If you don’t have a bottle of tea tree oil in your home right now, it’s definitely one thing you need to get. Its wonders truly never cease. It has a wide range of uses due to its powerful antibiotic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, including these.
Treating Acne Breakouts
The antifungal and antibacterial compounds in tea tree oil are known to decrease inflammation that can lead to swelling of the skin as well as aid in unblocking sebaceous glands, disinfecting pores and drying out blemishes like pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. In fact, when an Australian study compared the effects of the common acne medication benzoyl peroxide to tea tree oil, the oil offered similar effects in mitigating acne.
All you need is a tiny amount and it will go to work quickly, clearing up breakouts on your face and/or body. If you have very sensitive skin, mix it with about a half-teaspoon of coconut or olive oil to dilute.
Ward Off Pesky Insects
Tea tree oil can also be used to kill insects due to their antiparasitic properties. It can destroy or suppress the growth of parasites like ticks, lice and fleas as well as repel ants, spiders and mosquitoes. Mix a few drops in a spray bottle with water and spray it across your body to prevent biting insects from coming near you or add a couple of drops to cotton balls, strategically placed throughout your house to keep them away.
Battle Dandruff
If you’re dealing with dandruff, tea tree oil is one of the best remedies out there as it’s able to battle off the fungus that causes it without drying out the scalp. It also helps to eliminate problems that can lead to flaking. To use it to treat dandruff, simply add about 10 drops to eight ounces of your usual shampoo. Wash your hair as normal, but allow the shampoo to penetrate, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Prevent Infections in Cuts or Scrapes
If you have a cut or a scrape, you can use tea tree oil combined with lavender essential oil to create a homemade ointment that can help prevent infection. Clean the injury thoroughly first using water and hydrogen peroxide and then mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil and lavender oil. Place it on the affected area and cover it up with a bandage.
Homemade Toothpaste
As tea tree oil is known to kill off bad bacteria while soothing inflamed skin, it’s an ideal ingredient for an effective homemade toothpaste that comes without the chemical ingredients of most store-bought options. All you need to do is combine a quarter-cup of organic coconut oil with one to two tablespoons of baking soda and 10 drops of tea tree oil and then use it like you would any toothpaste.