TEA TREE OIL - Top 10 Uses

I really love Tea Tree oil. This article by Dr Axe tells it all.

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is well known throughout Australia for its ability to treat wounds and because of its powerful antiseptic properties. Documented in medical studies to kill many bacteria, viruses and fungi, it’s an essential part to anyone’s natural medicine cabinet.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that melaleuca is “a powerful disinfectant and is non-poisonous and gentle” to the body. In 1923, Dr. A.R. Penfold found that tea tree oil was 12 times (!) more effective at healing infections than the conventional antiseptic at that time (carbolic acid).

During the 1930s and 1940s, tea tree oil became widely known as the go-to antiseptic, and during the Australian World War II soldiers were given tea tree oil in their first aid kits.

Today, tea tree oil uses are numerous. They include making homemade cleaning products, diffused in the air to kill mold, used topically to heal skin issues and taken internally to treat infections.

Tea Tree Oil Benefits

To date, 327 scientific studies refer to tea tree oil’s antimicrobial prowess alone! As if thousands of years of use have been done in vain, right! Thankfully, science is finally catching up and describing why tea tree oil is so effective as a treatment for some of its more traditional uses:

• Acne
• Bacterial infections
• Chickenpox
• Cold sores
• Congestion and respiratory tract infections
• Earaches
• Fungal infections (especially candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus)
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Head lice
• MRSA
• Psoriasis
• Soften dry cuticles
• Soothes itchy insect bites, sores and sunburns
• Zap boils from staph infections

And this list doesn’t even include the cosmetic and general home uses of tea tree oil!

• Acne face wash
• Anti-microbial laundry freshener
• Insect repellant
• Natural deodorant
• Removes foot order
• Removes mold
• Household cleaner

An article published in the journal Phytomedicine last year evaluated the relationship between various essential oils and found that none (including tea tree) caused adverse reactions when taken with several different antibiotics. In fact, they discovered that some essential oils even had a synergist effect, which could help prevent antibiotic resistance!

In many causes, doctors of functional medicine will prescribe essential oils like tea tree oil and oil of oregano in replacement of conventional medications because they are just as effective and without the adverse side effects.

Top 10 Tea Tree Oil Uses

Ready to use tea tree oil to transform your health?  Here are the top 10 uses for tea tree oil for natural cures and home remedies.

1. Tea Tree Oil for Acne

One of the most common uses for tea tree oil today is in skin care products especially for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the negative side effects of red and peeling skin.

You can make a tea tree oil acne face wash by mixing five drops of tea tree essential oil with two teaspoons of raw honey. Simply rub on your face, leave on for one minute then rinse off.

2. Tea Tree Oil for Hair

Tea tree oil has proven very beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp. Tea tree oil has the ability to soothe dry flaking skin, dandruff and even can be used for the treatment of lice.  To make homemade tea tree oil shampoo, mix in with aloe vera gel, coconut milk and other essential oils like lavender.

3. Tea Tree Oil for Cleaning

Another fantastic way to use tea tree oil is as a household cleaner. Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and can kill off bad bacteria in your home. To make homemade tea tree oil cleaner, mix with water, vinegar and lemon essential oil.

4. Tea Tree Oil for Skin (Psoriasis and Eczema)

Tea tree oil can help relieve any type of skin inflammation, including eczema and psoriasis. Simply mix one teaspoon coconut oil, five drops of tea tree oil and five drops of lavender oil to make homemade tea tree oil eczema lotion or body soap. In addition, if you have eczema or psoriasis, you should consider going on the GAPS diet and supplementing with vitamin D3.

5. Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus and Ringworm

Because of its ability to kill parasites and fungal infections, tea tree oil is a great choice to use on toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and ringworm. Put tea tree oil undiluted on the area, and for stubborn fungi it can also be mixed with oil of oregano. Tea tree oil has also been proven beneficial for treating and removing warts, so simply put tea tree oil directly on the area, daily, for 30 days.

6. Tea Tree Oil Kills Mold

A common problem many people experience in their homes is mold infestation often times without knowing it. You can buy a diffuser and diffuse tea tree oil in the air around your home to kill mold and other bad bacteria. Also, you can spray tea tree oil cleaner onto shower curtains to kill off mold.

7. Tea Tree Oil Deodorant 

Another great reason to use tea tree oil is to eliminate body odor. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that destroy the bacteria that cause body odor. You can make homemade tea tree oil deodorant by mixing it with coconut oil and baking soda. Also, if your kids play sports or if you’re a runner, you can add tea tree oil and lemon essential oils to your shoes and sport’s gear to keep them smelling fresh!

8. Tea Tree Oil for Infections and Cuts

Tea tree oil mixed with lavender essential oil is the perfect ingredient in a homemade wound ointment. Make sure to clean a cut first with water and hydrogen peroxide, then put on tea tree oil and cover with bandage to fight off infections. Also, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found tea tree oil kills MRSA and staph infections.

9. Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste For Oral Health

Because of tea tree oils ability to kill off bad bacteria and simultaneously soothe inflamed skin, it’s a perfect ingredient in homemade toothpaste. Tea tree oil has also been shown to reduce the bleeding of gums and reduce tooth decay. Simply mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and baking soda for an amazing homemade toothpaste.

10. Tea Tree Oil for Cancer

One of the most incredible studies done recently done on tea tree oil was on its ability to fight skin cancer. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Sciences, tea tree oil was found to have a rapid effect on reducing tumors and boosted immunity.

Also, both tea tree oil and frankincense have been proven to have anti-cancer benefits. For abnormal skin lesions, you can mix frankincense oil, raspberry seed oil and tea tree oil, and place on area three times daily.

More on Tea Tree Oil later.

References 

Hammer KA, et al. In viro susceptibilities of lactobacilli and organisms associated with baterial vaginosis to melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.1999;43(1):196.

Groppo FC, et al. Antimicrobial activity of garlic, tea tree oil, and chlorhexidine against oral microorganisms. Int Dent J. 2002 Dec;52(6):433-7.

Bassett, et al, “A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne,” Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8.

Stablein JJ, Bucholtz GA, Lockey RF. Melaleuca tree and respiratory disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2002 Nov;89(5): 523-30.

“Terpinen-4-ol, the main component of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil ) inhibits the in vitro growth of human melanoma cells,” J Invest Dermatol. 2004 Feb;122(2):349-60.

75 USES FOR DIY Antibacterial Oil

Mix together in equal parts - Clove oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, orange oil, lemon oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, and then as a carrier oil - coconut oil.

1. Dilute with coconut oil and apply to cuts or open wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.

2. Mix with a tablespoon of water, gargle and swallow for a sore throat.

3. Apply undiluted directly to the skin of your upper chest and throat for bronchitis.

4. Place a drop on your thumb and apply to the roof of your mouth for a headache.

5. Put drops in a veggie capsule undiluted and swallow daily for longevity.

6. For acne, take internally and apply to the skin diluted.

7. Put directly on the soles of your feet to protect you from colds and flu.

8. Breathe in the vapors when you have lung congestion.

9. Use to clean pet cages, creating a healthier environment for them.

10. Add to your dishwasher for cleaner dishes.

11. Add to your laundry cycle for cleaner clothes.

12. Add to your mop water for cleaner floors.

13. Mix with water to make a spray to repel insects on your flowers and plants.

14. Use to dissolve the gummy adhesive on price labels.

15. Apply to bee and wasp stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.

16. Apply to gums to prevent and treat gum disease.

17. Apply orally to maintain healthy teeth and reduce cavities.

18. Apply to gums and teeth for pain relief from toothaches.

19. Diffuse in homes or business to solve mold problems.

20. Add to orange juice and drink to reduce phlegm and congestion.

21. Apply to broken bones or joints for pain relief and to hasten healing.

22. Put a drop in your cup of tea for flavor and to maintain health.

23. Put on the tip of your tongue to help you stop smoking.

 24. Put on cold sores and canker sores to make them disappear.

25. For warts, apply topically, inhale and ingest in capsules to make them disappear.

26. Rub on sore joints to relieve arthritis pain.

27. Drink a few drops in water or juice every three hours to stop a cold.

 28. Place a drop on the tongue and a drop in a glass of water every day for herpes.

29. Rub on the bottoms of children’s feet for protection before school every day.

30. Diffuse in the house as your children come home from school every day to kill airborne bacteria.

31. Mix 50:50 with coconut oil and rub on daily for relief of shingles.

32. Apply a drop on wound of a cat or dog to enhance healing.

33. Diffuse in the home or office to stimulate a cheerful mood.

34. Diffuse in the office to increase concentration and work efficiency.

35. Diffuse in your place of business to ward off germs.

36. Diffuse in the classroom to reduce student sickness and absenteeism.

37. Put a few drops in your carpet steamer/cleaner to disinfect carpet.

38. Mix a few drops with honey or agave in a teaspoon for cough relief.

39. Breathe and apply for sinus headaches.

40. Put a drop on a pimple to make it shrink and disappear.

41. For laryngitis put a drop under your tongue to restore your voice.

42. Inhale for relief of allergy symptoms.

43. Take a capsule full every day for relief of Lyme disease symptoms.

44. Carry a bottle on every flight to protect you from germs on the plane.

45. Drop in the heat/AC vents of a hotel to rid it of airborne germs.

46. Mix with baking soda to clean bathtubs.

47. Apply undiluted to the toes and feet to combat fungus.

48. Apply to poison ivy rashes (may need to be diluted with vegetable oil) to relieve the itch.

49. Drop on a cloth to remove permanent marker stains.

50. Sanitize pierced earrings.

51. Rub on the big toe before retiring to help with proper vision.

52. Apply diluted 1 drop oil to 5 drops coconut oil, may be helpful in soothing pinkeye and other eye inflammations. (Do not get in the eye.)

53. Apply 1 drop  onto toothbrush to sanitize.

54. Use for bathrooms and toilets to sanitize and freshen.

55. Use to cut grease on kitchen counters and stovetops.

56. Use to mop floors to clean and disinfect.

57. Apply to hands to remove stubborn, sticky substances like tree sap.

58. Use to wash fruits and vegetables from the supermarket.

59. Add to the water in your vacuum cleaner/steamer to cleanse the air and disinfect the carpet.

60. Spray along ant trails in the house to keep them out.

61. Use to wipe chairs and furniture in school classrooms to cut down on student sickness.

62. Scrub old floors to remove old varnish and prepare for refinishing.

63. Clean upholstery.

64. Clean the upholstery and dashboard of your car.

65. Soak off burnt food in pots and skillets.

66. Wipe or soak garbage cans to get them clean, sanitary and smelling fresh.

67. For tough stains, pour it on as a pre-wash stain remover.

68. Use undiluted to clean and kill mold on walls and floors or degrease oven.

69. Spray on doorknobs in public restrooms to kill germs.

70. Spray in the throat to restore a lost voice.

71. Spray hands before and after shaking hands with a lot of people.

72. Carry for protection in countries with cholera, malaria or dysentery.

73. Use as an air freshener for cooking odors or other unwanted smells.

74. Take to the gym and spray all the equipment you use.

75. Take to the supermarket and use to disinfect shopping cart handles.

I GO SKINNY DIPPING

Gotcha, didn't I? 

The following recipe for soaking yourself to a healthier, slimmer self with Essential Oils.   This recipe will help take the detox load off your liver as well.  In the following recipe, Trim & Tone refers to a mixture of orange oil and lemon oil. As for me, if I don't answer the phone or your text I am most likely skinny dipping!!