Tea tree oil, or Melaluca alternifolia, is light yellow in color with a sharp odor. It's in the same family as eucalyptus and clove. The oil is procured by steaming the leaves of the tea tree; after they have wilted completely, the oil is squeezed from the leaves.
Aromatherapy
Tea tree oil's medicinal scent is reported as having a stimulating effect. Breathing in the aroma promotes alertness and a healthful feeling. Additionally, breathing in tea tree oil can help to open up clogged sinuses. Try adding a few drops to your humidifier.
Skin
Tea tree oil is effective in treating many forms of skin irritation, from acne to eczema to rashes. Its antifungal properties make it useful in treating athlete's foot. You can even add a few drops of the oil to your favorite shampoo to help rid yourself of dandruff or prevent head lice.
Due to its antiseptic properties, you can use tea tree oil to cleanse minor cuts and scrapes. Tea tree oil is sometimes added to a carrier massage oil, to create a massage oil that's good for dry, irritated skin. You can also rub tea tree oil on arthritic joints for pain relief.
Mouth
If a sore throat is your ailment, try adding a couple of drops of tea tree oil to some hot water or tea and gargling with it. This will also disinfect any mouth sores or cuts you may have.
Pets
Tea tree oil can be used as a flea and tick repellent for pets. If you can't find a shampoo that already has tea tree oil in it, just add a few drops to your pet's shampoo and use as instructed. The oil will also help keep pesky pet odor at bay.
Considerations
Discontinue use immediately if you suffer any allergic reactionsl. Tea tree oil has an extremely low toxicity so this is one of the only oils you can use neat, or undiluted, in small amounts directly on the skin. That said, tea tree oil is still effective when diluted as much as 100:1, and you should dilute every application a bit. Even though tea tree oil is safe as a gargle and mouthwash, do not ingest large quantities of the oil.
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