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~ Back to Articles Index Page ~  Tea tree oil helps keep you healthy and well-groomed from the top of your head (dandruff) to the bottom of your feet (athlete's foot) and just about everything in between, including acne, inflammatory gum disease, bad breath, body odour, boils, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, yeast and fungal infections and more. Distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia, these leaves were used as an alternative to tea, which is how the oil got its name. You can purchase tea tree oil in its purest form as an essential oil to use topically, but just remember, less is more. Thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil has been incorporated into a plethora of other products, such as creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant and shampoos. Topically, you can use tea tree oil to help fight off infection at the site of cuts and scrapes. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil fights off bacteria and cleans the surface of the wound without damaging the tissue. It also encourages the formation of new tissue to help heal the wound faster. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry to help deodorize, disinfect and remove musty smells. It makes a great addition to natural household cleaning solutions as a deodorizer and disinfectant that can also help repel insects (great at the cabin or in travel trailers and motorhomes). Add a few drops to your diaper pail or dishwasher to stop odors fast. To clean and refresh your air, add a few drops to your humidifier. A small amount added to a spray bottle of water can keep bugs off your house plants. Just remember; always test with a drop or two of the tea tree oil before using to ensure it won't stain or ruin your clothes, towels or sheets. Test your skin as well if you plan on using it topically to ensure you're not sensitive to pure tea tree oil. PRODUCTS AND USES Acne products – Because of its anti-bacterial properties, many cleansers, toners and scrubs have incorporated tea tree oil into their base. Tea tree cleansers also remove excess oil from your skin without leaving it feeling overly dry and help to calm irritation and redness.  Dental products -- Tea tree oil has become a reliable and effective natural solution for dental issues, including relief from bad breath, gum disease and canker sores. Your first line of defence should always be a good dental health regime, including brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing. Adding a toothpaste that contains tea tree oil adds antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to your daily regime. Two or three drops of tea tree oil added to your rinsing agent keeps your mouth free of bacteria. You can also rub this enhanced rinse directly on your gums or sores on your mouth. Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection of the throat and mouth, can also be treated with teat tree oil. Use the enhanced rinse to reduce symptoms. To make a rinse at home, mix one cup of warm water with two or three drops of pure tea tree oil and two or three drops of pure peppermint oil. This amount should last you two to three days. your mouth first to see if you have a reaction to tea tree oil and never swallow the product. Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes – A good idea to have handy for wiping door handles, shopping cart handles and any other public surface you may have to touch. TIP: Occasionally wipe down the steering wheel/gear shift in your car so that nothing transfers from public surfaces to your hands.  Hair Products – Tea tree oil in shampoos can remove excess oil from your scalp, assist with dandruff control, relieve itchy/flaky scalp and leave your scalp feeling squeaky clean. It has also been known to be effective in controlling head lice. Body Washes – Great for your skin; removes excess oils, freshens, is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Toe Nail Fungus – Use tea tree oil "neat" but only use a drop and massage into the infected area. Makes a great foot bath; two or three drops in warmer water and soak feet for ten minutes or so. Add a drop or two of scented oil, such as lavender, if you wish. Again, if you're prone to topical allergic reactions, test the oils on a small area of your skin first. Deodorants – Many different companies now incorporate tea tree oil in a deodorant form. Nutter's can suggest...  This natural deodorant combines age-old botanical secrets for long-lasting protection. JASON Tea Tree Deodorant Stick is formulated without Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Propylene Glycol or Alcohol and is formulated with Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil, well known for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, as well as Azulene, for its skin soothing properties. Enriched with Certified Organic Corn Starch, this deodorant delivers energizing freshness. Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 10 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist. are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns. Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein. |
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