Natural Remedies

10 Applications For Tea Tree Oil

Containing over 100 useful components, tea tree oil comes from a unique plant in Australia and Northern New South Wales. This essential oil has been shown through research to possess antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Ten of the most useful applications include the following:

Athletes' Foot

Daily application to the moist areas between the toes and on the sides and soles of feet will alleviate the fungal infection known as athlete's foot. This highly infectious fungus can spread quickly, so shoes and socks should be treated as well. Two capfuls of tea tree oil added to the wash will eliminate the fungus in the socks. Shoes can be wrapped and frozen overnight to kill the fungus there.

Cold and Flu

To dry up mucus secretions and kill bacteria associated with cold and flu symptoms, ten drops of tea tree oil added to a cup of warm water can be gargled. This mixture should be used twice daily to alleviate the sore throat pain.

Congestion

Using a vaporizer with ten drops of tea tree oil will break up nasal and chest congestion. If started at the onset of symptoms, this will help kill germs and bacteria, also.

Oral Thrush

A yeast infection in the mouth, oral thrush is common in infants and young children. A mouthwash can be made from one capful of tea tree oil and 12 ounces of water. The mixture should be gargled and rinsed three times daily. Adding two or three drops of tea tree oil to the infected toothbrush will kill the germs preventing re-infection.

Toothaches/Gum Infections

Seeping into the gums to kill pain-causing bacteria, tea tree oil applied directly to the affected area provides relief until a dentist can be seen.

Cold Sores/Canker Sores

Tea tree oil will treat both cold sores and canker sores if applied directly to the area twice daily. If the sores are inside the mouth, gargling with a rinse made of two capfuls of tea tree oil and water twice a day will alleviate those.

Head Lice

Instead of using harsh chemicals to treat the common school breakout of head lice, ten drops of tea tree oil can be added to shampoo. Wetting and lathering the hair and scalp thoroughly, use a fine toothed comb before rinsing. Adding tea tree oil to the laundry should also treat the house and bedding. This will need to be repeated several times to prevent re-infestation.

Insect bites

Applied directly to an insect bite/sting, a couple of drops of tea tree oil will relieve swelling, itching and redness.

Skin Irritations/Sunburns

To alleviate swelling and itching due to skin irritations or sunburn, add several drops of tea tree oil to the bath water.

Bug Repellant

Tea tree oil around the house can deter pesky insects. Wiping down the cupboards with a water/tea tree oil solution will keep bugs away. You can also apply a few drops where ants or roaches are entering the home. Applying the oil to the mattress or the vacuum cleaner bag will deter dust mites. However, tea tree oil is fatal to cats if they ingest it, so use caution around pets.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Black Catechu

Effective treatment for diarrhea, dysentery and as a local application for sore mouths and gums.

Black Cohosh

Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed and Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Black Haw

Use the dried root. A powerful relaxant for the uterus used to assist in threatened miscarriage as well as false labor pains. It is also good for reducing blood pressure.

Black Root

Relieves liver congestion, jaundice and for an inflamed gall-bladder..