Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to treat several different conditions. Perhaps best known for its skin benefits, tree oil has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Further, tree oil has shown to be just as if not more effective in treating certain conditions than over-the-counter products and/or prescription medicines.
Here are 13 things you can throw away and replace with tea tree oil:
1. Acne medication
For those prone to breaking out, tree oil can be a great solution. As opposed to traditional chemical-laden skincare products, tree oil is also natural and nourishes the skin. Dilute a few drops of tree oil with 20 to 40 drops of witch hazel and apply to the skin once or twice daily.
Tree oil makes skin more sensitive to UV rays, so avoid long stretches of sun exposure.
2. Toxic nail chemicals
Combined with some other oils – jojoba, avocado, and lavender – tree oil is good for softening cracked nail cuticles.
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- Ten drops of tea tree oil
- Ten drops of lavender oil
First, combine the jojoba and avocado oils into a small, dark-colored bottle – this helps to preserve the oil beforehand if using the mixture later. When ready, simply add the other oils and shake the mixture to combine ingredients.
3. Chemical laden antiseptics
Tree oil is a natural and healthy antiseptic. It is also the perfect homemade wound ointment. For deeper cuts, it’s recommended to rinse the wound with a water and hydrogen peroxide mix before applying.
For an additional soothing effect, consider adding lavender oil. Apply the tree oil (and lavender, if desired) to a clean wound once or twice a day.
4. Toenail fungus medications
Tree oil is a potent yet healthy, anti-fungal substance. Some even state that tree oil is more effective at killing toenail fungus than traditionally prescribed anti-fungal medication.
Simply dab a cotton swab into undiluted tree oil and apply it to the affected once or twice a day.
5. Deodorant
Healthy, natural deodorant can be made using tree oil. In addition to tree oil’s other qualities, it is also an antimicrobial – it can kill or inhibit microorganism growth, including the ones that cause body odor.
To make this deodorant, you will need coconut oil and baking soda. You can find the recipe here.
6. Psoriasis medication
Tree oil is effective in reducing the inflammation of the skin. As such, it can be a natural remedy for psoriasis and eczema.
Mix one teaspoon of coconut oil, five drops of tea tree oil, and five drops of lavender oil to create this healthy mixture.
7. Toxic shampoos
Tea tree oil has proven beneficial for hair and scalp health. The oil can heal flaked skin, remove dandruff, and even be used as a lice treatment.
To create a tree oil solution for hair, mix several drops of tea tree oil with aloe vera gel, coconut milk, and essential oils (if desired).
8. Toxic cleaning products
Because of tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties, it’s also a perfect ingredient for a homemade household cleaning solution. Use it anywhere in the home – kitchen, shower, toilet, sinks, and countertops – to thoroughly clean.
Mix ½ cup of white vinegar, 3 cups of water and 10 drops of tea tree oil. For added scent, add essential oil.
9. Commercially prepared toothpaste
Naturally, tree oil’s anti-bacterial properties make for a great toothpaste ingredient. Combining this trait with tree oil’s ability to reduce inflammation makes it a terrific solution for reducing bleeding of the gums. It also helps to fight tooth decay.
There are a couple of recipes for making tree oil toothpaste, both of which you can find here.
10. Tea tree oil replaces makeup removers
Makeup remover. Although some readers do not need for it, this may grab our female reader’s collective attention.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup canola oil
- Ten drops of tea tree oil
- Four oz. glass container
After pouring all ingredients into a sterilized glass container, seal it with a tight lid and then shake until blended. Make sure the mixture is stored in a cool, dark area.
11. Athlete’s foot medicine
Tree oil is a powerful solution for people who deal with the burning, scratching, and scaling of athlete’s foot. Add a few drops to a tablespoon of witch hazel and apply with a cotton swab twice daily.
12. Tea tree oil can replace yeast infection medicines
Some studies have shown that tea tree oil can interfere with the chemical makeup of yeast, which makes it ideal for treating this condition. When combined with lavender – which eliminates candida – yeast is effectively eliminated.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need a few drops of tea tree oil, a few drops of lavender oil, and a few drops of distilled water. Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture to the affected areas.
13. Tea tree oil can replace ear infection medications
Combining all of the essential properties of tree oil – as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral – it can greatly assist in alleviating ear infections. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties can help with the pain and irritation that surface when the ear is infected.
Ingredients:
- Three drops of tea tree oil
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One teaspoon of colloidal silver
- One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Combine all ingredients in a pan and place over low heat until warm. Fill a dropper with the solution. Lie on your side with the head on a towel and drip the solution into one ear. Allow five to ten minutes to pass, let the ear drain and then repeat. Do this three times a day for three days.
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