What are the Most Popular Uses for Tea Tree Oil?
Known for its strong, unique aroma, Wikipedia describes tea tree oil as, “…also known as melaleuca oil or ti tree oil, tea tree oil is an essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor and a color that ranges from pale yellow to nearly colorless and clear. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Southeast Queenslandand the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.”
Where can I get it?
Sold in its purest form in health food stores and grocers throughout the United States, tea tree oil is usually suggested for use after being diluted. Interested folks can also purchase many brands of tea tree oil online, and average prices fall around $9 or $10 for 15 ml. Look for the 100% pure plant-based essential oil.
Australian Aboriginees Have Used Tea Tree Oil Medicinally for Decades
Native to Australia, it’s no surprise that Aboriginal Australians have been using the crushed leaves of the Melaleuca tree for ailments over many decades. Numerous benefits attributed to the tree’s oil have been noted in modern times, both among the Australian Aboriginees and citizens across the world. Let’s take a look at some of them, as well as some of the more unusual uses.
There are Many Uses, All of Them External (Never Ingest Tea Tree Oil)
For starters, many find tea tree oil to be effective in treating head lice, helping wounds heal, soothing irritated or itchy skin from sunburn and insect bites, relieving scalp itch, dandruff and/or psoriasis, treating bacterial, fungal, or viral infections including but not limited to staph infection and athlete’s foot.
Some also swear by its household cleaning superiority, used as a disinfectant or mold remover.
Let’s take a peek at its most popular uses in modern times.
An Effective Acne Treatment
Many swear that tea tree oil is an exemplary acne treatment, using a five percent solution instead of drug store brands with benzoyl peroxide. Diluted within witch hazel or another recommended carrier and then applied directly to the acne with a Q-tip twice daily at the most, tea tree oil has been said to clear acne. Use sparingly and avoid when skin becomes dry.
A Stellar Insect Repellent
Mix up this recipe for an effective spray-on insect repellent safe for use on both kids and adults.
You can also use it on pets, plants, and around the household to get rid of pests (just be sure to adjust the recipe for each different use first)
A Superior Head Lice Treatment
It’s back to school time and the lice, they are a travellin’! Lice love to travel between heads, hats, scarves, and other clothing, and they can crawl FAST. Prevent them from being attracted to your kids’ hat, hair, (or treat/prevent re-infestation) by using this tea tree oil lice treatment.
An Excellent Cleaning Solution
Prepare to clean virtually every surface in your home and car safely and chemically-free with tea tree oil using one of these outstanding recipes for cleaning solution.
Freshen Up Your Laundry
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to an empty wash cycle on hot to freshen your washing machine up. For the dryer, add the drops to a thick washcloth or wool dryer ball and toss into the dryer instead of a chemically-scented dryer sheet. This will clear out any damp or mildew smell lingering in the region.
A Gentle Makeup Remover
Try this recipe for a homemade tea tree oil makeup remover. Be sure to store the finished product in a glass jar or other type of glass container instead of metal and secure a tight lid on top. Be careful to keep the mixture out of the eyes.
Fight Ticks and Fleas
Some have had great luck with pouring a few drops on the outside of their pet’s collar (consult a veterinarian before applying to pet’s skin or fur please) or into their crate to repel fleas. Others swear a few drops on a Q-tip applied to a tickcauses them to leave their burrowing and head elsewhere!
*Please note: Tea tree oil is for external use only. Do not ingest in any form. (Some recommend use as a sore throat spray, etc., but please consult your physician first.)Tea tree oil can dry out your skin and make you more sensitive to UV rays, so avoid sun exposure if using it. Also, as with all my articles, please consult your physician before attempting to use this or any other suggested remedy to make sure it’s right for your body or household.
