Health

Here are some amazing uses for tea tree oil that you may not have known

Feb 28, 2016

Tea tree oil is on of the most researched essential oils and it can be used in variety many ways, from fighting fungus to relieving sore muscles. It is produced from a shrub like tree found in swampy areas of Australia.

Arthur Penfold, a chemist in the 1920’s, spent much time researching tea tree oil and found that it had strong anti-septic properties. Because of this there are a number of uses for the oil beyond what many people may know.

Sore throat

Tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes that contribute to the pain of a sore throat and can also fight off infection. Simply mix one drop of the essential oil with a glass of warm water and gargle once a day.

DIY hand sanitiser

If you don’t like the harshness of ordinary hand sanitiser, you can make your own natural solution. Tea tree oil is one of the key ingredients in this as it has the ability to kill several forms of bacteria.

Ingredients:

25-30 drops of tea tree oil
9 drops of lavender oil
9 drops of clove oil
1 tbs witch hazel
16 tbs aloe vera gel

Method:

Place the lavender oil, clove oil and tea tree oil in a bowl and stir together adding 16 tablespoons of aloe vera and 1 tablespoon of witch hazel. Blend everything together and keep in a container away from sunlight for up to a month.

Fungus fighter

Mixing tea tree oil with water or coconut oil can help fight nail fungal infections. Coconut oil also has fungus fighting properties that can work with the tea tree oil to relieve the infection. Simply melt a tablespoon of coconut oil and mix in 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. Store this in an airtight glass container and apply morning and night every day.

Cleaning for minor cuts

The antimicrobial action of tea tree oil can help cleanse any minor cuts or abrasions and ward off any infections that could occur. Mix one drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply to clean, dry skin. Rinse it clean and repeat as often as necessary.

Pest deterrent

The smell of tea tree oil is enough to deter animals from wanting to snack on the plant, so bottling it up is a great way to deter unwanted pests. Add around 20 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spray it in doorways, cracks and any other places pests may be coming from.

Bad breath fighter

Bad breath is often the result of an overgrowth of unwanted bad bacteria. Tea tree oil is effective in wiping out bacteria and as such is a great way to prevent bad breath. Mix a drop of it with a cup of warm water and swish around your mouth, pushing it through your teeth and gargling at the back of the throat. This is not a cure for bad breath but a great tool to add to your oral hygiene routine to avoid it.

Deodorise rubbish bins

If opening the lid of the rubbish bin is resulting in a rush of foul smelling air escaping, tea tree oil may be what you need. Add 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of baking soda and mis the lumps out with a fork. Shake this mix into the bottom of a fresh rubbish bag to help keep odour at bay.

Ease itchy bites

Tea tree oil can help decrease the severity of itchy bites by reducing some of the irritation and swelling involved. When combined with some coconut oil and dabbed onto the bite it can reduce the severity of the initial reaction and soothe burning sensations.

Ease psoriasis

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Mix 10 drops with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (to moisturise the skin) and apply to the area and repeat 2-3 times a day, as needed.

All purpose surface cleaner

For a gentle and effective cleaner mix 20-25 drops of tea tree oil with 1/4 of a cup of water and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto surfaces, wiping with a clean cloth. It is important to shake before use as the oil will separate from the vinegar and water over time.

Sore muscle soak

Tea tree oil seems to be effective in reducing inflammation so it may also provide relief for sore, tight and inflamed muscles. Dilute 10 drips of tea tree in a neutral oil and mix in with epsom salts. Fill the bath with warm water and add the mix to the top.