Uses for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is the essential oil distilled from the narrow-leaved tea tree which is generally found in Australia. It is commonly used as a topical medicine for the treatment of a number of non-life-threatening minor ailments.

An important reminder to first-time users: Tea tree oil is not meant to be ingested. Taking it orally may cause stomach problems or worse, may compromise the body’s immune system.

It is also recommended that you do as much research as you possibly can about the various uses of tea tree oil as well as its components prior to using it on yourself. This will prevent the development of medical conditions, foremost of which is an allergic reaction to the oil.

Tea Tree Oil for the Treatment of Skin Conditions

Among the many uses for tea tree oil, the most common are those directed toward the treatment of minor skin conditions.

For the Treatment of Acne

Studies show that tea tree oil helps get rid of acne. With its natural anti-bacterial feature, tea tree oil aids the immune system in the healing process of inflammation by first eliminating the bacteria that cause acne to develop.

Simply put a small amount of the oil on a cotton ball and gently dab the acne. Leave on overnight and then wash off with tap water the next day. The effectiveness of tea tree oil in the treatment of acne has made it a favorite home ready for this type of skin condition.

For Treatment of Boils

Boils are a type of skin condition where red bumps appear on the skin. These are usually painful especially when they have become filled with pus and have grown in size.

With its anti-bacterial features, tea tree oil has also been used in the treatment of boils and carbuncles. Put a small amount of oil on a cotton swab or ball and gently apply on the infected area.

Repeat the process several times a day until the boil is completely healed. Make sure that you properly dispose of the cotton swabs after every use to prevent the swab from touching other parts of the body as this may cause uninfected areas to be infected as well.

For the Treatment of Toenail Fungus

Apart from its natural anti-bacterial quality, tea tree oil likewise has anti-fungal properties. This is why this particular oil is also commonly used to treat fungal infections particularly fungus on toenails.

To treat toenail fungi, rub the infected areas with tea tree oil. Do this once every day until the fungal infection has been completely treated.

Still on feet, tea tree oil, based on studies has been known to cure Athlete’s foot. Rub the feet with just enough amount of tea tree oil every day for four weeks straight. After this time, you will see considerable improvement on your condition.

Tea Tree Oil for Other Conditions

In the Bathroom

If you or a household member has been found to have head lice, adding a few drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo can help get rid of lice.

For treatment and prevention of dandruff, you may apply a small amount of tea tree oil onto your scalp before shampooing your hair.

Tea tree oil may also be added to your bath to help reduce body odor as well as relieve symptoms of colds.

For Oral Hygiene

Did you know that the cure and prevention of bad breath is also among the many uses for tea tree oil?

By using tea tree oil as a mouthwash, you will not only be preventing bad breath; you will also be getting rid of a number of oral problems such as swollen gums, gingivitis and tartar.

For your tea tree oil mouthwash, take a cup of lukewarm water and add about two to three drops of tea tree oil. Gargle as you would with your regular mouthwash.

For Nasal Congestion

A common and widely recommended home ready-to-cure nasal congestion is inhaling steam vapor from a basin filled with newly-boiled water. What you do is place a towel over your head and let the towel hang on each side of your face as if you are trapping the vapor.

You then put your face close to the basin so you can inhale the vapor.

This home ready has been known to eliminate nasal congestion. Now, if you add a few drops of tea tree oil into the hot water, you will be increasing the “potency” of this home ready which may then cure of your nasal congestion faster than expected.

This home ready will also help relieve symptoms of sore throat.

For Yeast Infection

Yeast infection commonly occurs in women but this can also develop in men. For women, you can make your own douche solution and use this once daily for about a week to treat yeast infections.

Mix 1 tsp. of tea tree oil and 1 tsp. of rubbing alcohol. Add a few drops of the mixture into a pint of water and use this as your douche for one whole week.