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Tea tree oil is one of the most extensively
researched essential oils, and one of the most backed by the findings and
conclusions discovered from the studies done on it.
It is produced from a shrub like tree by the name
of Melaleuca alternifolia, which is found along streams and in swampy areas in
its native land of Australia.
In the 1920’s a chemist by the name of Arthur
Penfold was busy exploring the properties of native volatile oils, isolating
their properties, exploring their molecular structure, and contributing to the
chemical understanding of variations within plant species.
During his studies in phytochemistry, he found that
tea tree oil appeared extremely promising due to its powerful antiseptic
properties.
But well before Mr. Penfold kick started the
commercial tea tree oil industry, native aboriginals were using and benefitting
from tea tree oil, and passing their knowledge down throughout generations. Tea
tree oil uses are endless, with a long and rich history which continues to this
day.
Safety Concerns: Essential
oils are powerful, and tea tree oil is no exception. The greatest concern when
it comes to using tea tree oil is chiefly skin irritation. Some people,
especially those with sensitive skin, may experience a reaction when they
come into direct contact with the oil.
If this is a concern for you, always dilute the tea
tree oil in a liquid neutral oil such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil,
etc. etc. Mixing with water does no good- it’s an oil, and will therefore
separate - so you must give it another fat to grab onto.
There isn’t a whole lot known about ingesting tea
tree oil, so internal usage/consumption is not mentioned in this list.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #1 - Clear up A
Sore Throat
Tea tree oil can help with some inflammation of the
mucous membranes, which contributes to the pain of a sore throat, but most
importantly it can help fight off an infection. If caught in time, it can also
possibly prevent it from really taking hold in the first place.
Put 1 drop of tea tree oil into a glass of warm
water, swish it around and gargle with it at least once a day. Don’t panic if
you swallow a little bit, but try to spit out most of it.
You can also add 2 teaspoons of salt which, thanks
to osmosis, will draw excess water out of the mucous membranes that can create
pressure and add to discomfort.
When you have a cold that develops into a sinus
infection, the resulting pressure and discomfort can be miserable. The sinuses,
air filled cavities in the front of the skull, are lined with mucous membranes,
and when an infection sets in, an excess of mucous in the cavities creates
painful pressure.
In addition to this, inflammation of the membranes
makes it difficult for said mucous to drain. The anti-bacterial action of tea
tree oil can be airborne, which means it can be effective via steam bath. I
know I mention this remedy a lot, but it really is the bee’s knees.
To clear up a sinus infection, add roughly 5-8
drops of tea tree oil (you can adjust the amount to suit your preferences, but
it is powerful stuff) to a bowl of freshly boiled water.
Lean over the bowl, being mindful of the steam, and
cover your head and the bowl with a towel. Breathe the steam for a good ten
minutes at least twice daily to wipe out that nasty bacteria. Keep tissues on
hand.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #3 - Make Your
Own Hand Sanitizer
You’re out to a nice dinner and as you settle into
the booth your mother-in-law whips out a little bottle of hand sanitizer.
“Would you like some?” she asks-but you know it’s not a question. Obligingly
you hold out your hand and try not to cringe as she squeezes out a giant dollop
that floods your palm.
That situation-or some take on it-has happened to
many of us at some point or another. Now, thanks to the antimicrobial
properties of tea tree oil, you can make your own (much more pleasant) hand
sanitizer.
Here is a simple recipe for making your own hand
sanitizer
You will
need…
-25-30 drops of tea tree oil
-9 drops of lavender oil
-9 drops of clove oil
-1 tablespoon of witch hazel (optional)
-16 tablespoons (8 ounces) aloe vera gel
-A small container
-A bowl
Directions
In a bowl place 9 drops each of lavender and clove oil, and 25-30 drops of tea tree oil. Stir these together add 16 tablespoons (8 ounces) of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (if you are using it.) Blend everything together and store out of direct sunlight in a cool place for up to 1 month.
Note
that because it doesn’t have the same level of concentrated alcohol content as
store-bought hand sanitizers, its shelf life is not indefinite, and you can
make it in smaller batches if you prefer.
Nail fungus is an unpleasant condition that can
cause both physical and psychological discomfort. You can use tea tree oil
mixed simply with water, or you can mix it with coconut oil. Coconut oil also
has fungus fighting properties that complement the tea tree oil.
Melt down a tablespoon of coconut oil and then mix
in 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. Store in an airtight glass container out of
direct sunlight, and apply faithfully to the affected area once in the morning
and once at night every day.
You don’t need to use much - you don’t want greasy
toes after all - and be sure to wash your hands between applications to avoid
spreading the fungus.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #5 - Clean
Minor Cuts and Abrasions
Minor cuts and abrasions can benefit from the
antimicrobial action of tea tree oil, which cleanses the area and wards off
infection. Clean the area thoroughly with plain soap and water, and rinse any
soap off, making sure there is no dirt or debris left over.
Mix a drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of
coconut oil and apply a small dab directly to the cut. Rinse clean and reapply
1-2 times daily as needed. You can also smear a bit of the tea tree/coconut oil
mixture on the inside of a regular adhesive bandage and place it over the cut.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #6 - Repel
Pests
The smell of tea tree oil is often times enough to
deter pests. In nature, the essential oil in the plant may play a role in
warding off potential creatures that would otherwise enjoy it as a tasty snack,
so why wouldn’t it work as a bottled essential oil?
Add 20 drops or so to a spray bottle and fill with
water. Shake and spray around cracks, doorways, and any other potential pest
entrances.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #7 - Fight Bad
Breath
Your mouth is home to a host of bacteria, most of
it good, but some of it that’s not so welcome. A common cause of bad breath is an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria.
Tea tree oil, being so effective at wiping out
bacteria, can also be hugely helpful in preventing bad breath at the source.
It’s not a cure, but it is a helpful tool to have for your care regime.
Much like you’d do for a sore throat, mix a drop
with a cup of warm water and swish around your mouth, through your teeth, and
gargle. Gargling is important, as bacteria likes to reside at the back of the
throat. Repeat 1-2 times daily.
If it can deodorize your garbage can, it can
deodorize you. There are two types of sweat glands on our body - apocrine and
eccrine.
Eccrine sweat glands cover most of the body, and
really, the vast majority of sweat doesn’t smell at all (truly, the next time
you find yourself with a sweaty leg or palm, sniff it. You won’t smell
anything.)
Apocrine sweat glands, on the other hand, lurk in
culprit areas around the armpits and genitals. They are inactive until puberty
and then they decide to make that awkward time of your life even more awkward.
The sweat secreted by apocrine sweat glands is
thicker than typical sweat, and feeds the bacteria on our skin. It is the
bacteria breaking down and decomposing the sweat that releases the odor.
See where this connects to tea tree oil? Since tea
tree oil fights bacteria…the less bacteria breaking down sweat…the less odor
you have to contend with. The Everyday Roots Book has a great recipe for a DIY stick deodorant
featuring tea tree oil that works wonderfully.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #9 - Deodorize
Garbage/Diaper Pail
If you dread opening the trash (or a diaper pail,
if you happen to use one) a dash of tea tree oil might be just the thing to
solve the problem. It also helps prevent bacteria from growing.
I make a scented baking soda for extra odor killing
power. Add roughly ¼-1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil to a half or one cup of
baking soda and mix the lumps out with a fork. Simply re-cycle a shaker (such
as one used for parmesan) and shake into the bottom of a fresh bag to help keep
the odor down.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #10 - Banish
Mildew
Mildew is made up of little fungal filaments and
tends to look white (sometimes black), “powdery”, or fuzzy. It likes to grow on
surfaces (particularly organic ones such as wood) that are damp and warm.
Luckily, most cases are superficial, and can be
wiped away easily.
In order to avoiding conditions that encourage
mildew (e.g. opening the windows after a shower to avoid dampness and
humidity), you can mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a
spray bottle. Shake well before each application.
Spray directly onto the mildew and allow it to sit
for 3-5 minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Wipe the spot dry
when everything is spick and span. The tea tree oil should inhibit the growth
of future bacteria, as long as the conditions are well managed.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #11 - Ease
Itchy Bug Bites
I am from Minnesota - I can handle hordes of
Jurassic mosquitos without batting an eye. But when I recently left my frigid
northern climate to enjoy some time in warmth and sun, I was taken down by sand
fleas. The nasty buggers just ripped my ankles and lower legs to shreds and I
have never felt so tormented in my life.
Normally I am prepared with some sort of remedy on
hand, but for some reason I failed this trip. I attempted to use a bottle of
that roll on anti-itch stuff, which burned with the fire of ten thousand suns,
and then didn’t work at all. I needed my tea tree oil (which of course I didn’t
have on this time.)
Early studies have shown that tea tree oil can play
a role in decreasing the severity of what is known as the wheal and flare
reaction. When an allergen or irritant comes in contact with the skin - such as
the substance secreted by mosquitos-, the body releases histamine - a
neurotransmitter that causes reactions such as itchiness, redness, and
swelling.
The reaction on the skin will take place in two
parts. First, a raised, red or flesh colored lump, will raise. This is the
wheal part of the reaction. Following this is the flare, which is a ring of
red, irritated skin that surrounds the wheal.
Tea tree oil doesn’t appear to have much effect on
the flare, however it did significantly reduce the volume of the wheal. So, it
has some effect on taming histamine induced skin irritation.
This means that dabbing a bit of tea tree oil
(diluted in coconut oil) onto a bug bite can reduce the severity of the initial
reaction and soothe the burning itching sensation that is so torturous.
Psoriasis is characterized by “plaques”, or areas
of red, scaly sometimes inflamed skin. These areas develop when skin production
is faster than the body’s ability to shed it. There is no cure for psoriasis,
but there are things you can do to ease the discomfort and possibly speed the
healing of the effective area.
Thanks to tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory
properties, it is precisely what some people need to find relief. Mixed with
coconut oil-which acts as a carrier for the oil and provides moisture to the
skin - it can make a healing salve.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of
melted coconut oil. Apply just enough to cover the affected area. Repeat 2-3
times daily as needed.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #13 -
All-Purpose Surface Cleaner
It’s a bit counterproductive to try and make your
counter tops more food-friendly by wiping them down with caustic chemicals. For
a gentle and effective all-purpose cleaner, mix 20-25 drops of tea tree oil
with ¼ cup of water and a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Shake well, spray directly onto surfaces, and wipe down with a clean cloth.
Remember the oil won’t mix with the water or
vinegar, hence the shaking. Also be aware that it will not be diluted in water
or vinegar, so avoid spraying directly onto your skin. While plenty of people
are fine - and it has never personally bothered me- some people are irritated
by the oil in its “neat” form.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #14 - Make a
Stuffy Nose Salve
When you find yourself with a terribly stuffed up
nose, doing the tea tree oil steam bath is a great way to clear out the
blockage. But for the times when it’s not convenient to put a towel over your
head and lean over a bowl of steaming water, try making a handy little salve to
dab under your nostrils to ease the stuffiness.
Simply mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 2 drops of
peppermint and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut
oil. Pour into a lip balm tin and allow it to cool. Apply sparingly under nose
when needed.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #15 - Make
Mouthwash
Bacteria in the mouth - it can be a good thing and
a bad thing. Mostly it’s a good thing, but when there’s an overabundance, it
can lead to halitosis, or chronic bad breath.
By now I probably don’t even need to say it, but
I’ll say it anyways - tea tree oil with its antibacterial properties can help
kill off excess bacteria, which cause bad breath. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil
with 1 drop of peppermint oil in 1 cup of fresh water. Swish, gargle, and make
sure to spit it out!
Tea Tree Oil benefits #16 - More Ways
to Freshen Up
There are many uses for tea tree oil when it comes
to freshening up. In addition to making a great ingredient in homemade
deodorant, when added to bath water, tea tree oil can help freshen you up.
Unlike many soaps and washes, it keeps you truly clean, rather than simply
covering up odor.
Add 15 drops to 2 tablespoons of liquid oil. When
the tub is halfway full, add the oil. As you bathe swish it around to break it
up. While the oil won’t mix with the water, you want it as a carrier. Soak for
20 minutes and then dry off with a clean fluffy towel.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #17 - Cleanse
the Washing Machine
I am ashamed to admit that I used to use those
disgusting packets of chemical powder to deodorize my washing machine. I just
liked the smell of a fresh machine so much, and it felt so great to wash
clothes in it that I was a bit…blinded.
Given the dog blankets and saddle pads that go
through my machine, it was also kind of necessary to freshen it up in some way.
Needless to say, that phase is well behind me.
If you want to freshen up your washing machine, add
10-15 drops of tea tree oil to the empty drum and run it on the hot cycle to
get rid of any bacteria and odor.
Our skin is a thriving environment full of living
microbes. Like the mouth, certain bacteria on the surface of the skin are
necessary. On the other hand, some bacteria, such propiobacterium acnes (P.
acnes)*can cause breakouts that aren’t so welcome.
More so than fighting bacteria (which is only minor
cause of acne) tea tree oil’s terpenes penetrate your pores, loosening up
blocked oil and dirt that cause whiteheads, blackheads, and those painful red
breakouts.
Mix a drop or 2 with a smidge of coconut oil and
use a cotton swab to apply. Avoid using your fingertips, which just introduces
more dirt. Coconut oil may seem counterintuitive, but most people don’t have a
problem with it on their skin.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #19 - Athletes
Foot (anti-fungal) Powder
Arrowroot powder is obtained from the rhizome of
several tropical plants, and it is useful in quelling odor as well as providing
a moisture absorbing base for this anti-fungal powder. The moisture absorbing
part is important, as the fungus that causes athletes foot loves damp, moist
places - aka sweaty shoes!
The baking soda will also help with odor, sweating, and
soothe any itchiness. Tea tree oil is of course the star here, doing battle
with the actual fungus itself, and inhibiting its ability to replicate.
Rustle up a shaker (you can buy plain ones, or
re-purpose one of those parmesan shaker containers) and add ¼ cup of arrowroot
powder, and ¼ cup of baking soda.
Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to the powder,
spreading the droplets out as best you can. Use a fork to mash in the little
lumps and then add it to your container. Rinse your feet and pat them dry, then
apply powder afterwards. Repeat twice daily.
It is easiest to do this in the bathtub or show
because it can make a bit of a mess! Use (clean) hands to evenly spread the
powder. Shake well before each use, and store in a cool dark place.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #20 - Sore
Muscle Soak
As it seems to help with inflammation, it makes
sense that tea tree oil would provide welcome relief from sore, tight,
inflamed, muscles. As someone who suffers from tension headaches rather
frequently, anything that helps release tension in my muscles is a friend.
Epsom salts, thought to help relax muscles because
of its magnesium content (magnesium plays a vital role in the contraction and
relaxation of muscles) makes the perfect carrier for the tea tree oil.
First dilute 10 drops of tea tree oil in any
neutral oil, and mix into the Epsom salt. Fill the tub halfway with warm water,
add the salt, and top off the tub. Relax, enjoy, and unwind.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #21 - Freshen
Dryer Loads
Tea tree oil works in more than just the washing
machine. If your clothes have a damp mildew smell to them, add several drops to
wool dryer balls to freshen up the clothes if you don’t have time (or don’t
want to) re-wash them.
If you don’t have wool dryer balls, you can simply
recycle a clean cotton t-shirt. Cut it into 5 inch squares, and add 5 drops of
tea tree oil to it. Toss it in the dryer with your clothes as you would any
other dryer sheet.
When you find the scent starts to lose its potency,
simply refresh with a few more drops. I like to wash these every few weeks
before re-scenting them-it’s not necessary, but does ensure everything feels
extra clean all the time.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #22 - Fight
Foot Odor
As bacteria and/or fungus is often times the
culprit behind foot odor, you can prepare your own foot soak with tea tree oil can help freshen up your feet.
Bring several cups of water to a boil and pour into
a basin. Steep several sprigs of rosemary for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime,
add 15 drops of tea tree oil to 2 1/2 tablespoons of liquid oil (grapeseed,
almond, jojoba, olive, etc.)
When the rosemary has finished steeping add the tea
tree oil mixture to the water. Yes, it will separate-oil and water tend to do
that. Simply swish the water around with your feet now and again. Soak for 15
minutes twice daily and pat your feet dry.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #23 - Draw Out
A Splinter
A little splinter seems harmless enough, until the
skin around it gets hot, swollen, and too tender to touch, making it difficult
to work the splinter out.
To ward off bacteria and potential infection, add 3
drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon or so of liquid neutral oil. Add this plus
2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water.
Soak your finger for 5-10 minutes to soften up the
skin and loosen the splinter, and then work it out by applying pressure just
below it. Use a tweezers to grab it when it protrudes, but be sure to get the
whole thing and not just break off a piece of it!
Tea Tree Oil benefits #24 - Keep Your
Garden Mildew-Free
This is a more specific use for tea tree oil and
our fight against mildew. Over the summer I was tending to a friend’s
magnificent garden while they were out of town, and noticed some powdery mildew
that was taking over.
If tea tree oil can fight mildew in the home, why
not in the garden? Use the same formula as above and spray lightly on plants
with mildew. Reapply daily as needed, but test it on a few leaves first. Most
plants are fine, but don’t go dousing them-there’s always too much of a good
thing.
Tea Tree Oil benefits #25 - Toothbrush/Retainer
Cleaner
Where do bacteria love to congregate? Moist
surfaces! What tends to be moist and then locked into cupboards or plastic
cases? They are your toothbrushes and retainers.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water.
Once a week for your toothbrush, or every other day for your retainer, swish it
around in the water to kill bacteria, then rinse with plain water and allow it
to dry before locking it back up.
The Low Down on Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (TTO) is typically extracted from the
leaves via steam distillation, and maintains its potency for roughly 1 year
from the date of distillation when properly stored in a dark glass bottle and
out of direct sunlight.
Tea tree oil is noted for its anti-microbial
properties, fighting bacteria, inhibiting the growth of fungi, and potentially
wiping out certain viruses. Research has determined that it derives its
benefits from terpene hydrocarbons.
While there are numerous terpenes (approximately
100) that make up tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol is largely responsible for its
antibacterial properties. A standard for TTO is maintained that requires all
commercially available oil to have a minimum amount of terpinen-4-ol, with no
upper limit, to maximize its broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
TTO works in several different ways to fight
microbes. When studying the mechanism of its actions on E. coli, S. aureus
(bacterium that can lead to staph infections) and C. albicans (a yeast) it was
found that it mainly affected two things - cellular respiration, leading to
decreased oxygen intake, and increased cell permeability.
The decreased oxygen harms the cells as it is a
vital component in the electron transport chain that makes up the process of
cellular respiration. Without this process, there is no way to create usable
energy, and no way for the cell to continue functioning.
When cell permeability is increased, foreign
substances can penetrate the cell membrane more easily, and the cell can “leak”
vital components.
There is some tentative research into how tea tree
oil has anti-viral properties, particularly when it comes to the herpes-simplex virus. And while it’s true that there really isn’t much to be done once the
virus takes a hold of your body, when outside floating around in the
environment, some can be rendered ineffective by tea tree oil.
In short - tea tree oil is an awesome tool with a
powerful array of anti-microbial properties at its disposal. It’s not an
almighty cure-all, but it is pretty dang handy.
By Claire Goodall
(a bee-obsessed natural-convert from Minnesota) who is a holistic health lover.
She is the author of Everyday Roots Book.
It's a Book that
she creates to help you replace the toxic products and medications in your home
with healthier, all-natural alternatives.
It contains 215+
effective home remedies and covers everything you will need to protect your
family and save money every month.
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