Tea tree oil comes from the evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. It has been known for its healing and disinfecting properties for over a century and a wealth of scientific evidence exists to support its effectiveness. It is one of nature’s finest antibiotics because it is so effective at killing bacteria. Bacteria nestles on our faces every day from all the activities we do. You can always learn more about keeping your face clean. It’s a life commitment to do so and it’s a worthy investment.
Below are 10 ways to use tea tree oil for health, beauty, and cleaning:
Health and Beauty Uses
1. Aromatherapy
Use a drop or two of the oil on a warm washcloth and inhale to treat colds, viruses, coughs, sunburn, toothaches, or problems caused by bacteria.
2. Acne
Avoid using those expensive, unnatural, chemical-ridden acne treatments. Dab a drop of tea tree oil on a damp cotton ball or q-tip and apply to trouble spots.
Make sure you dampen your applicator with water; do not use the tea tree oil alone, as it would be too potent on your delicate skin. You don’t want to deal with super dry spots on top of acne. However, mixed with water, your blemishes will be significantly reduced in a day… and, naturally.
The main ingredient in our favorite acne serum happens to be tea tree. Definitely look into Evologie if acne is an everyday battle for you.
3. Dandruff
Tea tree oil is very effective against dandruff. It’s amazing that it can be used to combat acne, which is thought of as an oil issue, and dandruff, which is viewed as a dryness issue. To combat against dandruff, the key is the mix of oil to shampoo. Use 5% tea tree oil to shampoo. About 3-4 drops of oil into a whole bottle of your natural, scentless shampoo should do the trick. Do not put the oil directly onto scalp.
4. Nail infections
Have a hangnail or a nail irritation? Dabbing a bit of oil onto the nail will act as an antibacterial without causing irritation to the skin.
5. Sinus infections
Tea tree oil is antiviral and antibacterial, making it great for any sort of infection of the respiratory system. Boil water and add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water. After removing the pot from heat, put a towel over your head and breathe in for 10-15 minutes.
Cleaning Uses
6. General tea tree oil cleaning spray
You get the gist: Anything that needs disinfecting, cleaning, or balancing can benefit from tea tree oil. Combine 4-5 drops of oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Use to clean household surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors.
7. Household antiseptic spray
Similar to above, but add double the drops (10 drops of oil) to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle for tough areas like the bathroom and sink. Even use to clean the bottoms of shoes for an antibacterial purpose.
8. Mold remover
Use the concentration of antiseptic spray in #7 above, and spray on moldy areas, but do not wipe up or rise. Let it sit and it will take care of any problems.
9. Laundry detergent
Add 3-4 drops of oil to your detergent for mold-prone items like chunky sweaters and wool. Tea tree oil is a powerful mold fighter.
10. Air freshener
To make your own essential oil gel air freshener, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of clear gelatin powder, tea tree oil, a ½ cup of hot water, and clean, clear jars of your choice.
Stir together and heat the clear gelatin powder, approximately 20 drops of essential oil, and the water. Pour the liquid into clean jar(s) once the gelatin has melted. Put the jars in the refrigerator until the gel has set.
When purchasing: Make sure you purchase oil that comes in a dark glass bottle to ensure that the light does not reduce the oil’s potency.
One more note, never ingest the oil orally.
Share other ways that you use your tea tree oil below!
