Tea tree oil is one of the most extensively researched essential
oils, and one of the most backed by the findings and conclusions
discovered from the studies done on it. It is produced from a shrub like
tree by the name of Melaleuca alternifolia, which is found along
streams and in swampy areas in its native land of Australia. In the
1920’s a chemist by the name of Arthur Penfold was busy exploring the
properties of native volatile oils, isolating their properties,
exploring their molecular structure, and contributing to the chemical
understanding of variations within plant species. During his studies in
phytochemistry, he found that tea tree oil appeared extremely promising
due to its powerful antiseptic properties. But well before Mr. Penfold
kick started the commercial tea tree oil industry, native aboriginals
were using and benefitting from tea tree oil, and passing their
knowledge down throughout generations. Tea tree oil uses are endless,
with a long and rich history which continues to this day.
Safety Concerns: Essential oils are powerful, and
tea tree oil is no exception. The greatest concern when it comes to
using tea tree oil is chiefly skin irritation. Some people, especially
those with sensitive skin, may experience a reaction
when they come into direct contact with the oil. If this is a concern
for you, always dilute the tea tree oil in a liquid neutral oil such as
olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, etc. etc. Mixing with water does
no good-it’s an oil, and will therefore separate-so you must give it
another fat to grab onto. There isn’t a whole lot known about ingesting
tea tree oil, so internal usage/consumption is not mentioned in this
list.
1. Clear up A Sore Throat
Tea tree oil can help with some inflammation of the mucous membranes, which contributes to the pain of a sore throat,
but most importantly it can help fight off an infection. If caught in
time, it can also possibly prevent it from really taking hold in the
first place.
2. Fight that Head Cold
When you have a cold that develops into a sinus infection, the
resulting pressure and discomfort can be miserable. The sinuses, air
filled cavities in the front of the skull, are lined with mucous
membranes, and when an infection sets in, an excess of mucous in the
cavities creates painful pressure. In addition to this, inflammation of
the membranes makes it difficult for said mucous to drain. The
anti-bacterial action of tea tree oil can be airborne, which means it
can be effective via steam bath. I know I mention this remedy a lot, but
it really is the bee’s knees. To clear up a sinus infection, add
roughly 5-8 drops of tea tree oil (you can adjust the amount to suit
your preferences, but it is powerful stuff) to a bowl of freshly boiled
water. Lean over the bowl, being mindful of the steam, and cover your
head and the bowl with a towel. Breathe the steam for a good ten minutes
at least twice daily to wipe out that nasty bacteria. Keep tissues on
hand.
3. Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
You’re out to a nice dinner and as you settle into the booth your
mother-in-law whips out a little bottle of hand sanitizer. “Would you
like some?” she asks-but you know it’s not a question. Obligingly you
hold out your hand and try not to cringe as she squeezes out a giant
dollop that floods your palm. That situation-or some take on it-has
happened to many of us at some point or another. Now, thanks to the
antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil, you can make your own (much
more pleasant) hand sanitizer.
4. Fight the Fungus
Nail fungus is an unpleasant condition that can cause both physical
and psychological discomfort. You can use tea tree oil mixed simply with
water, or you can mix it with coconut oil.
Coconut oil also has fungus fighting properties that complement the tea
tree oil. Melt down a tablespoon of coconut oil and then mix in 4-5
drops of tea tree oil. Store in an airtight glass container out of
direct sunlight, and apply faithfully to the affected area once in the
morning and once at night every day. You don’t need to use much-you
don’t want greasy toes after all-and be sure to wash your hands between
applications to avoid spreading the fungus.
5. Clean Minor Cuts and Abrasions
Minor cuts and abrasions can benefit from the antimicrobial action of
tea tree oil, which cleanses the area and wards off infection. Clean
the area thoroughly with plain soap and water, and rinse any soap off,
making sure there is no dirt or debris left over. Mix a drop of tea tree
oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and apply a small dab directly to
the cut. Rinse clean and reapply 1-2 times daily as needed. You can also
smear a bit of the tea tree/coconut oil mixture on the inside of a
regular adhesive bandage and place it over the cut.
6. Repel Pests
The smell of tea tree oil is often times enough to deter pests. In
nature, the essential oil in the plant may play a role in warding off
potential creatures that would otherwise enjoy it as a tasty snack, so
why wouldn’t it work as a bottled essential oil? Add 20 drops or so to a
spray bottle and fill with water. Shake and spray around cracks,
doorways, and any other potential pest entrances.
7. Fight Bad Breath
Your mouth is home to a host of bacteria, most of it good, but some of it that’s not so welcome. A common cause of bad breath
is an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria. Tea tree oil, being so effective
at wiping out bacteria, can be hugely helpful in preventing bad breath
at the source. It’s not a cure, but it is a helpful tool to have for
your care regime. Much like you’d do for a sore throat, mix a drop with a
cup of warm water and swish around your mouth, through your teeth, and
gargle. Gargling is important, as bacteria likes to reside at the back
of the throat. Repeat 1-2 times daily.
8. DIY Deodorant
If it can deodorize your garbage can, it can deodorize you. There are
two types of sweat glands on our body-apocrine and eccrine. Eccrine
sweat glands cover most of the body, and really, the vast majority of
sweat doesn’t smell at all (truly, the next time you find yourself with a
sweaty leg or palm, sniff it. You won’t smell anything.) Apocrine sweat
glands, on the other hand, lurk in culprit areas around the armpits and
genitals. They are inactive until puberty and then they decide to make
that awkward time of your life even more awkward. The sweat secreted by
these glands is thicker than typical sweat, and feeds the bacteria on
our skin. It is the bacteria breaking down and decomposing the sweat
that releases the odor. See where this connects to tea tree oil? Since
tea tree oil fights bacteria…the less bacteria breaking down sweat…the
less odor you have to contend with. The Everyday Roots Book has a great recipe for a DIY stick deodorant featuring tea tree oil that works wonderfully.
9. Deodorize Garbage/Diaper Pail
If you dread opening the trash (or a diaper pail, if you happen to
use one) a dash of tea tree oil might be just the thing to solve the
problem. It also helps prevent bacteria from growing. I make a scented
baking soda for extra odor killing power. Add roughly ¼-1/2 teaspoon of
tea tree oil to a half or one cup of baking soda and mix the lumps out
with a fork. Simply re-cycle a shaker (such as one used for parmesan)
and shake into the bottom of a fresh bag to help keep the odor down.
10. Banish Mildew
Mildew is made up of little fungal filaments and tends to look white
(sometimes black), “powdery”, or fuzzy. It likes to grow on surfaces
(particularly organic ones such as wood) that are damp and warm.
Luckily, most cases are superficial, and can be wiped away easily. In
addition to avoiding conditions that encourage mildew (e.g. opening the
windows after a shower to avoid dampness and humidity), mix 5-10 drops
of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before
each application. Spray directly onto the mildew and allow it to sit
for 3-5 minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Wipe the spot
dry when everything is spick and span. The tea tree oil should inhibit
the growth of future bacteria, as long as the conditions are well
managed.
11. Ease Itchy Bug Bites
I am from Minnesota-I can handle hordes of Jurassic mosquitos without
batting an eye. But when I recently left my frigid northern climate to
enjoy some time in warmth and sun, I was taken down by sand fleas. The
nasty buggers just ripped my ankles and lower legs to shreds and I have
never felt so tormented in my life. Normally I am prepared with some
sort of remedy on hand, but for some reason I failed this trip. I
attempted to use a bottle of that roll on anti-itch stuff, which burned
with the fire of ten thousand suns, and then didn’t work at all. I
needed my tea tree oil (which of course I didn’t have on this time.)Early studies have shown that tea tree oil can play a role in decreasing the severity of what is known as the wheal and flare reaction. When an allergen or irritant comes in contact with the skin-such as the substance secreted by mosquitos-, the body releases histamine-a neurotransmitter that causes reactions such as itchiness, redness, and swelling. The reaction on the skin will take place in two parts. First, a raised, red or flesh colored lump, will raise. This is the wheal part of the reaction. Following this is the flare, which is a ring of red, irritated skin that surrounds the wheal. Tea tree oil doesn’t appear to have much effect on the flare, however it did significantly reduce the volume of the wheal. So, it has some effect on taming histamine induced skin irritation. This means that dabbing a bit of tea tree oil (diluted in coconut oil) onto a bug bite can reduce the severity of the initial reaction and soothe the burning itching sensation that is so torturous.
12. Ease Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterized by “plaques”, or areas of red, scaly
sometimes inflamed skin. These areas develop when skin production is
faster than the body’s ability to shed it. There is no cure for
psoriasis, but there are things you can do to ease the discomfort and
possibly speed the healing of the effective area. Thanks to tea tree
oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is precisely what some people
need to find relief. Mixed with coconut oil-which acts as a carrier for
the oil and provides moisture to the skin-it can make a healing salve.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil.
Apply just enough to cover the affected area. Repeat 2-3 times daily as
needed.
13. All-Purpose Surface Cleaner
It’s a bit counterproductive to try and make your counter tops more
food-friendly by wiping them down with caustic chemicals. For a gentle
and effective all-purpose cleaner, mix 20-25 drops of tea tree oil with ¼
cup of water and a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Shake well, spray directly onto surfaces, and wipe down with a clean
cloth. Remember the oil won’t mix with the water or vinegar, hence the
shaking. Also be aware that it will not be diluted in water or vinegar,
so avoid spraying directly onto your skin. While plenty of people are
fine-and it has never personally bothered me- some people are irritated
by the oil in its “neat” form.
14. Make a Stuffy Nose Salve
When you find yourself with a terribly stuffed up nose, doing the tea
tree oil steam bath is a great way to clear out the blockage. But for
the times when it’s not convenient to put a towel over your head and
lean over a bowl of steaming water, try making a handy little salve to
dab under your nostrils to ease the stuffiness. Simply mix 3 drops of
tea tree oil with 2 drops of peppermint and 2 drops of eucalyptus oil
with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Pour into a lip balm tin and
allow it to cool. Apply sparingly under nose when needed.
15. Make Mouthwash
Bacteria in the mouth-it can be a good thing and a bad thing. Mostly
it’s a good thing, but when there’s an overabundance, it can lead to
halitosis, or chronic bad breath. By now I probably don’t even need to
say it, but I’ll say it anyways-tea tree oil with its antibacterial
properties can help kill off excess bacteria that is leading to bad
breath. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 drop of peppermint oil in 1
cup of fresh water. Swish, gargle, and make sure to spit it out!
16. More Ways to Freshen Up
There are many uses for tea tree oil when it comes to freshening up.
In addition to making a great ingredient in homemade deodorant, when
added to bath water, tea tree oil can help freshen you up. Unlike many
soaps and washes, it keeps you truly clean, rather than simply covering
up odor. Add 15 drops to 2 tablespoons of liquid oil. When the tub is
halfway full, add the oil. As you bathe swish it around to break it up.
While the oil won’t mix with the water, you want it as a carrier. Soak
for 20 minutes and then dry off with a clean fluffy towel.
17. Cleanse the Washing Machine
I am ashamed to admit that I used to use those disgusting packets of
chemical powder to deodorize my washing machine. I just liked the smell
of a fresh machine so much, and it felt so great to wash clothes in it
that I was a bit…blinded. Given the dog blankets and saddle pads that go
through my machine, it was also kind of necessary to freshen it up in
some way. Needless to say, that phase is well behind me. If you want to
freshen up your washing machine, add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to the
empty drum and run it on the hot cycle to get rid of any bacteria and
odor.
18. Fight Acne
Our skin is a thriving environment full of living microbes. Like the
mouth, certain bacteria on the surface of the skin is necessary. On the
other hand, some bacteria, such propiobacterium acnes (P. acnes)*can
cause breakouts that aren’t so welcome. More so than fighting bacteria
(which is only minor cause of acne) tea tree oil’s terpenes penetrate
your pores, loosening up blocked oil and dirt that cause whiteheads,
blackheads, and those painful red breakouts. Mix a drop or 2 with a
smidge of coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply. Avoid using your
fingertips, which just introduces more dirt. Coconut oil may seem
counterintuitive, but most people don’t have a problem with it on their
skin.
19. Athletes Foot (anti-fungal) Powder
Arrowroot powder is obtained from the rhizome of several tropical
plants, and it is useful in quelling odor as well as providing a
moisture absorbing base for this anti-fungal powder. The moisture
absorbing part is important, as the fungus that causes athletes foot
loves damp, moist places-aka sweaty shoes! The baking soda will also
help with odor, sweating, and soothe any itchiness. Tea tree oil is of
course the star here, doing battle with the actual fungus itself, and
inhibiting its ability to replicate. Rustle up a shaker (you can buy
plain ones, or re-purpose one of those parmesan shaker containers) and
add ¼ cup of arrowroot powder, and ¼ cup of baking soda. Add 20 drops of
tea tree oil to the powder, spreading the droplets out as best you can.
Use a fork to mash in the little lumps and then add it to your
container. Rinse your feet and pat them dry, then apply powder
afterwards. Repeat twice daily. It is easiest to do this in the bathtub
or show because it can make a bit of a mess! Use (clean) hands to evenly
spread the powder. Shake well before each use, and store in a cool dark
place.
20. Sore Muscle Soak
As it seems to help with inflammation, it makes sense that tea tree
oil would provide welcome relief from sore, tight, inflamed, muscles. As
someone who suffers from tension headaches rather frequently, anything
that helps release tension in my muscles is a friend. Epsom salts,
thought to help relax muscles because of its magnesium content
(magnesium plays a vital role in the contraction and relaxation of
muscles) makes the perfect carrier for the tea tree oil. First dilute 10
drops of tea tree oil in any neutral oil, and mix into the Epsom salt.
Fill the tub halfway with warm water, add the salt, and top off the tub.
Relax, enjoy, and unwind.
21. Freshen Dryer Loads
Tea tree oil works in more than just the washing machine. If your
clothes have a damp mildew smell to them, add several drops to wool
dryer balls to freshen up the clothes if you don’t have time (or don’t
want to) re-wash them. If you don’t have wool dryer balls, you can
simply recycle a clean cotton t-shirt. Cut it into 5 inch squares, and
add 5 drops of tea tree oil to it. Toss it in the dryer with your
clothes as you would any other dryer sheet. When you find the scent
starts to lose its potency, simply refresh with a few more drops. I like
to wash these every few weeks before re-scenting them-it’s not
necessary, but does ensure everything feels extra clean all the time.
22. Fight Foot Odor
As bacteria and/or fungus is often times the culprit behind foot
odor, a little soak with tea tree oil can help freshen up your feet.
Bring several cups of water to a boil and pour into a basin. Steep
several sprigs of rosemary for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, add 15
drops of tea tree oil to 2 1/2 tablespoons of liquid oil (grapeseed,
almond, jojoba, olive, etc.) When the rosemary has finished steeping add
the tea tree oil mixture to the water. Yes, it will separate-oil and
water tend to do that. Simply swish the water around with your feet now
and again. Soak for 15 minutes twice daily and pat your feet dry.
23. Draw Out A Splinter
A little splinter seems harmless enough, until the skin around it
gets hot, swollen, and too tender to touch, making it difficult to work
the splinter out. To ward off bacteria and potential infection, add 3
drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon or so of liquid neutral oil. Add
this plus 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water. Soak your
finger for 5-10 minutes to soften up the skin and loosen the splinter,
and then work it out by applying pressure just below it. Use a tweezers
to grab it when it protrudes, but be sure to get the whole thing and not
just break off a piece of it!
24. Keep Your Garden Mildew-Free
A more specific use for tea tree oil and our fight against mildew.
Over the summer I was tending to a friend’s magnificent garden while
they were out of town, and noticed some powdery mildew that was taking
over. If tea tree oil can fight mildew in the home, why not in the
garden? Use the same formula as above and spray lightly on plants with
mildew. Reapply daily as needed, but test it on a few leaves first. Most
plants are fine, but don’t go dousing them-there’s always too much of a
good thing.
25. Toothbrush/Retainer Cleaner
Where does bacteria love to congregate? Moist surfaces. What tends to
be moist and then locked into cupboards or plastic cases? Toothbrushes
and retainers. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water. Once a
week for your toothbrush, or every other day for your retainer, swish it
around in the water to kill bacteria, then rinse with plain water and
allow it to dry before locking it back up.
The Low Down on Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (TTO) is typically extracted from the leaves via steam
distillation, and maintains its potency for roughly 1 year from the date
of distillation when properly stored in a dark glass bottle and out of
direct sunlight. Tea tree oil is noted for its anti-microbial
properties, fighting bacteria, inhibiting the growth of fungi, and
potentially wiping out certain viruses. Research has determined that it
derives its benefits from terpene hydrocarbons. While there are numerous
terpenes (approximately 100) that make up tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol
is largely responsible for its antibacterial properties. A standard for
TTO is maintained that requires all commercially available oil to have a
minimum amount of terpinen-4-ol, with no upper limit, to maximize its
broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. TTO works in several different ways to fight microbes. When studying the mechanism of its actions on E. coli, S. aureus (bacterium that can lead to staph infections) and C. albicans (a yeast) it was found that it mainly affected two things-cellular respiration, leading to decreased oxygen intake, and increased cell permeability. The decreased oxygen harms the cells as it is a vital component in the electron transport chain that makes up the process of cellular respiration. Without this process, there is no way to create usable energy, and no way for the cell to continue functioning. When cell permeability is increased, foreign substances can penetrate the cell membrane more easily, and the cell can “leak” vital components. There is some tentative research into how tea tree oil has anti-viral properties, particularly when it comes to the herpes-simplex virus. And while it’s true that there really isn’t much to be done once the virus takes a hold of your body, when outside floating around in the environment, some can be rendered ineffective by tea tree oil. In short-tea tree oil is an awesome tool with a powerful array of anti-microbial properties at its disposal. It’s not an almighty cure-all, but it is pretty dang handy.
