Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia. Did you know that tea tree oil has over 92 various healing compounds? Melaleuca alternifolia is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia and can grow small like a shrub or as a tree, 100 feet tall.
The name “tea tree” most likely originated around the 1770’s from Captain James Cook, who made an infusion of the melaleuca leaves and water to drink instead of tea.
In the 1920’s, Arthur Penfold from Australia started the commercial tea tree industry using Melaleuca alternifolia as the main source. For centuries the Australian Aboriginals would use the leaves by crushing them and inhaling the oils vapors to help with clearer airways. They would also apply the crushed leaves to the skin to use as a bandage.
Referred to as the ‘knight in shining armor’, tea tree oils helps with various bacterial, fungal and other microbial infections such as acne, psoriasis, tuberculosis, dermatitis, asthma, bronchitis, insect bites and stings.
Properties of Melaleuca alternifolia include:
Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, neurotonic, stimulant, tissue regenerative, antioxidant, antiparasitic, a strong antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, immune stimulant.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil
While there are many benefits to using tea tree oil, it is primarily used in two ways – aromatically and topically.
Topically:
– Apply 1-2 drops of tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil on the wounds and scars to speed up wound healing.
– Tea tree oil can help in relieving any type of skin inflammation. It can be used to treat eczema and psoriasis naturally.
– Adding 1-2 drops to your facial cleanser can help promote a spotless skin.
– Apply to fingernails and toenails after a shower to keep nails looking healthy.
– Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water in a spray bottle to make a surface cleanser to get rid of bacteria.
– Make a homemade hand sanitizer. Just mix about 30 drops of tea tree oil with 10 drops of clove oil, lavender oil and 8 ounces of aloe Vera gel. Mix everything together and store in a container.
– Clean a Toothbrush. To get rid of the bacteria on your toothbrush, rub a few drops of tea tree oil into your toothbrush daily.
– Combine 2 drops of tea tree oil in a cup of warm water and gargle with it to get rid of sore throat and inflammation.
– Lubricate a tampon with a mixture of ½ tbsp of coconut oil, and 2 drops of tea tree oil to treat a yeast infection
AROMATICALLY
You can use tea tree oil aromatically to help with stress and anxiety. Additionally, inhaling the scent of tea tree oil may also help reduce congestion when having a cold.
Other tea tree oil uses
- Bacterial infections.
- Fungal infections
- Bad breath
- Cold sores.
- Congestion and respiratory tract infections.
- Earaches