Posted on 31st Aug 2011 @ 11:56 PM

Tea tree essential oil is a well-known antibacterial and purifying natural solution. With it’s unmistakable spicy, slightly medicinal fragrance, tea tree oil has variety of uses. Australians have long used tea tree oil to combat colds, flu, viruses, and various germs. The oil is derived from fresh leaves of a tea tree growing in Australia.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is used for its hygienic, antimicrobial, preservative, and antioxidant properties. This non-toxic, low-sensitizing oil is very useful in skincare. Tea tree oil is particularly useful to soothe and purify oily and acne prone skin. The antiseptic action of tea tree oil far surpasses that of antibiotics, and germs never acquire resistance to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is especially active against Staphylococcus aureus.

Tea tree oil is also devastating to herpes virus, shingles, candidiasis (Candida bacteria), mites, scabies, head lice, and nail fungus. Tea tree oil also kills mosquitoes and other pests.

Tea tree oil in skincare

To prepare an antiseptic cream with tea tree oil, combine 8 drops of this essential oil with 30 ml / 1 oz of any unscented lotion or a cream. Mix well. Do not use tea tree oil neat on the skin. Natural acne remedies use tea tree oil as a potent agent against acne bacteria.

Tea tree oil and acne

To prepare a purifying steam facial, add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil and 3 drops of lemon oil to a bowl of steaming hot water, then lean over the bowl and let the fragrant steam penetrate your skin for 5-8 minutes. You can also add tea tree oil to the Purifying Steam Bath from Petite Marie Organics. This steam also works to clear sinuses during the cold season. When applied to the skin, tea tree oil has shown as much effect on acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide preparation.

Tea tree oil and oily skin

Do not be afraid to apply light oils to your oily skin! It’s the waxes, especially paraffin and mineral waxes that clog pores and contribute to acne. Add 5-6 drops of tea tree oil to 30 ml / 1 oz of jojoba or almond oil and shake well. Dot lightly on your face and massage gently.

Tea tree oil face masks

To treat oily skin, combine 3 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of live yogurt or a paste made of oatmeal and water. Apply to the dry skin and leave for 8-10 minutes or as long as you can. Wash off with warm water.

Tea tree oil and chapped lips

Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil or combine with little Crème Galen. Apply to your cracked, chapped lips daily. Avoid licking your lips too often as tea tree oil can be toxic when swallowed. 

You can also use this blend on dry, inflamed cuticles.

Tea tree oil and dandruff

Dandruff is a variety of yeast, and tea tree oil can perfectly tackle this task. Add 6 drops of tea tree essential oil to 100 ml / 3.3 fl oz of warm water and stir well to disperse the oil. Apply to your freshly shampooed wet hair and wait for 1 minute before rinsing. You can also add 6 drops of tea tree oil and 5 drops of lemon oil to an ounce of grape seed or jojoba oil and apply the solution to the dry unwashed hair before a shampoo.

Tea tree and home cleaning

Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle with a vinegar-water mix or plain water. Use to wipe door handles, keyboards, telephones, shoe insoles, and other surfaces (except leather and vinyl). You can also add tea tree oil to a glass of water and place toothbrushes for an antibacterial soak. Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil and/or lemon oil to a bucket of hot water and wipe the floors. Your home will smell gorgeously green, too!

Tea tree oil and cold viruses

As an antiviral, tea tree oil combats cold and flu viruses. Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and place it on a radiator if someone in your household is ill (be careful to place the bowl out of the reach of children!) This trick also works to eradicate cooking and other unpleasant smells.

Tea tree oil safety

Never swallow tea tree oil! Tea tree essential oil is believed to have mild estrogenic properties, so it is not advisable for use if you are pregnant, have epilepsy or asthma, taking a prescribed medication. If you have any doubts whether tea tree oil is suitable for you, please contact your medical practitioner before using pure tea tree essential oil.

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