Top 10 Essential Oils: #2 Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Melaleuca (tea tree) baum

Melaleuca oil (generally known as tea tree) has been used for centuries by cultures around the world to heal wounds. The oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of certain myrtle shrubs and trees, and said to be 12x the antiseptic strength of phenol. Whether you are in pain or your skin is acting up, this oil can help. Learning about the uses is sure to persuade you to grab a bottle for your medicine cabinet today.

Here is a list of 15 things that will rock your world:
1. Acne
You can stop acne in its tracks with the use of tea tree oil. This helps to treat blemishes, but it does not strip the natural oils from the skin so it does not cause dryness. This is an ideal alternative to peroxide for those with dry skin. Simply put a little of the oil on a cotton ball and treat the blemishes.
2. Kill Mold and Mildew
When mold and mildew start to build up, they can be hard to tackle. As soon as you notice these in your home, take some tea tree oil to treat the problem. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a cup of apple cider vinegar to create your own mold and mildew killer.
3. Boils and Blisters
These are uncomfortable, but you can shorten how long you deal with boils and blisters with some tea tree oil. Cleanse the area where you will put the oil with soap and water, gently dry the area and then drop a few drops of the oil directly onto the boil or blister. Cover with a bandage to keep the oil in place.
4. Clean Your House
Not only will this oil keep your skin clean and fresh, but it works for your house too. You can use this oil to make a natural all-purpose cleaner. Take two cups of water and two teaspoons of tea tree oil and mix these together in a spray bottle. It will clean all surfaces without causing damage.
5. Banish Earaches
Earaches can be quite painful and they make it hard to concentrate during the day and sleep at night. Warm two tablespoons of this oil, but be extremely careful not to make it hot because you do not want to burn your inner ear. Simply drop two drops in your ear to immediately soothe and earache and repeat as necessary throughout the day.
6. Prevent/Heal Nail Fungus
If you have athlete’s foot, fungus on a nail or eczema, this oil works well to treat it by killing the associated fungus. Thoroughly clean the affected area, apply the oil directly to the affected area and prevent further fungus growth by putting a cornstarch on the area after the tea tree oil dries.
7. Repel Insects
Few things are more annoying than being bitten up by bugs when you are trying to enjoy some time outdoors. Create a repellent by combining one quart of water and 15 drops of tea tree oil. Put this in a spray bottle and spray yourself periodically to keep the bugs at bay. This includes head lice, for those with school-aged children! Apply tea tree along with a carrier oil to the scalp and let it sit for a while. Make sure to apply shampoo directly to the oil before using water to wash it out or it’ll never come completely clean. I’ve heard tell that spiders, in particular, don’t care for tea tree oil.
8. Clean Laundry
You can use this oil to cleanse your laundry so you can ditch the expensive, chemical detergent. It will keep your laundry soft and give it a very fresh scent. If you accidentally leave clothes in the washer too long, do a quick rinse in the washer with a half teaspoon of this oil to eliminate the musty smell.
9. Fresh Scent
Unpleasant odors happen and you can use this oil to eliminate them. Create a water and tea tree oil mix and put it in a spray bottle. When you notice areas with unpleasant odors, grab your bottle and spray the area a bit. Things like litter boxes and diaper pails can be sprayed with this to eliminate odor.
10. Soothe Psoriasis
This is a very uncomfortable skin condition and for some people, prescription treatments are just not enough to keep symptoms under control. Take one tablespoon of clove oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil and mix these together. You can gently massage this mixture into your skin up to three times a day to alleviate your symptoms.
11. Improve Ringworm
This condition can cause intense itching, but this oil can help to soothe this. Take a couple drops and apply it directly to the affected area up to three times daily. Mix this with clove oil if your skin is sensitive.
12. Soothe a Sunburn
Minor sunburns can be painful and cause stinging so you want to soothe them so that you can get some relief. This oil helps to take the sting out and you can make a mixture to apply to the affected area. Mix one drop of tea tree oil, one tablespoon of coconut oil and one drop of lavender oil to make a soothing paste.
13. Eliminate Warts
Warts are unsightly and you do not have to live with them. Both in the morning and at night before bed, put two drops of this oil right onto the wart. You can cover it with a bandage to keep the oil in place during the day and while you sleep.
14. Clean Toothbrush
You would be amazed if you knew the germs that stick to your toothbrush. Keep it sterilized by putting two drops of this oil on the brush, rub it around with a clean finger and then rinse thoroughly.
When you use tea tree oil, make sure to use it properly for the condition you are treating. Proper use ensures that you get relief from your discomforts.
15. Battle Allergies, Colds and Even the Flu
This fabulous oil isn’t just for killing germs around the house – it can help you kick the ones inside YOU to the curb, too! Apply with a carrier oil to your back, neck, chest, forehead, sinuses and/or the bottom of your feet. Diffuse and inhale from water vapor. Gargle with it in water if you have a sore throat. Even if you have a hive outbreak, apply it with a carrier oil directly to the spots.