitizing Spray.

8.  Heal toenail fungus:  use 1-2 drops of undiluted tea tree oil on toenails twice per day to treat fungus.

9.  Treat many skin conditions:  use tea tree oil that has been slightly diluted with witch hazel or a carrier oil like olive oil to treat psoriasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, cold sores and more.

10.  Control mold:  use a solution of 1/4 cup water and 25 drops tea tree oil and spray on shower walls to prevent mold from growing.  (This was extremely impressive to me as even bleach couldn't take care of the problem!)

I love and use several essential oils and tea tree oil is among my favorites.  If you are thinking about trying essential oils, this is where I would suggest starting.  Tea tree oil has so many fabulous uses! 

Natural, Healthy, Tea Tree Oil!