Tea tree oil is a remarkably versatile substance, and in these times when more and more people are shunning the unnecessary use of chemicals, it makes a great all-natural addition to your medicine cupboard.
Tea tree oil is renowned for its antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an extremely useful item to have in your toolkit of natural remedies. Here are just six of the essential ways it can be used.
Pimple Treatment
Many people apply a drop of pure tea tree oil to pimples as an effective spot treatment – the antiseptic agents in oil will quickly neutralize the bacteria on the pimple, while at the same time reducing inflammation and soreness.
Soothing Psoriasis and Eczema
Tea tree oil is also widely used as a natural remedy for psoriasis and eczema. Both of these dermatological conditions are characterized by intense inflammation. The oil’s active ingredients soothe the affected areas and help heal cracked, irritated skin.
Dandruff Relief
Tea tree oil makes an excellent ingredient for an anti-dandruff shampoo. The anti-inflammatory properties calm skin inflammation on the scalp while ridding the hair follicles of impurities. This essential oil also provides a pleasant tingling feeling!
Toenail Fungus Remedy
Owing to its anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil can kill stubborn toenail fungus practically on the spot, halting the fungal infection that can destroy the nails if left untreated. To treat this condition using tea tree oil, simply fill a large bowl with warm water and add around 50 drops of pure oil to it. Let your feet soak in this mixture for 20 minutes before gently drying them off.
Tick Removal
Of all the summertime bugs, ticks are perhaps the most dangerous. They can carry Lyme disease, an autoimmune condition that wreaks havoc on the body, and they are very hard to remove once attached. Luckily, tea tree oil can eradicate ticks quickly, safely, and easily.
All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil. Once the material is saturated, press it against the tick. Within one minute, the tick will dislodge itself from the skin and can then easily be fully removed with sterilized tweezers.
An Excellent Household Cleaner
Lastly, tea tree oil can be used to promote a healthy and germ-free environment around your home, as its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties make for a great all-natural household cleaner.
To safely and effectively rid your bathroom or kitchen of harmful germs, simply pour two cups of water and one of white vinegar into a spray bottle, then add 20 drops of tea tree essential oil. This all-purpose household cleaner will leave your surfaces looking like new while eliminating dangerous bacteria such as salmonella.
