Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) is reputed for its broad spectrum of uses due to its proven antiviral, bactericidal and fungicidal effects; These actions make Tea Tree a strong antiseptic oil and a powerful immune-stimulant as it increases the ability of the body to respond when threatened by any of these organisms (virus, bacteria and fungus).
There are many different ways we can use Tea Tree at home, these are my 10 favourite uses of this amazing oil:
1- On the skin: to treat small cuts, bruises and burns. Apply one drop neat on the affected area; it will promote healing and formation of scar tissue.
2- To control acne: apply neat on the pimples as an immediate treatment. You can also mixed Tee Tree with Jojoba oil in 10% dilution.
3- Steam Inhalation: (max 6 drops on a bowl of very hot water) to ease congestion and breathing in conditions such as bronchitis, colds and flu.
4- On a sitz bath: (shallow bath) to ease haemorrhoids and urinary tract infections such as cystitis and thrush. Add 6 drops to a small glass of coconut milk and mix it with the water.
5- Foot bath: 5 drops added to a small basin of warm water for tired hot and smelly feet.
6- As a cream: to help with athlete’s foot. Mix aqueous cream with 10 drops of tea tree in a 25ml cream jar.
7- Mouth and Gum care: very useful for mild gum infections, ulcers and bad breath. Mix 2 drops of Tea Tree with Sesame oil or Coconut oil at 5% dilution; use it as a mouth rinse.
8- Hair treatment: Tea tree can help reduce dandruff and hair growth. It is mixed with Jojoba and Sweet Almond oil at 3% dilution (30drops in 50ml), massage scalp with this blend and wrap in warm towel for 20mnts.
You can also use Tea Tree mixed with Petitgrain Oil (Citrus Aurantium var. amara) to balance greasy hair when added to a rinse.
9- To treat head lice and scabies: Tee tree oil is mixed with vodka, at max 5% dilution, as an alcohol base scalp rub; you can also add Lavender oil (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Pine oil (Pinus Sylvestris) to the blend.
10- As an air spray: to purify and deodorise the air. Mix 50ml of filtered or spring water with max of 20 drops of Tea tree, Lavender and Lemon (Citrus Limon) in a 50ml atomiser spray bottle.