Tea tree oil is an essential in my medicine cabinet.
We have used tea tree oil in our family for years mainly as a disinfectant in my all-purpose spray cleaner, for bug bites and sunburns, and as a part of my topical replacement for antibiotics.
It is one of 6 essential oils in my homemade antibiotic mixture using a coconut oil carrier.
Most know it as an ingredient in homemade cleaners and now in toothpastes and antifungal preparations.
(source)
In a fascinating article, the American Cancer Society tells us:
“The aborigines of Australia were the first to discover the healing properties of tea tree oil thousands of years ago. They treated cuts, burns, and skin infections by crushing the leaves of the tree and applying them to cuts and injuries.
In the 1770s, the British explorer Captain Cook observed the native Australians brewing tea from the leaves. He then brewed tea of his own to give to his crew to prevent scurvy. He coined the name tea tree.
“In the 1920s, Australian physicians began to use the oil to clean wounds and prevent infections after surgery. They believed it to be more effective than carbolic acid, the antiseptic most used at that time. Average Australians then began to use the oil as a household remedy for skin conditions and fungus infections.
During World War II, tea tree oil was included in the first-aid kits given to all Australian soldiers and sailors.
“After the discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics in the late 1940s, tea tree oil went out of favor as an antiseptic until the 1980s, when it was discovered that some bacteria were resistant to certain antibiotics, such as methicillin and vancomycin. Today, there is renewed interest in tea tree oil as an alternative to these antibiotics for skin infections.”
Tea tree oil can be dissolved in water for topical spraying. It can also be added into homemade ointments, lotions, soap, deodorants, shampoos, and household cleaning products. When used to treat infections and skin conditions, the oil can be applied directly to the skin when diluted.
Tea tree oil should NEVER be ingested and is only to be used as a topical remedy. For colds and other respiratory illnesses, the oil is added to a vaporizer so that the mist can be inhaled. Drops of the oil can be added to bath water. The oil is sometimes mixed in water as a mouthwash. Tea tree oil should not be used on babies younger than 6 months.
Medicinal and Practical Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used consistently in our home for all sorts of things. Here are just some of the things you may find it useful for:
- Household cleaning – Fill a spray bottle with 15-20 drops of tea tree oil and the rest of the bottle with water. Your house will be clean and smell beautiful.
- Can be used in a homemade toothpaste recipe.
- Cold sores/herpes – Dab tea tree oil directly to the affected area and coat well.
May be mixed with coconut oil and applied many times a day. - Freshen laundry – Add a few drops in your washing machine to scent your clothes. Also, if you forgot to put the clothes in the dryer, unless they need re-washed, run again with spray of tea tree oil diluted in water to remove smell. You can also scent wool dryer balls with tea tree oil.
- Treats ringworm.
- Pain reliever.
- Freshen bedding using a light spritz of tea tree diluted in spray bottle of water.
- Effective on lice – If you don’t want to use chemical pesticides on your child’s head, consider treating head lice naturally with tea tree oil and a fine-toothed lice comb–also called a nit comb. I have heard it is also disliked by ticks.
- It may also help with hair loss.
- Mouthwash – 2-3 drops of the oil in a cup of warm water can be a very effective mouth rinse/wash if you have issues with plaque, oral thrush, canker sores, or gum disease.
- Use tea tree oil to eliminate your dog’s fleas by adding a few drops to your regular pet shampoo. Another way is to add 1 tsp. of tea tree oil into 1 cup of warm water, stir well, and pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle. As you apply from nose to tail, be careful not to get into our dog’s eyes. For prevention, add a few drops in your pets’ crates or beds.
- Effective whole room airborne disinfectant – eliminates mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses in your home. It can easily be used in a diffuser, especially in the bathroom or sick-room.
- Lung congestion – Using this essential oil in a diffuser, a pot of boiling water, or in a hot shower can really help open your sinuses. Just holding the bottle under your nose and breathing it in slowly for a few minutes can work wonders.
- Acne – Tea tree oil is an excellent treatment for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the negative side effects like redness and peeling. Sometimes those with acne have a habit of touching their faces or picking at troubled areas. All of this causes bacteria to reinfect your face and make the problem far worse. In a small spray bottle, add 10 drops and fill the rest of the way with water. Spritz face 2-4 times a day and blot dry with paper towel.
- Athletes foot and toenail fungus – Tea tree oil gets rid of fungus and fungal infections, but you may need to be persistent; it is far better for your body than a harsh over the counter product with toxic ingredients.
- Soothe cuts, wounds, and minor burns – It is helpful in treating knee scrapes, cooking burns, bee stings, and other boo-boos. Just dab 1 or more drops on right out of the dropper and daub on the injury.
- Diaper rash – Mix a few drops with a carrier oil to soothe and heal.
- Earaches – Many moms have had success treating these aches at home. Dilute in warm olive, almond, or coconut oil and use a few drops in the ear. Hold head to the side for one minute and then let the ear drain, using a cotton ball or washcloth to collect excess oil.
- Eczema and Psoriasis – Put a few drops in a warm bath and have a good soak. This soothes and disinfects problem skin.
- Sunburns – A few drops tea tree oil diluted into coconut oil makes a great sunburn lotion that will help with any soreness that may prevent you from sleeping and moving without pain and will reduce blistering or peeling. OR, add 6 drops of tea tree to 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel and apply.
- Takes the sting out of insect bites.
What is your favorite use for Tea Tree Oil?
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Thanks for reading!
Jedidja says
Glad to read this. The only use it for headaches. (put some on your forehead … ) All these things are new to me. Thank you.
Toni says
I have to admit, even though I’ve used different herbs medicinally for years, I have never used tea tree oil. It must be high time as I can see from your post that I NEED it. Thank you for this wonderful information.
Lauren says
I had heard of tea tree oil, but had no idea that it had so many purposes and benefits. You’ve got quite a list here. Now I want to get some, especially for the natural cleaner aspect, but I also am intrigued about using it for ear ache relief. Thanks for this information.
Amy says
What a great post. I love the fact that this is a natural use and I am all for that. I have used tea tree oil in the past and this will be a new updated version on the new uses. It does work great for cold sores!…. Thanks for posting!
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Amy
Roxy says
Hello, I really think this Tea tree oil and lavender are ones I use every day.
Have you ever tried Wintergreen oil for topical pain? This one is great I use it for back or wrist, pain. Or apply to the forehead when we have a headache.
Blessings, Roxy
Jacqueline says
Yes, roxy,
I use wintergreen to make a blend called White Flower for sprains and sore backs, etc. It is very soothing and relaxing for tired overworked muscles. It is an old Chinese medicine recipe.
Rachel @ day2day joys says
Jacqueline, Great minds think alike! I just posted over on Keeperofthehome.org on Friday for 25 Uses for TTO… it’s a GREAT oil! I learned a whole lot for your post!
Ashley says
This is Awesome! I had no idea so many great uses!!
Charlotte Moore says
I need to try some of this for the family sinus problems. I am the only one that does not have sinus problems.. Thank you for all the info. I hope you are getting your house all fixed since the lightning strike.
BLESSINGS!!!!
Jacqueline says
Aw, Thank you, Charlotte! We are on the road to recovery, but it has been a true time of testing with other major breakdowns and illness and our dear parents increasingly needing care at long distance. We just have to trust the Lord in it all!!
I am soory to hear of your sinus infections. You might also look into a neti pot and normal saline to rinse the sinuses. It is quite helpful along with using tea tree in a vaporizer tent several times a day…so gentle to the tissues. Blessings!
Michelle says
I’ve used tea tree oil (melaleuca) successfully twice now on a blister that developed on the bottom of my foot. Healed quickly with minimal pain, even when the blister popped spontaneously.
Michelle @ On A Wing And A Prayer
Sheila says
Hello, I have just recently found your blog and am enjoying it immensely :-). In reading about the uses of tea tree oil you mention an all purpose spray that you use. Do you make that yourself with essential oils? If so, have you put that recipe on your blog?
Blessings, Sheila
Jacqueline says
Hi, Sheila,
I have not actually published a post about this although there is something in the works! Here is my basic recipe:
All you need is a clean spritz bottle and 2 basic ingredients:
~Distilled water
~Essential oil
Prepare by adding 7-8 drops of any essential oil (or a combination of oils) to every 8 oz (1 cup) of water. It is that easy.
Here are some other oils that blend well with tea tree: Basil, bergamot, chamomile german, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, nutmeg, oakmoss, oregano, peppermint, pine, ravensara, rosemary, thyme, ylang ylang.
Have fun!!
Hadassah says
I would suggest that you test the tea tree on an infection or skin condition first. My Hunny (husband) had a bad skin problem and I didn’t dilute the oil and it ‘burned’ him… That time it did more harm than good.
Jacqueline says
In our experience cloves and cinnamon are stingy and should ALWAYS be mixed into a carrier oil. Lavender (which is not in this blend) is safe and not stingy if placed on skin ‘neat’~ meaning without a carrier oil. Tea tree (which is not in this blend) has mixed reviews. We have used it for years for a recurrent patch of ringworm on an elbow and use it ‘neat’…no sting. Do test if you have any question and ALWAYS research everything!
Erin says
Back in my “newbie days” of using essential oils (even before we internet access at home) I read about adding a few drops of essential oil to sea salt to use as a body scrub in the shower. I had two oils on hand and after I put the kiddos to bed chose one and mixed it up. Unfortunately I was clueless about oils and chose oregano. I thought my skin was going to peel off. My husband wasn’t home so I started yelling for my oldest ( about 6 years old then) to bring me the olive oil. I had to stand there in the shower yelling out directions to climb up on the counter, open this cupboard, etc. Seemed to take forever for him to find it and leave the bottle by the door.
I poured it all over myself. It made a slick mess in the shower but brought such sweet relief to my burning shoulders and arms. I was able to laugh at myself by the next day, and I learned to always read all the words on those tiny little labels!
Jacqueline says
Oh, my, Erin!
THAT is a memory with teaching value if there ever was one 😀 Thank you so much for sharing that experience with us here! So instructive!
Blessings! J
Melissa White says
I have considered your article as one of the best in tackling topics regarding tea tree oil for acne. I think with your information you have shared, I have now considered the tea tree oil as my top list in my acne remedy.
Lauren says
This is not a problem I would readily admit to publicly, but during times of low immunity (after illness when pregnant generally) I have been subject to boils. Tea tree oil neat topically 3 times a day stops a developing boil in it’s tracks so it never develops properly or comes to a head. I have never needed further medical attention. (I would never attempt to treat a boil should it emerge on my face however- they can be dangerous!)
Also, all teens should know about the tea tree oil and acne! If even one pimple begins to emerge, a dab of tea tree oil will stop it completely as well.
We are Australian and tea tree is the only essential oil I was familiar with growing up. It is still widely used in households I believe. My children from around age 2 always come running for teat tree oil when stung by the many Australian biting insects! It always takes the sting out immediately.
Jacqueline says
Thank you for sharing that here, Lauren! Yes, a boil on the face can actually cause great problems and potentially transfer bacteria to the brain. Blessings, friend 🙂