Tea tree essential oil has been used for centuries to heal or treat many different medical conditions. It can still be used today in several different ways to improve a person’s overall health and has scientific research to back up some of these claims. The oil can be placed directly onto the skin but it is best to dilute it. It can also be inhaled. Listed below are the most common ways that tea tree essential oil can be used as a natural medicine.
Internally
Tea tree oil should not be ingested. While it is common practice by some, it is not recommended due to the possibility of poisoning. If you do make the decision to drink tea tree oil, it should only be one drop at a time. Even a spoonful can be lethal. It is safe to use in dental products, since the amount that you may swallow would be far less than a single drop.
Chest Congestion
Tea tree oil can be added to vaporizers in small amounts to help break up congestion in the chest from colds. It may also help with sinus infections. If you don’t have a vaporizer, add a few drops of oil to a pot of boiling water. After turning off the heat, place a towel over your head and stand over the bowl, allowing the steam to hit your face. Breathe in deeply and evenly for ten to fifteen minutes.+
Sore Throats
When a sore throat begins to both you or any other cold symptoms start, try gargling a glass of water with a few drops of tea tree oil. Remember not to swallow it. You can do this a few times a day if symptoms start and should start feeling them subside by the end of the day. If you do not want to gargle the water, one or two drops of oil may be placed directly on the tongue.
Dental Health
Tea tree oil can fight bad breath, gum disease and even help relieve the pain of a toothache. A mouthwash can be made by adding a few drops of the oil to a small glass of water and swishing twice daily with the mixture. The drops can also be added directly to a toothbrush with toothpaste. If gums are very sore and swollen, the oil can be rubbed directly onto the problem areas. If you are suffering from a toothache, rinse with a tea tree oil mouthwash and then place a small amount of aloe vera onto the infected tooth. A tea tree oil mouthwash can also be used to help rid the mouth of canker sores and cuts. Try rubbing the oil directly onto dental floss to make sure that it reaches between teeth.
Externally
While reactions to tea tree oil are rare, they are possible. It penetrates the skin very quickly and precautions should be taken to make sure that the oil never gets into the eyes. If any irritation does occur, stop using the oil until speaking with a medical professional.
Head Lice Treatment
Tea tree oil is very effective when it comes to getting rid of head lice or preventing the spread of the condition. The oil can be added to shampoo or a base oil and massaged onto the scalp. This can be repeated until the lice are gone or until the threat is no longer present. This application of tea tree oil is also great for getting rid of dandruff and for helping stop hair loss and promote new hair growth.
Acne
Tea tree oil is very antibacterial. It can be directly applied to blemishes. Note that a less potent oil should be used, instead of a hundred percent strength oil. Dip a sterile Q-tip into the oil and place it directly onto a blemish. Repeat nightly as needed. The oil should not be placed onto the entire face, only on problem areas. Results are usually very quick and do not come with any negative side effects that are common with prescription acne medications.
Heals Wounds
Tea tree oil can help keep a wound from becoming infected. It can be directly applied to the wound to help speed up the healing process. Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops to the wounded area. With clean hands, rub the oil gently across to make sure that it has reached every part of the cut. This process can be repeated two to three times a day until the cut has healed completely.
Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus Infections
Fungal infections can be difficult to clear but tea tree oil is extremely antifungal. It can be applied directly onto the problem areas of the foot nightly until no longer needed. Ahigh concentrated oil should be used but if irritation occurs try a lower concentration. It can take up to six months to clear a fungal infection so be sure to visit with a dermatologist to make sure that progress is being made.
Sore Muscles and Joints
By mixing some tea tree oil with a base oil, it can be rubbed and massaged onto sore muscles and joints that may occur after strenuous physical activities or conditions like arthritis. It can also be added to lotions or sports products to increase their effect and provide almost instant results.
Warts
Rather than spending time and money having uncomfortable procedures completed to remove warts, try tea tree oil. Place a strong concentrated version of the oil directly onto the wart and immediately cover with a bandage. Do this before going to bed. Remove the band-aid in the morning and leave the wart alone. Repeat the procedure every night for as long as needed.
Tea tree oil can be easily found in health stores or purchased online. Be sure to confirm the quality of the essential oil before purchasing it. Some companies use less potent solutions that will weaken the oil’s strength when it comes to healing. Always speak to a health professional before medicating with tea tree essential oil and discontinue use if there are any negative side effects.
