Tea Tree is the workhorse oil because it is so very versatile. Not everyone appreciates its’ earthy aroma, but I can tell you from experience how good – and easy – it is to use around the house.
Melaleuca alternafolia is the Latin name for Tea Tree oil and it is native to western Australia. At one time, the leaves of the plant were used as a substitute for tea which is how it got its’ common name.
According to Cathy Wong, ND, Tea Tree oil has a long history of use by Australian Aboriginals. They used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area.
Since it’s not really practical to crush leaves, a bottle or two of Tea Tree essential oil around your home can help you with everyday life.
Luckily, the scientific community researches essential oils to find out which components are most useful for medicinal applications. You can read more about the scientific evidence here and also find many uses for Tea Tree oil here.
It’s not without safety concerns though – please do not use Tea Tree oil if you are pregnant, nursing or have had hormone-sensitive cancers. As with almost all essential oils, I don’t recommend using it straight out of the bottle – especially if you have sensitive skin. And NEVER take Tea Tree oil internally as it is very toxic when ingested.
According to an article in the International Journal of Aromatherapy, Tea Tree oil has a combination of useful properties including strong anti-microbial activity especially when combined with other oils such as Lavender and Eucalyptus.*
So, what does that mean for you?
You can use Tea Tree to address everyday concerns such as acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff and even against mold. I use a combination of 4 ounces each of filtered water and vodka with 10 drops each of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Rosemary in a spray bottle in the shower area to help keep mold to a minimum. This is also good to spray on areas where germs are rampant such as high chairs and door knobs; simply spray and wipe with a dry cloth.
Tea Tree Oil is one of the ingredients in PsoMaxx (TM), which is a salve used to address psoriasis and eczema. Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, Tea Tree is perfect for getting ahead of minor infections, help support a healthy respiratory system, cleaning the air after sickness and to assist your body when it needs to heal.
Tea Tree Essential Oil For Yeast Infections
Fair warning here: this paragraph is definitely TMI! Yeast infections are the absolute worst and the OTC stuff from the drug store is full of toxic chemicals – how does that really help a yeast infection?
Ladies, every time you take an antibiotic, you know you’ll deal with a yeast infection to add to your misery. Antibiotics kill off everything including any good bacteria that your body needs to fight off infection.
The DIY website, OneGoodThingByJillee.com, offers a simple and inexpensive yeast infection home remedy without resorting to chemical stuff at the drug store:
- 2 Tablespoons of organic unrefined coconut oil
- 4 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternafolia)
- 4 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
- Bottle-sized silicone ice cube mold
Melt the coconut oil in the microwave just enough to make it liquid – this only takes a few seconds, so keep an eye on it! Mix in the essential oils (you can use more if you know you’re not sensitive or allergic to them) and pour into the ice cube mold. Put the mold in the freezer for at least 20 minutes so it’s solid. You should probably keep them in the refrigerator in a covered glass dish especially if it’s hot weather. To use, break one of the cubes into 3 pieces and insert into your vagina. Since the coconut oil will melt upon skin contact and it’s messy, you’ll need a panty liner or pad to protect your clothing. Repeat as necessary for soothing relief without all the chemicals.
Please note: if this is your first time dealing with a yeast infection, you should visit your doctor to make sure that’s what it is. Otherwise, for those who have dealt with the issue before, you’ll appreciate this natural remedy especially if you can’t get to the doctor.
Balance Me Beautiful has a great article on the many ways to use Tea Tree Oil:
- Add a few drops in your running bath water to help with symptoms of cold and flu.
- Add a few drops to your shampoo to deal with head lice and dandruff.
- Add a few drops to a cold mist diffuser to help with congestion.
- Add no more than 5 drops to your washing machine to help get rid of the musty smell from towels and gym clothes.
- Treehugger suggests using a couple of drops in a steaming bowl of water for sinus infection. Put a towel over your head and breathe in as deeply as you can.
Looking for even more uses and recipes that are quick, easy and effective? JenReviews.com offers a comprehensive list of amazing uses and recipes that you can use every day with very little effort.
Aromatics International is a wonderful place to purchase pure essential oils – this is the company I use.
I love aromatherapy and the plant-based ease of essential oils. It’s become my passion to share this wisdom as much as I can to help you take charge of your health.
If you have any questions, I would love to talk with you about your needs and concerns. There are lot more ideas for using essential oils on a daily basis in this post on how you can use essential oils. Just fill out this contact form and let’s talk today.
As always, I am very grateful you chose to stop by.
Blessings,
Melissa
PS – *the above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Please see a qualified medical professional for any and all health issues.