Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, has a wealth of healing capabilities, many of them skin-related. In fact, tea tree essential oil has a history firmly rooted in natural health remedies. The Aborigines have used it as a traditional medicine for hundreds of years. The native Australians ground up the tea tree leaves, extracted the oil, and proceeded to inhale it in order to treat various respiratory ailments. Alternatively, they used it on their skin directly for healing purposes.
While native to Australia, the tree can now be found across the world. Today, the oil is extracted through steam distillation of the twigs and leaves of the tea tree. And this special plant is often found as a 100% undiluted, also referred to as "neat" oil format. You can, however, also find diluted forms that are designed for use on the skin. And chances are, you just may want to try using this oil to heal a variety of conditions! Tea tree essential oil contains many healing compounds that work as natural health remedies. For example, tea tree oil benefits include healing acne, fighting against mold growth in the home and protecting against tooth decay. Read below to learn more about the many tea tree oil uses.
Tea Tree Oil Uses
1. Tea Tree Oil For Acne
Do you find yourself constantly battling pimples? No matter how often you wash your face, new blemishes seem to crop up every morning! It's a headache, to be sure, but if you haven't tried tea tree oil to treat acne, you should! In fact, one of the most common melaleuca or tea tree oil uses is to promote healthy skin. This includes fighting acne and blemishes. Tea tree essential oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal that works to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.How to make an acne-zapping tea tree oil mixture:
Make a tea tree oil acne face wash by mixing 5 drops of pure tea tree essential oil with 2 teaspoons of raw honey. Rub the mixture on your face, leave on for one minute, then rinse.
2. Hair and Scalp
Tea tree oil uses extend to hair care, as well. In fact, you can even make your own tea tree oil shampoo!Tea Tree Oil For Hair:
Melaleuca has the ability to treat dry, flaky skin on the scalp and reduce dandruff. (1) It works as a natural product for healthy, shiny hair. When mixed with other hair-healthy ingredients, melaleuca is a great option for improving the health of your hair and scalp.How to make a nourishing melaleuca shampoo:
Mix several drops of tea tree essential oil with aloe vera gel, coconut milk and lavender oil to create a homemade shampoo.3. Cleaning
Also on the list of tea tree oil uses: household cleaner. While you can buy cleaners at the store, many of them are chock-full of often harmful ingredients. It's a better idea to know first-hand exactly what's going into your cleaner. After all, you're using this in your home! That means you'll be exposed to it, as will your children and pets. The powerful antimicrobial properties of melaleuca make it a natural option for a household cleaner. Reap tea tree oil benefits by making your own cleaner, right at home.Make Your Own Germ-Busting Tea Tree Oil Household Cleaner:
You can make a homemade tea tree oil cleaning product by mixing tea tree essential oil with water, vinegar and lemon essential oil. Use the mixture on your counter tops, kitchen appliances, sinks and shower. A word of caution: Be sure to keep tea tree oil out of reach of young children and pets. It can be harmful if ingested.4. Psoriasis and Eczema
Tea Tree Oil For Skin
Tea tree oil uses extend to your skin, as well. Melaleuca can be used as a natural treatment for psoriasis and eczema, thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with 5 drops of tea tree oil and five drops of lavender oil to create a homemade lotion for psoriasis and eczema.Tea Tree Oil For Skin Tags
And speaking of skin conditions, melaleuca can also be an effective treatment for skin tags. To treat, administer a few drops onto a cotton ball, then dab the affected area on your skin.
5. Toenail Fungus
Next on the list of tea tree oil uses: fungus-fighter! (2) Indeed, the anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil can help kill fungal infections. Athlete's foot can be a nightmare. You can buy treatments, or you can treat it as well as toenail fungi right at home, with the help of tea tree oil.Blast Away Toenail Fungus and Athlete's Foot!
To treat toenail fungus or athlete's foot, put tea tree essential oil on the affected area using a clean cotton swab. For stubborn infections, mix melaleuca with oil of oregano and put the mixture on the affected area twice daily6. Mold
Next up on the list of tea tree oil benefits...? Mold-killer! That's right, tea tree essential oil can help protect your home against mold. If you live in a damp region or have a problem with leaks, you likely have had your fair share of mold problems. Breathing in some forms of mold can cause significant respiratory problems, but you can use melaleuca to help combat your mold issue.Fight Mold With The Power of Melaleuca:
Diffusing the oil around your home on a regular basis will purify the air to get rid of unwanted mold and bacteria. You can also spray tea tree essential oil onto your shower curtains, toilet and other areas in your home to help kill mold.7. Deodorant
What's that smell? Could it be coming from your gym bag? While working out is a great way to improve your health, sometimes your gym shoes pay the price! If you're looking for a natural deodorant, whether for under the arms or for your stinky gym goes, look no further than melaleuca. This is because tea tree oil benefits include serving as a natural deodorizer and deodorant. The natural antimicrobial properties of melaleuca help eliminate bacteria that causes body odor.Banish Bad Smells With This Homemade Tea Tree Oil Deodorant!
To make a homemade tea tree oil deodorant, mix the oil with coconut oil and baking soda. You can also spray tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil into your shoes and gym gear to keep them smelling fresh!
