INSANE Things You MUST Know About Tea Tree Essential Oil...And Why You Need It in Your Home
I have to laugh...I used to think Tea Tree Essential Oil was stinky! :-) It's amazing what happens to your perception about something once you realize it has some extreme value! Right? Tea Tree Oil is one of the oils every single home should have on hand all the time! It has so many exceptional benefits and uses you won't want to run out! It's great for so many things and has some absolutely amazing and unbelievable properties.
I'm sure you'll agree....
When something is so incredibly useful and priced right....you want and need to have some around! Here's why you need Tea Tree Oil in your emergency medical kit, at the very least....
FTC Disclosure: There are affiliate links scattered throughout this article. If you click through any of them and make ant kind of purchase, I may earn a very small commission at no extra cost to you!
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) is one of those essential oils that EVERYONE needs to have available in their homes. Find out why you need Tea Tree Oil in your home and in your emergency kit...and even in your Get Home Bag!
Therapeutic Properties of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree essential oil (otherwise known as Melaleuca because of the species of tree), has a large number of valuable properties.
Tea Tree has been used for centuries where this tree grows, and the Australian soldiers included it in their emergency packs during World War II because of how powerful it is for dealing with wounds. The Aborigines in Australia have used it for centuries as a topical treatment, too! Source
As one of the most researched of the essential oils, it is very safe with extremely rare side effects. In fact, it's one of the most used essential oils all over the world!
Tea Tree has been clinically shown to have these properties: It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-viral, expectorant, sudorific, and anti-Inflammatory. Essentially, Tea Tree oil can kill or minimize microbes on surfaces as well as on skin and wounds.
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Ways to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil
Infection:
Tea Tree oil can help with a variety of infections of the body, including stopping infection in wounds, helping kill staph infections and MRSA bacteria. What I find amazing is that MRSA is so resistant to many antibiotics, yet it responds to tea tree oil. To use tea tree oil, just dab a drop or two on the wound or area of infection. Allow to soak in or cover with a bandage. You can combine tea tree oil with oregano or lavender, as these oils also have antibiotic properties. Source , Source, and Source
Tea Tree oil can also be used for vaginal infections, including yeast infection. According to research, results are not conclusive, but I have heard of women who have had good success with adding a couple drops to a tampon, or rinsing with a solution of 1 cup of water with 10 drops of Tea Tree oil, mixed well.
In the case of yeast or bacterial vaginosis, there is an overgrowth of candida or "bad" bacteria, and the tea tree oil can help balance the pH in that area as the bacterial balance is normalized.
NOTE: Do not take Tea Tree oil internally. It's meant for external use only.
Source And for 18 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection, check out this article!
As an Anti-Fungal (Great for Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus, Ringworm, & More.)
Yep! Tea Tree is masterful at killing off fungus that attack areas of our body, including Ringworm (not really a "worm," it is a true fungal infection), Toe Nail Fungus, Athlete's Foot, and Jock Itch.
Although you want to dilute tea tree for most applications, it's a good idea to see if you can handle it undiluted (neat) on your skin. I have never once had a problem with sensitivity to undiluted tea tree oil, and my skin is very sensitive.
Just dab a bit of the tea tree on the area 2 to 4 times a day. If you have a tough case of ringworm, or have let it go too long and it has spread, you can also mix the tea tree oil with a bit of oil of Oregano. Oregano is a "hot" oil, however, so dilute this first, or you could burn yourself.
Tea Tree essential oil is also excellent for toenail fungus when used in conjunction with Oregano Oil. Just put a few drops of each on the affected area four times a day.
Tea Tree Oil as a Disinfectant
Because of the anti-microbial properties of Tea Tree oil, using it in your homemade household cleaner can create a great disinfectant. For a great recipe for a household disinfectant, check out The Best Handmade Cleaner.
Deodorizer & Cleaner of the Air
Having clean air in your home is so important for health. using Tea Tree Oil in a diffuser can help keep the air clean and smelling wonderful too! It so may help to kill mold spores that might be floating around, affecting respiratory health.
Insect Repellant
Adding Tea Tree oil to your DIY Bug Spray will add some extra punch in keeping those bugs away!
Lice
Tea Tree essential oil is also pretty famous for helping keep lice away and getting rid of an outbreak if one occurs. These days, you can even buy commercial products with tea tree oil included in ingredients that are touted as lice repellents. You can create a diluted solution with one cup of water to a few drops of tea tree oil to use as a rinse, or to finger comb through the hair on the back of the neck and over the ears (where lice love to be).
You can also buy shampoos and conditioners already infused with tea tree essential oils, like this one by Paul Mitchell.
Lice outbreaks are no fun---believe me, I know. When I taught elementary school, taking my entire class to the nurse's office for a lice check was super itchy! This little larva is just the beginning....
Great for Skin (Acne, Eczema)
Isn't this wonderful? Tea Tree oil is highly effective against certain types of acne and possibly eczema! In clinical trials, it was found to be just as (or more) effective than the typical 5% benzoyl peroxide acne solution. You can make your own face wash and add a few drops of Tea Tree oil and Rosemary if you have problems with acne. You can also add a drop to your daily moisturizer, too. And yes---you need to use a moisturizer, even if you have acne.
May Help with Skin Lesions
I don't have experience with using tea tree on skin lesions, but there is evidence that tea tree oil may be effective in helping clear up cancerous areas on the skin. Especially when combined with Frankincense essential oil, there is some evidence that these two powerhouse oils are helpful in this regard. One of my readers commented on how she used Frankincense oil to help clear up skin sores too.
Tea Tree essential oil is one of the best essential oils you can use to help with acne or pimples.
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Where Does Tea Tree Oil Come From?
Tea Tree Oil comes from a tree that grows in Australia called Melaleuca alternifolia. This tree can grow to be 20 feet tall, has small needle-like leaves with a kind of spicy pungent scent. It needs a moist environment, and grows quickly.
I once came across a small tea tree one day at our local nursery, and I attempted to grow it. Unfortunately, it did not do well in our climate. I sure enjoyed smelling the leaves while I had it though!
What Essential Oils Blend Well With Tea Tree?
Blending essential oils can create powerful synergistic mixtures in which the oils enhance the actions of the others. Some essential oils that have similar or compatible properties include Lavender, Thyme Oil, Myrrh, Clary Sage, Clove, Lemon, Frankincense, and Rosemary. Try blending these to create your own great-smelling cleaners or skin care products!
Where Can I Get High Quality Tea Tree Oil?
Tea Tree oil is quite common, and you can find it in all good health food stores these days. What you want to watch out for is the possibility of adulteration. ALWAYS check the label, and if you notice other ingredients like alcohol, oils, etc., then please try another brand. You want 100% Tea Tree Oil.
I admit. Like many, I was taken in by the big MLM (Multi-marketing or network marketing) companies. Although their essential oil products are fantastic, they want you to believe they are the ONLY best ones to buy, and I have since discovered through months of research---this is not true.
Here are my five criteria for deciding if an essential oil company carries the kind of high quality oils I use with my family:
They use third party testing
They have at least some organic options
Is there an educational aspect to their website
Do they have a Kid-safe line or at least specify which are ok for kids to use?
NOT an MLM--as I just think they are over-priced for what you get. (MLM products are usually excellent quality.)
Are they reasonably priced but still of high quality?
Are they sourced with sustainability in mind?
Not all essential oil companies meet all these criteria, of course. But you can pick and choose which ones are most important to you in your search for two or three favorite companies to purchase your essential oils from.
Here are my favorite brands I have found that meet these criteria: Plant Therapy, and Rocky Mountain Oils.
The other place I consistently purchase quality essential oils is Starwest Botanicals. I've never been disappointed by any product I've purchased from them!
There! That gives you a great starting point for finding a great company that is perfect for you!
Don't you love that an essential oil from a beautiful tree can help us in so many ways? Now, just be sure you are buying it from a sustainable source.
Safety Factors for Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a safe oil when used topically, especially when diluted. When used undiluted, in a very few people (1.4% of people tested), contact dermatitis may result. Tea Tree oil is considered poisonous if taken internally, so use it for topical (on the skin) use only. Source
Final Thoughts on Tea Tree Essential Oil
Well, I no longer think Tea Tree essential oil is stinky. In fact, I LOVE this stuff! I make deodorant for some of my friends, and I have several who request tea tree be added. I've tried that myself, and have never once had an odor problem when using it! Here is my deodorant recipe!
In my own personal opinion, I believe that every household should have tea tree oil handy! It's great for first aid as well as for treating more serious skin issues and wounds. Tea tree essential oil is wonderful as a household cleaner, too! You can find out more in this excellent article from a reviewer out of New Zealand.
You may also enjoy these related articles:
INSANE Things You Need to Know About Frankincense Essential Oil
INSANE Things You Need to Know About Ginger Essential Oil
Why Do People Say You Should Rub Essential Oils on the Soles of Your Feet?
How to Choose a Quality, Affordable Essential Oil Company
What do you use tea tree oil for? I'd love to know if I've missed something on this list! I'll add it on! :-)
Hugs, Health, & Self-Reliance,
Heidi
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Disclaimer: In no manner, stated or implied, is any statement on my blog, in this article, or in any eBook meant to cure, prevent, diagnose, or treat any medical issue. I simply provide my personal opinion based on years of study and experience. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Find out about the benefits and uses of tea tree essential oil right here. It's great for so many things, and I'll explain how to use it for acne, fungal infections (even your toenails), cleaning, lice, and lots more! Everyone needs tea tree essential oil in their home! #teatree #teatreeessentialoil #benefitsofteatree #usesofteatreeoil