Tea tree oil is produced from Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub like tree which is found along streams and in swampy areas in its native land of Australia. Native aboriginals have been using tea tree oil for years. Back in the 1920's, chemist Arthur Penfold found that tea tree oil was an extremely promising plant due to its antiseptic properties and brought his findings to America. Along with the rich history of tea tree oil comes with its rich uses. Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, kills fungal infections, disinfects wounds and sanitizes and helps fight colds and soothe sore throats. Yes ... all of that (and more) out of one amazing essential oil!
I have been using tea tree oil for a couple years now, but only recently has it been a staple all around my home. I use it in the kitchen, the bathroom, the floors, the garden and most recently directly on the family! I don't know what I would do without this amazing oil in my home.
Make sure you are using 100% certified therapeutic grade essential oils. Oil Fragrances are already mixed with carrier oils and some have fillers and artificial ingredients. I also have used a tea tree oil that was not a fragrance oil but not certified as therapeutic and I did not have the same results. My favorites are from Eden's Garden and Mountain Rose Herbs. Just like anything else, avoid excessive use of any essential or carrier oil.
Tea Tree Oil and its Many Amazing Uses
Mosquito & Bug Repellant
Keeping the bugs away makes my kids happy which makes me happier and in Wisconsin, we have lots of bugs! Here is a recipe that has worked for us and our garden.Bug Bite Relief
If nothing else, remember this one ... it has changed my children's lives! We live in southern Wisconsin and have a wooded lawn ... mosquito haven! When the kids get a bite, I put tea tree oil directly onto their bite and it not only stops the itching within minutes, but in more cases I never even see the bite! I swear they disappear! This is why tea tree oil is miracle juice in my book!Lice Prevention
Add to your children's shampoo. About 5% to be effective. Some studies have shown tea tree to kill lice once having them ... something to look into!Clear Acne
Zap those zits! Mix a pinch of clay powder, such as Redmond Clay, with 1-2 drops of tea tree. Apply the paste to your pimple and let dry (up to overnight), then rinse. Don't overuse though, tea tree can dry out your skin after a lot of use.Remove Makeup:
No more harsh chemicals around your precious eyes, just mix 1/4 c coconut oil, 10 drops tea tree oil.Soothe Sores
Tea tree can cleanse and fight infections. Mix with a little coconut oil and apply directly to cleaned cut or sore. Put a bandaid on if needed.Diaper Rash
Mist diluted tea tree, lavender and chamomile onto those sore bottoms for some easy relief.Toenail Fungus:
Apply directly. Have I said anti-fungal yet? Yup, clean out those toes and pull out the flip-flops again!Hand Sanitizer
I am all for clean hands, but the use of mainstream hand sanitizer a million times a day drives me crazy. Not only does it strip away all the good bacteria, but it dries your hand out way too much. Tea tree is naturally antibacterial and witch hazel is softer on your skin than alcohol. Mix 4 oz, aloe vera gel, 2 t witch hazel, 15 drops tea tree, 4 drops of lavender and 4 drops of orange or lemon. Put in a container and it will keep for a month.Disinfectant Spray
In a spray bottle, mix 10-15 drops of tea tree oil with water (mix tea tree with lemon if you'd like). Spray on doors knobs, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, toys and anywhere else you find germs sitting. Allow to dry.Bad Breath Be Gone!
There are a lot of tea tree toothpastes on the market or you can make your own. I like adding a tea tree mouthwash to my routine. Gargle 1/2 c water with 1 drop of tea tree (add a drop of peppermint if you like that pepperminty flavor). Swish it around to really get into those small nooks and crannies of your mouth!Foot Odor Be Gone!
Pour hot water into a basin. Add 15 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops of rosemary oil and 3 T oil (I like coconut or apricot kernel). Soak for 15-20 minutes daily.Deodorize Stinky Diaper Pails and Garbage Cans
Mix 1/4 c baking soda with 1/4 t tea tree oil. Mix it around to get out all the lumps and sprinkle a little bit on the bottom of your garbage can to reduce odors and prevent bacteria from growing.Natural Cleaners
I add tea tree oil to almost every cleaner I make. It smells great and it's antibacterial properties are unmatched in the essential oil world! Here's a few recipes. If you're not big into making your own cleaners (yet), try Branch Basics. I've had wonderful results with their products.Natural remedies do not work for everyone so consult your physician for any concerns. I am far from a doctor, but essential oils have worked for me and I hope they work for you!
Resources:
www.shareoils.com
Everyday Roots Book
Good ol Wikipedia
No comments :
Post a Comment