Natural Medicine Chest: 8 uses for Tea tree oil

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• Athlete’s foot: A foot bath containing one cup of epsom salt and 10 drops of tea tree oil will stop an early infection of athlete’s foot in its tracks, and repeating weekly will prevent it from coming back. For more established infections, blend 1 oz. of coconut oil with 1/4 oz of tea tree oil, and follow the foot bath by applying this twice a day for about 4 weeks.

• Toenail fungus: Using a clean cotton swab, apply a drop of pure tea tree oil to the infected toenail(s) twice daily. (Be careful to only get the oil on the toenail, since the pure oil can be irritating to the skin.)

• Cold sores: Mix 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil with 5 drops of tea tree oil, dip a clean cotton swab in the mixture, and apply directly to the cold sore. Store the remaining mixture in a tightly sealed glass container, and reapply several times a day until the sore is gone. Beginning this treatment at the first tingling sensation that indicates a cold sore is starting will prevent it from even getting bad enough to hurt or scab over. (Do not use tea tree oil inside the nose, and never swallow it. Swallowing even small (a few drops) doses of the oil is toxic, and larger doses can kill.)

• Acne: Mix 40 drops of tea tree oil with 1 oz of coconut oil in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. Apply lightly to the acne twice a day after cleansing. (Keep well away from the eyes, and test the mixture on the inside of your forearm, waiting for at least 24 hours to make sure there is no reaction before using it on your face or other acne-prone areas.)

• Dandruff Using a 5% tea tree oil shampoo has been shown to reduce or eliminate mild to moderate dandruff with regular use. It’s easiest to purchase a shampoo already containing the oil, like this one, but if you prefer to make your own, you can add 40 drops of tea tree oil for each ounce of shampoo base and shake well before each use

• Cleaning and disinfecting counters, tubs, and tile: Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with a bit over 1 gallon of water. Mix well, and use to wipe down kitchen counters, tables, bathtubs, tile and floors. (Remix frequently, since the oil and water will separate pretty quickly, and use rubber gloves to prevent skin irritation.)

• Removing mold and mildew: Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on the moldy areas, then wipe away the mold. For heavier mold, or for mildew, you may need to use one of the sponges with the scrubber side to loosen it before wiping it away.

• Laundry Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to a regular load of laundry to freshen and disinfect. For bedbug or mite infestations, using very hot water with the oil to wash your bedding will kill the pests.

CAUTIONS

As with all essential oils, certain precautions need to be taken to avoid serious harm. Here are the three most important cautions to take with tea tree oil.

1. Pregnant or nursing women, or those with hormone sensitive cancers should avoid tea tree oil.
2. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil. If you develop a rash or blisters, discontinue use immediately, and see your doctor.
3. Do not use undiluted tea tree oil on your skin, as it can cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, or itching.