The Many Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has many varied and documented uses. This is a list of how tea tree can be used, as well as formulas, recipes, and ideas on how to use tea tree oil. A list of common uses for tea tree oil – from health benefits to laundry duty to insect repellent and more!

The Many Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree, is a species of tree or tall shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is the Australian native plant Melaleuca quinquenervia. Melaleuca alternifoli is (much) smaller tree.

When Hubby and I went to Australia, we took a tour of the Royal Sydney Botanical Gardens. This tree (see image above) was pointed out to us as the “tea tree oil tree.” Not quite what I expected.

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It is best used with sweet almond or coconut oil (or another carrier oil of your choice). My grandmother had tea tree oil in the house at all times, and we used it as diluted astringent. However, there are many other uses for tea tree oil, including those listed below:

Warning: Tea tree oil is strong! Test it on a patch of skin before using it.

Tea Tree Oil For Your Body

Insect Issues? Tea tree oil makes a great insect repellant. Mix 2 ounces tea tree oil in a large spray bottle with water. Shake well, and spray on skin. Mosquitoes will stay far, far away!

● Mosquito or flea bite? Tea tree oil will help soothe the itch.

● If you find a tick latched onto you, use tea tree oil to get them to unlatch right away.

● Athlete’s Foot? Apply to the affected area twice a day.

● Nail Fungus? You can paint tea tree oil directly on the affected nail(s) 2 times a day until you see results.

● Sore muscles? Mix with lotion to make an amazing muscle rub.

Tea Tree Oil For Health

● Allergies? Massage diluted tea tree oil onto reflex points on your feet, or onto your chest, to help with allergies and even a stuffy nose!

● Using a steam treatment of tea tree oil in boiling water may help with congestion. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to boiling water and breathe in.

● Combine 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil and massage into your chest and throat to help soothe a cough.

Tea Tree Oil For Your Scalp

● Tea tree oil is an antifungal that helps treat scalp problems. Apply to scalp to soothe itchiness. Use tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or sweet almond). I like this tea tree scalp recipe.

● Many people use tea tree oil as lice repellent! Add 2-3 drops to your shampoo to keep these critters away.

● If you get lice, it helps get rid of it. Purchase pure tea tree oil and use 2-4 drops combined with 2-4 drops of pure lavender oil. Next, add a quarter sized squirt of shampoo, and a few drops of olive or coconut oil. Work the shampoo mixture into the hair paying extra attention to the scalp area, as that is where most of the nits and lice will be. Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave the treatment in for 30 minutes. Wash. Apply conditioner, but do not rinse. Use a lice comb to remove the nits. Repeat daily for 7 days to make certain you have gotten all the lice eggs.

Tea Tree Oil For Your Laundry

● Add 10-15 drops tea tree oil to your laundry detergent to take advantage of its disinfectant properties. Try this tea tree detergent recipe.

What are your favorite uses for tea tree oil?

Note: None of this is meant as medical advice. I am not a doctor, and do not play one on the internet. Please consult a physician if you have any questions about using essential oils so your doctor can better explain to you the benefits, possible side effects, and any warnings about essential oils.

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