Uses for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most remarkable essential oils. You may have heard of using it for various ailments and skin conditions. It does a lot more than that. In order to learn about tea tree oil, you have to learn more about 4-terpineol. This is the active ingredient in tea tree oil. Its properties are very similar to some of the most powerful antibacterial and antifungal medications, making this oil so remarkable.

Antiseptic

It can disinfect minor cuts or abrasions when mixed with coconut oil or another carrier oil. It can prevent bacterial infections if used correctly. It can also promote healing by reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural healing process.

Acne Medication

It can reduce the severity of acne. This is because it is a natural antibacterial. Some studies compare its effectiveness to prescription acne medications. This can also help prevent breakouts as well as reduce them.

Hand Sanitizer

With most people being health conscious, hand sanitizer has become a staple in most households. It does not smell nearly as bad as typical hand sanitizer and depending on what you add, can be moisturizing as well. You can make it out of a few simple ingredients you might already have at home.

Deodorant

Since tea tree oil is an antibacterial, it can make a great deodorant. The smell you wind up with when you sweat is a combination of bacteria on your skin and your actual sweat. Since tea tree oil takes care of the bacteria, you might sweat, but it will not smell.

Mold Killer

You can use it on fresh produce. Just adten10 drops of tea tree oil to water and rinse your produce to take advantage of this effect. It will kill grey mold and increase the shelf life of most of your produce. Remember that produce needs to be washed off before you can eat it since it is a toxin.

Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus

Since it is an antifungal, it can help to reduce flair-ups of athlete’s foot. Although it does not completely treat the fungus, it helps alleviate the symptoms and reoccurrence. 

To treat nail fungus, you can use a few drops directly on the nail or mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Remember, after you treat your nails, you should always wash your hands, so you do not spread the fungus to other areas of your body.

Kills Demodex

It can help reduce the incidence of Demodex-related skin issues. Demodex is a mite that most people have. It lives on almost all parts of the body and is not normally an issue. It becomes an issue if the Demodex starts to multiply uncontrollably. This causes white flaking or scaling on the skin. Tea tree oil kills the Demodex mite on humans. 

Although Demodex on animals is far worse, do not use tea tree oil on your animals. It can be toxic and cause tremors and other nervous system problems.

Skin Anti-inflammatory

When you have contact dermatitis due to contact with something you are allergic to, applying a mixture of tea tree oil can reduce itching and inflammation. It can also help to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and dandruff. 

It can also reduce the itching and swelling from bug bites. You can apply tea tree oil mixed with a carrier directly to the bite. Some people even use it for wasp and bee stings to help reduce the swelling.

Cleaner

You can use it as a multi-purpose surface cleaner. It can clean and sanitize most hard surfaces when mixed with water and apple cider vinegar. Simply mix a spray bottle up and spray it on surfaces, then wipe them clean.

Facial Cleanser

It is excellent for the skin. You can use it as a make-up remover and a skin cleanser. Remove foundation with it by mixing it with a carrier oil or diluting it with water. You can also use formulated 4-terpineol eyelid cleansers for removing mascara and eye shadow.

Caution

Remember that tea tree oil should always be mixed with a carrier to avoid irritation. You should also never ingest it. Like most antibacterials, it is toxic.

Tea tree oil is a natural product that has many uses. It is generally safe and effective for treating minor skin conditions.

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