What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea Tree Oil (also known as Melaleuca) is a natural antibacterial disinfectant that was commonly used as a general antiseptic by the aborigine tribes for thousands of years. More recently, the scientific community has confirmed that Tea Tree Oil has tremendous medicinal benefits. It is a light yellow oil that has a scent similar to nutmeg, and it is produced by steaming tea tree leaves and then squeezing the oil out.

What are the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil?

Tea Tree Oil has wonderful properties that makes it a popular natural agent for curing all three types of infectious organisms: fungus, bacteria, and virus. More importantly, it is known to effectively fight a number of infections that are resistant to some antibiotics. Therefore, Tea Tree Oil is an excellent natural remedy for hundreds of bacterial and fungal skin ailments such as acne, abscess, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, athlete's foot, warts, herpes, insect bites, rashes, dandruff and other minor wounds and irritations.

Studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil also treats respiratory problems ranging from common sore throats, coughs and runny nose to severe conditions such as asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis. The anti-viral properties of the oil fight many common infectious diseases such as chicken pox, shingles and measles, flu, cold sores and verrucae. It also strengthens the body's immune system, which is often weakened by stress, illness, or by the use of antibiotics and other drugs. It can also be used as a mouth wash, since it is highly effective in healing oral candidiasis (a fungal infection of mouth and throat).

Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Skin Infections

General Disinfectant

Tea Tree Oil mixed into bath water works as a great disinfectant for skin. Simply mix 10 to 12 drops of the oil into bath water and soak in it for about 30 minutes twice a week. This same oil bath can also be used to relax muscles after a strenuous sport or workout.

Acne Treatment

A common use of Tea Tree Oil is as a natural Acne treatment.

Boils and Carbuncles

Tea Tree Oil has also been used for the treatment of Boils or Carbuncles.

Warts

Many people have also found that Tea Tree Oil can be used as a very effective treatment for Genital Warts.

Bad Breath, Inflamed Gums, and Plaque

Tea Tree Oil, when used as a mouth wash, acts as a natural cure for bad breath, oral candidiasis, gingivitis, plaque, and inflamed gums. It also kills mouth bacteria prior to dental surgery and also reduces mouth irritation that is often caused by dental procedures.

• Add 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a cup of warm water.
• Use the solution as a mouthwash two to three times daily.
• Always spit out the Tea Tree Oil mouthwash. Do not swallow it.
• You may also add 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil to toothpaste when brushing teeth.

Sore Throat and Congestion

Tea Tree Oil can be combined with a simple steam inhalation technique to naturally cure congestion, sore throat, chest infections, and clearing up mucus:

• Fill a large cooking pot or bowl with water.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Remove the pot from the stove and add 2 to 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil into it.
• Cover your head with a towel and lean over the top of the bowl so that the long ends of the towel are hanging down at the two sides of the bowl.
• Inhale the vapors for about 5-10 minutes.
• Repeat the process each night before going to bed until symptoms are cured completely. If symptoms persist for more than 5 days it is best to consult your doctor.

Canker Sores and Laryngitis

Diluted in water, Tea Tree Oil is an effective treatment for canker sores and laryngitis:

• Add 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil to one cup of warm water.
• Gargle this solution twice daily.

Dandruff and Lice

Studies have shown that shampoos with 5% of Tea Tree Oil can cure dandruff and help get rid of head lice.

Yeast Infections

Tea Tree Oil can also be used as an effective Home Remedy for Yeast Infection Treatment.

What are the Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil?

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid the use of Tea Tree Oil.

Undiluted Tea Tree Oil can cause itchiness, irritation, and redness on sensitive skin. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, it is always safer to dilute the oil in another base oil such as olive oil.

Extra care should be exercised when Tea Tree Oil is taken internally. Overdosing on Tea Tree Oil can result in diarrhea, vomiting, impaired immune function, excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, and even coma. If you notice any of these symptoms of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Where and How to Buy Tea Tree Oil

Pure Tea Tree Oil and shampoos that contain Tea Tree Oil can be found in almost any natural health or nutrition store, or from online retailers such as Amazon.com (see below).