Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) properties: aromatic, antiseptic, anesthetic (mild), antibacterial, antimicrobial, disinfectant, fungicide, germicide.

Tea tree, was used as a general antiseptic by aborigine tribes for thousands of years. Aborigines were known to chew on the leaves. It was used as a medicinal agent for cuts, burns, bites and many, skin ailments. Famous British explorer Captain Cook is held as the man responsible for the name 'tea tree'. In 1770 when he and his men landed at Botany Bay, Cook brewed the leaves of the tree for his men to drink to prevent scurvy. As early as 1923, clinical trials in Australia began to provide scientific evidence for tea tree's antiseptic and bactericidal properties. Its importance made it standard issue for the soldiers in the Australian Army during World War II.

Tea tree's most common uses: Used topically for all skin ailments, cuts, burns, acne, cold sores, irritations of mouth and throat.

Uses as a General Antiseptic & Cleanser:

Add 1 tsp. of tea tree oil to 1 gallon of water when washing windows, floors, toilets, bathrooms and kitchen surfaces.

Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to washing machine for a fragrant, fresh wash.

Household ants and other pests dislike tea tree oil, so a few drops put at the point of entry will deter them. Wipe cupboards out with an oil and water solution to deter cockroaches.

As a room spray use 5 drops of tea tree oil to 2.5 cups water. Spray around room to refresh and give a cooling effect.

Refrigerator gaskets stay fresh and clean if you wipe them over occasionally with a tea tree oil and water solution.

Shower doors stay cleaner if you wipe them over with a tea tree oil and water solution. Also helps prevent soap scum build-up.

After washing down walls and removing grime and mildew, wipe over again with a tea tree oil and water solution to prevent mildew regrowth.

To remove chewing gum from hair, apply tea tree oil.

For cleaning diapers add 20 drops tea tree oil to approximately 1 gallon of water, stir, then soak diapers overnight.

Other Uses:

Apply 1 or 2 drops tea tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes or scratches to promote healing.

Add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil and massage in for rheumatic pain.

As a disinfectant measure add approximately 3-5 drops to the bath water. This helps with skin infections.

To make a tea tree mouthwash, add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil to 6 oz. of water and swish gently around your mouth before spitting out.

Apply 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil to your toothbrush before you brush your teeth, then apply toothpaste to brush. Not only will this addition assist in keeping your mouth, breath and gums healthy but aids in fighting plaque.

Dab tea tree oil onto mouth cankers, abscesses and site of toothache for relief.

Caution!! For those with sensitive skin, test a tiny drop of the oil on your skin and wait at least half an hour. If you experience any reaction, do not use. If you have medical conditions of any kind be sure to consult with your medical professional before using tea tree essential oil or any essential oil. This information is not meant to cure, diagnose, prevent or treat any disease or ailment.