Tea tree oil has long been used for medicinal purposes especially for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. The practice of its uses began in Australia. For thousands of years, tea tree oil was used by the Aborigines as an antiseptic for treating burns and cuts. It is now a common ingredient in shampoos, deodorants and in effective skin enhancing treatments for conditions such as acne and eczema.

Tea tree oil is actually native to Australia as it is extracted as plant oil from the tea tree or Melaleuca alternifolia which grows along the Australian coast.

Why Does Tea Tree Oil Help?

The great properties of tea tree oil are due in large part to its effectiveness in fighting conditions caused by bacteria, viruses and fungus. It actually combats some infections that do not respond to common antibiotics.

• Natural remedy for a host of bacterial and fungal skin conditions such as oily skin, abscess, wounds, warts, sun burns, athlete’s foot, herpes, rashes, skin irritations and dandruff.
• Effective treatment of respiratory issues which include sore throats, asthma, coughs, tuberculosis, etc.
• Fights infectious diseases such as measles, chicken pox, the flu, verrucae and cold sores.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• An effective mouth wash.

In addition to being good for your skin, tea tree oil is useful in treating just about everything from halitosis and dandruff to more serious cases such as genital herpes and staph infections.

Tea Tree Oil Uses

1. For Skin Problems

Tea tree oil is known to kill disease causing organisms and so is successful in the treatment of many skin conditions to include insect bites, fungal infections, burns, inflammation and cold sores.

• Treat athlete's foot. Use of a 10% tea tree oil cream can relieve some of the discomfort of athlete’s foot such as the itching and burning. This is just as effective as other topical creams such as Tinactin and Genaspor. In order to both bring relief and clear up the condition, a stronger percentage of between 25% and 50% will be required.
• Deal with fungal infections. Strong solutions of tea tree oil have been found to successfully cure fungal infections in the nails. For example, you can clear up a toenail infection by applying 100% tea tree oil solution to the area, two times every day for six months. Slightly lower solutions of the oil can also improve the look and feel of these nails.
• Relieve mild to moderate acne. It has been found that 5% tea tree oil is a less irritating alternative to treating facial acne conditions than 5% benzoyl peroxide.
• Ease sunburn or rash symptoms. You can soothe sunburns, rashes and bug bites by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your body lotion or Aloe Vera.
• Treat oral problems. Tea tree oil is a natural cure for several oral conditions: bad breath, plaque, inflamed gums and gingivitis. It is effective in getting rid of bacteria in your mouth both before and after a dental procedure. Rinse with 3 drops of tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water or add a drop to your toothpaste before brushing.
• Relieve sore throat and congestion. Inhaling the vapor from tea tree oil mixed in with hot water can help to clear up mucus, chest congestion, sore throats and chest infections.
• Alleviate canker sores and laryngitis. Gargling with a few drops of tea tree oil dissolved in warm water can cure laryngitis and canker sores.
• Clean the toothbrush. Toothbrushes are a great breeding ground for bacteria and scum. A few drops of tea tree oil now and then will help keep your brush clean.
• Discourage pests. Tea tree oil is a natural form of pest control. Many insects dislike the odor, so sprinkle or spray a few drops of the oil wherever you want to keep insects like ants and bugs away.
• Deodorize sports equipment. Tea tree oil is a natural odor-fighter. It can be really effective on sports equipment which is usually covered in dirt and bacteria and doesn’t usually smell that great.
• Freshen laundry. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your wash cycle to give your wash a crisp and clean smell. Its antiseptic properties will also get rid of any extra microbes in your clothes.
• Remove soap scum and hard water stains from tile.Tea tree oil is a great cleaner for any tiles, sinks and countertops that have soap scum build up or residue from hard water. You will also be effectively getting rid of any bacteria or other lingering germs.

2. For Common Illness

• Treat oral problems. Tea tree oil is a natural cure for several oral conditions: bad breath, plaque, inflamed gums and gingivitis. It is effective in getting rid of bacteria in your mouth both before and after a dental procedure. Rinse with 3 drops of tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water or add a drop to your toothpaste before brushing.
• Relieve sore throat and congestion. Inhaling the vapor from tea tree oil mixed in with hot water can help to clear up mucus, chest congestion, sore throats and chest infections.
• Alleviate canker sores and laryngitis. Gargling with a few drops of tea tree oil dissolved in warm water can cure laryngitis and canker sores.

3. For Cleaning

• Clean the toothbrush. Toothbrushes are a great breeding ground for bacteria and scum. A few drops of tea tree oil now and then will help keep your brush clean.
• Discourage pests. Tea tree oil is a natural form of pest control. Many insects dislike the odor, so sprinkle or spray a few drops of the oil wherever you want to keep insects like ants and bugs away.
• Deodorize sports equipment. Tea tree oil is a natural odor-fighter. It can be really effective on sports equipment which is usually covered in dirt and bacteria and doesn’t usually smell that great.
• Freshen laundry. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your wash cycle to give your wash a crisp and clean smell. Its antiseptic properties will also get rid of any extra microbes in your clothes.
• Remove soap scum and hard water stains from tile. Tea tree oil is a great cleaner for any tiles, sinks and countertops that have soap scum build up or residue from hard water. You will also be effectively getting rid of any bacteria or other lingering germs.

Notes on Applying Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breast feeding. Extra care should be taken when using tea tree oil in its undiluted state. This may cause itchiness or irritation, whether or not you have sensitive skin. If using the oil near the genitals, eyes, or in the mouth you should be careful. Some possible side effects from taking the oil internally or overdose include sleepiness, drowsiness, vomiting, impaired immune capabilities, confusion and coma. If you feel any of these discomforts, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

For more uses of tea tree oils, watch the video below: