15 Incredible Things You Can Do With Tea Tree Oil

The tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is native to Australia and produces one of the most popular essential oils, tea tree essential oil.

Captain James Cook and his sailors stumbled upon the tree in the 18^th century, and discovered that the leaves of the tree — when brewed as a tea — could combat scurvy. The tree soon after became known as the “tea tree.”

Of course, the indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines, were already aware of the tree’s healing powers and used the leaves of the tree to battle respiratory problems and to relieve headaches.

Tea tree essential oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. The aroma of the essential oil is fresh, pungent and medicinal, with sweeter, woody notes as it evaporates.

Let’s take a look at 15 uses for this incredible essential oil.

1. Fight viral infections and airborne germs

Since tea tree essential oil is antiviral and antibacterial, it is good for fighting germs that cause the flu and other sicknesses. There are several ways you can use the oil, including as a massage blend and in an air diffuser to purify the air.

Recipe for an antiviral massage blend:

4 drops tea tree essential oil
2 drops black pepper essential oil
4 drops bergamot essential oil
4 tsp of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil

To boost your immune system and fight off illnesses, massage the blend onto your skin at least once per day.

2. Heal wounds

Tea tree essential oil is ideal for treating wounds and preventing an infection from setting in.

To treat wounds and insect bites:

Place 2 drops of tea tree essential oil on a cotton ball and swipe over the wound or insect bite.

It is OK to use tea tree essential oil, without a carrier oil, for treating wounds. But if you have sensitive skin, add a drop of a carrier oil to the tea tree oil before wiping the wound.

3. Disinfect surfaces in your home and car

Tea tree essential oil is a potent surface cleaner and germ killer. Simply spray and wipe a solution with tea tree essential oil over all surfaces of your home and car. Don’t forget about door knobs, cabinet knobs, light switches, remotes, computer keyboards, mouses, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Furthermore, using a cleaning solution with tea tree essential oil for wiping down the interior of your car can prevent the spread of illness-causing germs.

Germ-killing cleaning solution:

15 drops tea tree essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
4 oz. white vinegar
8 oz. distilled water
Mix in a spray bottle

4. Treat acne

Tea tree essential oil is considered one of the most effective, natural, acne treatments available. In fact, it can be as effective as peroxide for acne-prone skin, and does not have the harsh side-effects such as drying and peeling.

Homemade face blend for acne-prone skin:

4 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops geranium essential oil
4 tsp jojoba carrier oil

Place several drops of the blend onto a cotton swab and wipe over your face with it in an upward motion. Allow the oils to absorb into your skin.

5. Remedy a dry scalp

Tea tree is beneficial for the health of your skin, and this includes the scalp. It can prevent dry, flaking skin, dandruff, and even can be used to treat lice.

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Add tea tree directly to your shampoo and conditioner, or try this homemade remedy:

Tea tree scalp treatment:

4 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
4 tsp coconut oil

Massage the blend into your hair and scalp and leave it in for about 30 minutes, and then shampoo it out.

6. Fight toenail fungus, ringworm and athlete’s foot

Tea tree essential oil has the ability to kill parasites and fungus. Use it neat, or undiluted, right on the infected areas. If you have sensitive skin, add a carrier oil.

Fungus-killing solution:

5 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops oil of oregano
4 tsp of a carrier oil

7. Remove warts

Tea tree essential oil can naturally remove unwanted warts. Just apply several drops of tea tree essential oil several times a day to the wart. Be patient, as it can take up to 30 days to completely remove the wart.

8. Kill mold

Mold grows in damp places and can quickly become an infestation. To kill mold, place a diffuser in the area, such as your bathroom or garage, and diffuse tea tree oil into the air. Or, you can use a spray bottle with tea tree essential oil and water. Spray the solution on shower curtains, window sills, dishwashers, laundry machines, and anywhere else you might notice mold growing.

9. Prevent body odor (deodorant)

Because of its antimicrobial properties, tea tree essential oil can naturally control body odor.

Natural deodorant recipe:

15 drops tea tree essential oil
1/3 cup baking soda
½ cup cornstarch
5 tbsp coconut oil
Add lavender essential oil for scent if you

Mix together the baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl, and then add liquefied coconut oil, your essential oils and blend. Store the blend in an airtight container and use it daily.

10. Make homemade toothpaste and mouthwash

Because tea tree essential oil is antibacterial, it will kill germs in the mouth. It can prevent tooth decay, bleeding gums and bad breath.

Toothpaste and mouthwash recipe:

15 drops tea tree essential oil
½ cup baking soda
5 tbsp liquified coconut oil
Mix together and keep in an airtight container.

You can use the blend as toothpaste or allow it to melt in your mouth as a mouthwash. Be sure to spit it out. Never swallow tea tree essential oil.

11. Treat eczema and psoriasis

Tea tree can treat any kind of skin inflammation and is a natural healing agent, so it’s ideal for relieving the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Eczema and psoriasis remedy:

5 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 tsp coconut oil
Rub into the affected area as needed.

12. Relieve a sore throat

Because tea tree essential oil can help with the inflammation of the mucous membranes, it can effectively be used to help relieve a sore throat. Add one drop of tea tree essential oil to enough warm water with which to gargle. Make sure to spit out the mixture and not to swallow it.

13. Fight colds (expectorant)

Tea tree essential oil can help clear airways and a stuffed-up nose. It can also help to ease a headache.

Head cold remedy massage rub:

5 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
4 tsp sweet almond oil
Rub into the chest area and on the temples.

14. Repell insects

Pests hate the smell of tea tree essential oil, and it is useful for repelling most of them.

Natural bug and pest spray:

20 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops citronella essential oil
16 oz distilled water

Using a spray bottle, spray the blend around doorways, windows and cracks to keep pests out of your home. You also can spray the combination on your clothes to ward off insects when you go outdoors. To use on your skin, add several drops of a carrier oil to help with the absorption.

15. Sanitize hands

Try this blend to make an all-natural hand sanitizer that is not rough on your hands:

Natural hand sanitizer recipe: