Aromatherapy: Tea Tree

Tea tree, also known as Melaleuca is considered a must have for people who use essential oils.  It is a powerhouse oil that is used for many things.  Tea tree oil has anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-biotic properties, so it is great for healing and cleansing.  It is important to note that tea tree oil is not safe for use on infants under 6 months or animals, and it should not be ingested.

Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca tree native to Australia and it is believed that the native Aborigines used the crushed leaves for medicinal purposes for many generations.

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First Aid

Tea Tree oil is a must have for your medicine cabinet, as it can be used to treat a variety of complaints

Wound Cleaning
I have heard tea tree oil referred to as natures Neosporin.  It can be used in much the same way as you would use an ointment to heal a wound.  Apply the oil directly to any cuts, scrapes, or abrasions, and bandage as necessary.  You can also apply tea tree oil to infections to help clear them up.

Skin Irritations
Tea tree oil is great for treating many skin conditions.  Try applying it to rashes, Psoriasis, acne, or any other skin condition.  It can also be used to treat warts, skin tags, calluses, corns, ingrown hairs, or blisters.  Apply them topically, or add them to a carrier oil.

Fungus
Due to it's anti-fungal properties, tea tree is a great way to treat fungal infections such as nail fungus or Athlete's Foot.  For best results, apply it directly to the area, but you can also add several drops to a foot bath.

Insect Bites, Ticks, and Lice
Tea tree can be used topically on insect bites to help relieve the itch.  You can also put a drop of oil on a tick to help draw it out.  Are there lice at your kid's school?  Add tea tree oil to their shampoo, and it will help to repel the lice.  It can also help to get rid of fleas, but remember that using it on your pets can be toxic.  It is fine very diluted and in very small amounts.  If you choose to use it on your pet's bed or crate, only add a drop or two to a spray bottle filled with water.

Respiratory Problems
Tea tree oil can be used to treat a variety of respiratory concerns.  Try adding a few drops of the oil to a humidifier to help ease asthma, emphysema, coughs, bronchitis, or allergies.  You can also apply the oil topically by rubbing a few drops on you chest to help with cough and congestion.  To treat a cold, I also like to add some tea tree to a bowl of boiling water and place my face over it with a towel covering my head.  Inhaling the steam can help treat congestion and inflammation, and will help clear up infections in your respiratory tract.

Bad Breath
You can use tea tree oil to create your own mouthwash.  Just add a few drops to some water and swish in your mouth making sure not to swallow it.  It will help to kill the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.  You can also add a drop to your toothpaste before brushing.

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Bath and Body

Tea tree oil is found in a lot of beauty products for skin and hair, and for good reason.  Try adding it to your favorite products for an extra kick, or make your own.

Dandruff
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo to help clear up dandruff and treat dry scalp.

Acne
Tea tree is a very common treatment for acne.  Apply some topically, or try adding it to your cleanser or moisturizer.

Deodorant
Some people like to use essential oils as natural alternatives to deodorant.  Use a few drops topically, or add to your deodorant to help kill bacteria.

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Around the House

Mold Cleaner
Because tea tree oil is anti-fungal, it is a great way to get rid of mold and mildew.  Spray down your shower with a mixture of tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to get rid of stubborn mold and mildew.

Laundry Freshener
Try adding some tea tree oil to the rinse cycle while doing laundry to freshen and clean your laundry.  You can also spray some tea tree and water on your clothes before starting the dryer, or add the oil to wool dryer balls.  This is especially beneficial for towels which tend to be prone to mildew when wet.

Natural Cleaner
Tea tree is a great addition for surface cleaners.  You can add it to products you have, or make your own cleaners.  Essential oils are great cleaners on their own, and can be added to vinegar or water in a spray bottle to make natural alternatives to any cleaners you find in the stores.  Try using tea tree oil to make your own surface cleaners, toilet cleaners, or floor cleaners.

Conclusion
I hope you are all having fun playing with using essential oils.  Tea tree will be a great addition to your collection, and it is easy to find and fairly affordable.  If you can't find it in local stores, you can try buying it online at a store like Mountain Rose Herbs.  Feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite way to use tea tree oil!