Natural Remedies: Tea Tree Oil

A new oil I have recently discovered is Tea Tree Oil (also known as Melaleuca Oil)!  I am working on getting it into my normal usage pattern of essential oils and it has so many uses! It is awesome.  So what can Tea Tree Oil help with?  Again, a multitude of things!

• Acne
• Antiseptic for cuts and burns, as well as infections
• Athlete's Foot (antifungal properties)
• Bad Breath
• Boils & Inflammations
• Cleaning
• Colds and flus (antiviral properties)
• Dandruff, Dry AND Oily Hair, and Itchy Scalp
• Immune System Strengthener
• Laryngitis
• Nail Fungus
• Ringworm
• Warts
• ....and guess what? Much more!

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 Sounds like another great all-purpose essential oil, doesn't it?  I certainly think so.  One very important thing to remember, however, is NOT to swallow or ingest this oil!  Please bear that in mind as you read of some of this oil's uses! So how are some ways that we can use this oil to treat some of the above issues?  Let's see!

• Use a dab of tea tree oil on acne to enhance healing.
• Combine several drops of tea tree oil with jojoba oil. Then massage arthritis- or gout-affected area 2-3 times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
• To eliminate athlete's foot, thoroughly clean and dry feet, then massage tea tree oil directly onto the skin, focusing between the toes.  Do this once every two weeks until the problem is gone.  Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties that will kill the athlete's foot.
• Place a warm wash cloth on boils and inflammations to pull out any infection, and then apply tea tree oil directly on site. Tea tree oil will reduce infection and enhance healing.
• For dandruff, dry and oily hair alike, and an itchy scalp, massage drops of tea tree oil into scalp as a fast acting remedy.
• To help eliminate laryngitis, add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water...then gargle 2-3 times daily. BE SURE NOT TO SWALLOW!
• To rid the body of ringworm on the skin, add several drops of tea tree oil with approximately an ounce of jojoba oil and massage into skin twice daily.  Once again, tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties which will rid you of this ailment.
• For warts, apply full strength tea tree oil directly on the irritating wart. This will not be a quick solution...instead it may take several weeks.  In the end, however, tea tree oil will dissolve the wart.
• Combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle for a strong, all-purpose, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral cleaning solution.  This spray will also work as a great anti-mold solution.  Tea tree oil can also be place in the washer to make your clothes smell better and work its magic.

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Doesn't it sound like the perfect addition to the essential oils home medicine and cleaning cabinet?  I hope that it encourages you to find more uses for this awesome essential oil!  Happy researching!

PLEASE NOTE: These are only natural home remedies that no professional has reviewed or written.  This is not to take the place of professional medical advice, it is merely to aid you at home.  If you are concerned, it is best to call your doctor and follow instructions given by him/her.

Also, please pay particular attention during use of essential oils in regards to which oils are safe for pregnant women and children.  There are many that should not be used, although some are perfectly safe.  For other important information, please see my May 9th, 2012, post titled "Natural Remedies: Essential Oils."