What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifoliais by its scientific name, is an all-natural essential oil that is extracted from a plant that is native only to Australia, it cannot be found naturally anywhere else. It is used as a topical for its amazing healing, antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibiotic and antimicrobial properties.
How is Tea Tree Oil Used?
Again, tea tree oil is used as a topical and should never be ingested. Its unique properties make it a must-have for all households, as it works for treating infections, bacteria, skin infections, rashes, burns, dandruff, acne, fungus, cuts and scrapes, etc. Tea tree oil should not be used on children under 6 months or pets.
Here are 7 Unique Uses for Tea Tree Oil:
- Treating Ingrown Hairs: rub a little on after shaving sensitive areas such as the bikini area or under the arms. It can also be used on the chin or the back of the hairline to treat ingrown hair.
- Cleaning the Bathroom: I used to be a bleach fanatic but once I realized how harsh the chemicals were. I started looking for alternatives. Tea tree oil is a great alternative that both cleans and sanitizes.
- Removes Ticks: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton swab and place over tick for several minutes. The tick will start to suffocate and will remove his head. Use your tweezers to remove. Also, try using 1 part tea tree oil to 2 parts water in your spray bottle. Spray it on your shoes, socks or pant leg, etc to keep ticks away.
- Treating Itchy Scalp: use tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil such as apricot oil or vitamin E oil and rub on your scalp to stop from scratching. The tea tree oil will make your scalp tingly.
- Relieving Cold and Congestion: try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a vaporizer or, you can add a few drops to a steaming hot shower to relieve a stuffy nose or chest.
- Relieving an earache: use a mix of 1 drop tea tree oil to 1 tsp of olive oil, and drop into the infected ear. Allow to drain.
- Cleaning Mold: a mixture of apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil has been said to be effective in removing mold.
- Natural Bug/Insect Repellent: most insects don't like tea tree oil and will run from the scent. Use 1 part tea tree to 2 parts water. For heavy duty, you can add Neem or Garlic oil but I wouldn't recommend using on your skin.
- Healing Skin: tea tree oil has been used to heal the skin of acne, cuts, scrapes, burns, infections, insect bites, bed sores and more. This is the "jack-of-all" healing ointments.
Tea tree oil comes at a pretty reasonable price starting at about $10 a bottle, and it is well worth the price. The 1 ounce bottle usually lasts me a couple of months, depending on how often I'm using it. You can find the oil on Amazon, The Vitamin Shoppe or usually any local pharmacy. Your local organic market should also carry tea tree oil. Be sure to read the label, many tea tree oils are sold premixed with a carrier oil so be sure to know what you're buying.
Caution: Again, Tea Tree Oil can be toxic if ingested. Do not use directly on the skin, mix with a carrier oil and be sure not to use too much. I would recommend doing a skin test before going for the gusto. If you're expecting, you should consult with your physician before using. If you have doubts, do your research before using it.
How do you use your Tea Tree Oil?
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