Top Ten Uses for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is the essential oil steam from a plant unique to Australia and Northern New South Wale. Tea tree oil is unique because it contains over 100 components and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Research has shown that tea tree oil can be used for as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral property,

Tea tree oil can be used naturally for the following purposes:

Athletes Foot: Athletes foot is commonly known to grow in warm, moist areas between the toes and the sides and soles of feet. It is highly infectious and spreads quickly in locker and shower rooms. Tea tree oil has been shown to treat a wide range of fungal infections and symptoms, including athlete’s foot. To eliminate athlete’s foot is recommended to wrap the shoes affected in plastic warp and place in freezer overnight to kill the germs. Wash the socks separately and add two capfuls of tea tree oil to the wash. In addition apply two to three drops of tea tree oil to the affected area on the feet. Continue to do this daily.

Treat Cold and Flu: Cold and flu symptoms can be treated by using tea tree oil. For sore throats, it is recommends to add ten drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and gargle. Do this twice a day. This treatment will help clear mucus and kill bacteria.

Congestion: Adding about ten drops of tea tree oil in a vaporizer will help clear chest and nasal congestion. Using this treatment at the onset of symptoms will aid in killing germs and bacteria.

Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is very common in babies and children. Thrush can be treated using tea tree oil. Make a mouthwash using one capful of tea tree oil to twelve ounces of water. Gargle and rinse for three times a day. You can also apply two to three drops of the oil on the toothbrush to help kill the germs.

Toothaches and gum infections: While waiting for a dental appointment, tea tree oil can help alleviate the symptoms of toothaches. Apply tea tree oil directly to the infected area. The oil will penetrate the gums and help kill the bacteria causing the pain.

Cold Sores and Canker Sores: Both cold sores and canker sores can be treated with tea tree oil by applying the oil directly to the sore two times a day. For sores in the mouth make a rinse using two capfuls of oil and gargle twice a day.

Head Lice: Head lice or louse can be treated by adding ten drops of tea tree oil to shampoo. The hair and scalp should be wet and lathered thoroughly. Use a fine toothed- comb before shampoo is rinsed off. Avoid direct contact with eyes when washing hair with tea tree oil. This method should be use several times along with treating the house and all of the infected bedding. Tea tree oil can be added to the wash when washing the sheets and bedding.

Insect Bites: A drop or two of tea tree oil can be applied directly onto an insect bite or sting to help alleviate swelling, itching and redness.

Skin Irritations and Sunburns: Using several drops of tea tree oil added to bath water can help reduce the swelling and itching from skin irritations. In addition the same method can be used to help the symptoms of minor sunburns.

Bug Repellant: Bugs seem to dislike tea tree oil. The oil can be used to deter ants, roaches and other pests. Put a few drops of the oil where the pests are coming from. You can also wipe pantries and cupboards with a mixture of water and tea tree oil and this will make the bugs leave. Rubbing the mattress with pure tea tree oil will help deter dust mites. A few drops of oil added directly into a vacuum cleaner bag or canister will help kill dust mites often found in carpeting.

Caution should be used when using tea tree oil around pets. It should not be used with cat, as it has proven fatal to cats that have accidentally ingested the product.