Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia and has many beneficial properties that make it a multi-purpose essential oil.
Below you’ll find our 10 favorite uses:
- Face: Embarrassing break out? Tea tree oil might help. Since it can be irritating to sensitive skin, always test a small amount before applying tea tree oil all over and be sure to dilute it in an oil-based solution such as olive oil.
- Feet: Tea tree oil can be used to clean and smooth the surface of toenails.
- Scalp: Dry scalp, be gone! Just drop some tea tree oil into your regular shampoo.
- Nails: If you’ve got artificial nails, tea tree oil can keep your “real” fingernails underneath tidy and healthy.
- Skin: Relax in a deep bath and soothe those sore muscles–just drop a little oil under the running water.
- Nasal passages: Add two to three drops of tea tree oil to a pot of boiling water (after removing it from the stove) and lean forward to inhale the vapors.
- Gums: Three drops in a cup of warm water is all you need to make a tea tree oil mouthwash. Just remember: do NOT swallow the solution.
- Clothes: The anti-odor properties of tea tree oil make it a refreshing additive that can be used when washing clothes or towels. Just be careful not to go overboard, as you don’t want to irritate your skin. Half a teaspoon per load should be enough.
- Cleaning products: To make your own natural cleaning solution for all sorts of household surfaces, combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water.
- Aromatherapy: Breathe in the refreshing, minty smell and instantly feel invigorated!
Important warnings: Always test your tea tree oil product to make sure it won’t irritate your skin. Do not ingest tea tree oil, as it can cause major stomach discomfort. Also, make sure the toil is out of reach of small children and pets–ingesting it can be toxic to smaller stomachs.