If you’re new to essential oils, here are 10 ways to use tea tree oil that you may not be aware of yet. The botanical name for tea tree is melaleuca alternifolia. The oil is removed from the leaves and twigs of the plant through the process of steam distillation. This oil has many uses and benefits that make it a popular choice for professional aromatherapists and the average user.
Common Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is very strong and contains antibacterial, antiviral, stimulant, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that contribute to its many uses. You’ll find tea tree oil in all types of recipes from cleaning and disinfecting your home to treating a variety of health problems.
Here are 10 of the most common ways to use tea tree oil:
- Use it to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, athlete’s foot, ringworm, warts and even skin tags.
- Freshen the laundry in both the washer and dryer by adding a couple of drops of oil to each load.
- Use tea tree in a variety of skin care products such as DIY deodorant, shampoos and body lotions.
- Add a couple of drops to your humidifier diffuser to help ease asthma symptoms and similar respiratory problems so you can breathe a little easier.
- When you accidentally spend a little too much time in the sun, you can use tea tree oil to help ease the pain and heal your sunburn faster.
- Make green cleaning supplies that are safe to use on your sinks, counters and floors. You can even use it to freshen carpets.
- Use this oil to help clean and disinfect minor cuts, scrapes and abrasion or to relieve the itch from rashes and bug bites.
- Add a few drops to your pets bedding and it will help control flea infestations, making both you and your pet a lot happier during the summer months.
- Help eliminate bad breath by using it in a mouthwash recipe. You can also use it in DIY toothpaste recipes.
- Kill mold and disinfect the area by mixing a few drops of tea tree with apple cider vinegar and spraying the mixture on the area.
Learn more about the properties and health benefits of tea tree oil that make it one of the top essential oils used today.
Tea Tree Oil Warnings
When used in a diffuser or as a topical application, tea tree oil is safe for most people. However, this oil is very strong and it may cause skin irritation for some people when applied directly to the skin. For this reason, experts recommend you mix it with carrier oil and do a test patch before using. It can cause allergic reaction in some people especially if you have sensitive skin.
Tea tree oil is not safe to ingest, so do not ever swallow it. If swallowed, it can cause all types of serious problems that include dizziness, nausea, rashes, hallucinations and even blood cell abnormalities.
Apple cider vinegar is a little extravagant for cleaning. It works just as well with white vinegar.
Tea Tree oil added to shampoo and conditioner leaves the hair shiny, smooth and soft.