10 Uses For Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, the essential oil steam from a plant unique to Australia and Northern New South Wales, is unique because it contains over 100 components and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. As shown by extensive research, tea tree oil can be used for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Following are the top 10 uses for tea tree oil:

1. Athlete's Foot

Known to grow in warm, moist areas between the toes and the sides and soles of feet, athlete's foot is highly infectious and spreads quickly in locker and shower rooms. Tea tree oil treats a wide range of fungal infections and symptoms, including athlete's foot.

The following method is used to eliminate athlete's foot: Wrap the shoes affected in plastic wrap and place in freezer overnight to kill the germs. Next, wash the socks separately, adding 2 capfuls of tea tree oil to the wash. Also be sure and apply 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to the affected area on the feet. Do this on a daily basis until healed.

2. Cold And Flu Symptoms

Tea tree oil is used to treat cold and flu symptoms. For sore throats, twice a day, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and gargle. This treatment will help kill bacteria and clear mucus.

3. Congestion

10 drops of tea tree oil added to a vaporizer will help clear chest and nasal congestion. If you use this treatment at the onset of symptoms, this will aid in killing bacteria and germs.

4. Oral Thrush

A fungal infection of the mouth, oral thrush is very common in babies and children. Make a mouthwash using 1 capful of tea tree oil to 12 ounces of water and gargle and rinse 3 times a day. You can also apply 2 to 3 drops of the oil on the toothbrush to help kill the germs.

5. Gum Infections And Toothaches

Tea tree oil can help alleviate the symptoms of toothaches while waiting for a dental appointment. Tea tree oil, applied directly to the infected area, will penetrate the gums and kill the bacteria-causing pain.

6. Canker Sores And Cold Sores

Both canker and cold sores can be treated with tea tree oil. Apply the oil directly to the sore 2 times a day. If the sore is inside the mouth, make a rinse using 2 capfuls of oil and gargle twice a day.

7. Head Lice

Adding 10 drops of tea tree oil to shampoo can treat head lice. The hair and scalp should be wet and lathered thoroughly, then use a fine-toothed comb before the shampoo is rinsed off. Be sure to avoid direct contact with eyes when washing hair with tea tree oil. Repeat several times in addition to treating the house and all the infected bedding. Add tea tree oil to the wash when washing the sheets and bedding.

8. Insect Bites

Apply a drop or 2 of tea tree oil onto an insect bite or sting to help alleviate swelling, itching and redness.

9. Skin Irritations And Sunburns

Several drops of tea tree oil added to bath water can help reduce the swelling and itching from skin irritations. This same method can also be used to help the symptoms of minor sunburns.

10. Bug Repellant

Since bugs seem to dislike tea tree oil, it can be used to deter ants, roaches and other pests by putting a few drops of the oil where the pests are coming from. Wipe down pantry shelves and cupboards with a mixture of water and tea tree oil and this will make the bugs leave. Rub the mattress with pure tea tree oil to help deter dust mites. A few drops of oil added directly into a vacuum cleaner bag or canister will help kill dust mites that are found in carpeting.

Remember, extreme caution should be used when using tea tree oil around pets. Tea tree oil has been proven fatal to cats that have accidentally ingested the product, so it should not be used around them at all!