40 Uses For Tea Tree Oil

 Derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, tea tree oil is available in essential oil form, as a soap, or as a lotion. Research has shown a wide variety of uses for this versatile essential oil, including as a treatment for various skin conditions, as an insect repellant, and helping treat various ailments.

 

While harmful if ingested, tea tree oil works wonders if applied to the skin, including the scalp. If you plan on using tea tree oil, try not to use it in its undiluted form. Always dilute it in some way, either by mixing it with a carrier oil or water, depending on how you plan on applying it.

 

In addition, discontinue using tea tree oil if you experience symptoms such as skin irritation, redness, and burning, among other side effects. More serious side effects include confusion, lack of muscle control, and decreasing levels of consciousness. If used properly, though, tea tree oil can help with many different conditions listed here.

 

1. Use as a Chemical-Free Mouthwash

 

Combine 12 to 15 drops of tea tree oil with an ounce of water to create a mouthwash solution that kills bacteria while freshening your breath. As with any mouthwash, just swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two, and then spit it out. Never swallow it!

 

2. Relieve a Sore Throat

 

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it perfect for fighting a sore throat. While you are not supposed to ingest the oil, it will not hurt you to place a drop of tea tree oil in a glass of warm water and gargle with it. Just remember to spit it out.

 

3. Remove Foot Odor

 

Soaking your feet in a mixture of hot water, rosemary, tea tree oil, and a carrier oil twice a day for 15 minutes can help relieve bad foot odor. Carrier oils you can use for this include grape seed, jojoba, almond, and a wide variety of other favorites.

 

4. Use as a Hand Sanitizer

 

By mixing tea tree oil with other oil types, you can make an effective hand sanitizer. In addition to tea tree oil, you also need to add lavender oil, clove oil, and aloe vera gel. You can also add witch hazel for an even more powerful hand sanitizer if you don’t mind the alcohol it contains.

 

5. Fight Yeast Infections

 

Lubricate a tampon with coconut oil, and add a few drops of tea tree oil to treat a yeast infection. Leave it in for an hour, and repeat up to five times per day until your symptoms subside. The same mixture can also be used as a remedy for jock itch.

 

6. Remove a Splinter

 

You can also use tea tree oil to remove a splinter. Simply add three drops of tea tree oil, a teaspoon of carrier oil, and 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water. Soak the area with the splinter in the solution for five to 10 minutes, and then apply pressure just below the splinter. Remove the splinter with a pair of tweezers once it starts to protrude, making sure to get it all.

 

7. Use as a Pest Repellant

 

To keep pests out of your home, as well as off of your skin, mix 20 drops of the oil in a spray bottle filled with water. Shake the mixture well, and spray around cracks, doorways, and windows to keep pests outside. When going outside, spray the mixture on your skin to keep away mosquitoes, fleas, and other pests.

 

8. Get Rid of Mildew in the Garden

 

Keep your garden mildew-free by mixing five to 10 drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water. Place the solution in a spray bottle, and spray it lightly on your plants at least once a day. You can reapply if needed, but just make sure not to spray them too much with the solution.

 

9. Remove Household Odors

 

To get rid of the smells often associated with your garbage can and other holders of waste products, simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 cup of baking soda. Place the mixture in an old shaker, and sprinkle it into the bottom of a fresh garbage bag when placing it in the trash can.

 

10. Fight Athlete’s Foot

 

Massage equal parts of tea tree and a carrier oil (like almond, avocado, or olive) all over your feet to get rid of athlete’s foot. Tea tree oil knocks out the fungus and provides instant, soothing relief for itchy, burning feet. No need to buy an over-the-counter spray — tea tree oil will save the day.

 

11. Use as a Toothbrush Cleaner

 

To clean your toothbrush using tea tree oil, swish your toothbrush in one cup of water mixed with 10 drops of tea tree oil at least once a week. Make sure to rinse your toothbrush afterward with plain water to remove the tea tree oil solution.

 

12. Treat Psoriasis

 

If you have psoriasis, apply a mixture of tea tree and coconut oil for instant relief. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and apply to the area two to three times a day as needed.

 

13. Use as a Wound Healer

 

Tea tree oil is also known to boost wound healing. It does this by reducing swelling and triggering the production of white blood cells, a crucial part of the healing process. To get the healing benefits of tea tree oil, add a few drops to the dressing used for a wound.

 

14. Relieve Sinuses and a Stuffy Nose

 

Sinuses or a stuffy nose are often caused by pollen and other allergens in the air. To get the full affect of the tea tree oil, place 5 to 8 drops in a bowl of freshly boiled water. Then, lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Breathe the air for at least 10 minutes twice daily.

 

15. Use During Cuticle Care

 

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it great for taking care of your cuticles and preventing nail fungus. Mix 10 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil with a tablespoon each of jojoba and avocado oils.

 

Massage the nourishing blend into your cuticles for a DIY manicure or pedicure.

 

16. Reduce Skin Inflammation

 

Tea tree oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties. To take full advantage of the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area at least twice a day.

 

17. Clean the Washing Machine

 

Over time, gunk can build up in your washing machine. To give it a good cleaning, add 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to the empty drum and run a hot cycle. This should help get rid of any bacteria and any associated smell.

 

18. Get Rid of Mold on Fruits and Vegetables

 

Over time, your fruits and vegetables can get moldy. To keep your fruits and veggies mold-free, use a wash containing five to 10 drops of tea tree oil to clean your items. Make sure to dry your fruits and veggies thoroughly after washing.

 

19. Freshen Up Dryer Loads

 

To remove the damp mildew smell that sometimes accompanies the clothes in your dryer, add several drops of tea tree oil to wool dryer balls. You can also cut up a cotton T-shirt into 5-inch squares and add five drops of tea tree oil before adding it to the load in your dryer.

 

20. Treat Insect Bites

 

Tea tree oil is great for soothing and healing insect bites, as well as preventing them from happening in the first place. The strong disinfectant-like aroma is a natural insect repellent. Add 6 to 8 drops to 2 tablespoons of water, and then apply it to exposed areas of skin to repel mosquitoes and other pests. If you’ve already been bitten, apply a small dab of tea tree oil directly to the bites using a cotton swab.

 

21. Suppress Contact Dermatitis

 

If you have an allergic reaction when coming into contact with certain items or substances, tea tree oil might provide a solution. Mix 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of a carrier oil. Make sure to test the mixture on a spot on your skin 24 hours before applying it to the affected area.

 

22. Relieve Sore Muscles

 

To relieve sore, inflamed muscles, mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil and Epsom salt. Fill the bathtub half way with warm water, add the salt mixture, and then top off the tub. Soak in the tub for no more than 20 minutes.

 

23. Remove Head Lice

 

You can use tea tree oil in the treatment of head lice. For the most effective mixture, mix 1 part tea tree oil with 2 parts nerolidol. Working together, the two oils are shown to be super effective in killing both the living lice and their eggs.

 

24. Freshen Up a Bath

 

You can also mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil in with your bathwater to help you smell better. Fill the tub halfway before adding the oil mixture, swishing the water around as you take your bath. Soak for no more than 20 minutes before drying off.

 

25. Fight Acne

 

The disinfectant properties of tea tree oil work wonders on blemishes. Dab a drop of oil onto a cotton swab, and apply the oil directly to areas affected with acne. The oil fights through blockages in your pores and dries out both blackheads and whiteheads, while disinfecting and helping to heal any sores.

 

26. Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

 

According to research, tea tree oil is also shown to have a synergistic effect when you take antibiotics. This positive synergy helps to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, which in turn helps to prevent the spread of infection.

 

27. All-Purpose Surface Cleaner

 

Mixing tea tree oil with water and distilled vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleaner. To make this solution, mix 20 to 25 drops of tea tree oil with 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar. Pour the solution in a spray bottle, and shake well before using.

 

28. Use to Treat Scabies

 

Tea tree oil can help to cure scabies, a rash caused by tiny mites. You have the option of using a shampoo containing five percent tea tree oil or mixing 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 ounce of a carrier oil and applying it head-to-toe, twice per day, for seven days.

 

29. Get Rid of Mildew

 

To get rid of mildew around your home, mix 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well, and spray the area with the mildew. Allow it to sit for five minutes before wiping it up with a damp cloth.

 

30. Fight Dandruff

 

Tea tree oil is an excellent moisturizer. Add few drops to your favorite shampoo to help avoid a dry, itchy scalp. Or look for over-the-counter shampoos containing tea tree oil to help you avoid those pesky flakes.

 

31. DIY Deodorant

 

You can make a body odor-fighting DIY deodorant by mixing coconut oil, shea butter, arrow root powder, baking soda, bee’s wax, and tea tree oil. Place the mixture in a small container and allow it to cool overnight.

 

32. Lighten Scars and Blemishes

 

To heal and lighten scars and blemishes, add 1 drop of tea tree oil to one-and-half teaspoons of raw honey. Massage the mixture into the scar, and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Repeating this daily should lighten the scar over time.

 

33. Clean Cuts

 

Tea tree oil is a great cleanser to use when cleaning minor cuts and abrasions. Mix a drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil, and dab the area after washing with soap and water. In addition, you can place the oil mixture on a bandage before placing it over the cut.

 

34. Remove Blackheads

 

To make a face-cleansing mask, mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 3 teaspoons of water and 3 teaspoons of Fuller’s Earth. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water to remove.

 

35. Treat a Head Cold

 

You can also use tea tree oil in the treatment of a head cold. Much like you would do for your sinuses, mix 5 to 8 drops of tea tree oil with a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head, and breathe in the steam rising out of the bowl.

 

36. Reduce Itching

 

To relieve itching, apply a mixture of tea tree oil and a carrier oil to the affected area of your skin. This remedy works great to relieve itching from hives and eczema. You can also apply tea tree oil, mixed with a carrier oil, directly to your scalp to relieve itching.

 

37. Use as an Air Purifier

 

To spread the cleansing affects of tea tree oil in the air of your home, place it in a diffuser. You can also add other oils, such as lavender, lemon, or cilantro to give the air in your home a scented boost.

 

38. Remove Warts

 

Tea tree oil has also been shown to be effective in wart removal. Apply the oil directly to the wart, two times a day. Keep in mind that it might take a few months for the treatment to show any results.

 

39. Relieve Sunburn

 

Tea tree oil is also affective when dealing with sunburn. Not only does the oil reduce redness and swelling, it also helps with pain relief and promotes the production of healthy cells to replace the cells damaged by the sun’s rays.

 

40. Remove Skin Tags

 

You can also use tea tree oil to remove skin tags. To do so, wash the area of the skin tag with soap and water, and then apply 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball. Secure the cotton ball over the skin tag with a band-aid.

 

Repeat this process three times a day for two to three weeks.

 

Tea tree oil seems like a miracle cure for many skin conditions, medical ailments, and pest problems around your home. Remember to avoid ingesting tea tree oil and use a carrier oil along with the tea tree oil in most circumstances. As long as you take the necessary precautions, tea tree oil should provide you with a variety of effective solutions around your home.