Tea tree oil is an ideal treatment for many aesthetic ailments, such as acne, and for many other skin problems. It can also be mixed with different ingredients to become a completely natural and non-toxic cleanser. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, this oil is used for topical and cleansing treatments; however, it is toxic if ingested. It is important to know the right way to dilute it, so that you can get the most out of its many benefits.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: for the Home
Step 1. Prepare an all-purpose cleaner
Mix 20-25 drops of tea tree oil with 60ml of water and 120ml of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to combine the ingredients. Spray the solution on different surfaces and wipe them with a clean cloth. This blend can be used as a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner to clean the kitchen and bathroom.
Always shake the container before using the cleaner, as the oil tends to separate from the vinegar and water
Step 2. Add tea tree oil to the smelly garbage can
The bin can give off an unpleasant odor and become the ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of this oil. Use a fork to mix the product to prevent lumps from forming. Shake the mixture inside a new garbage bag to reduce odor and deodorize naturally.
This deodorant is also effective when you throw diapers in the bucket
Step 3. Eliminate moisture and mold
Mold can form on moist, hot surfaces, usually white or black in color and fluff-like in appearance. Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with 240ml of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture and spray it on the moldy area. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
This oil should also prevent future mold growth, but it needs to be reapplied
Step 4. Clean the washing machine
This appliance can develop a bad smell and harbor bacterial colonies. Run a hot wash cycle with no load and add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil. This way you should get rid of the bad smell and bacteria.
You can also add 2 or 3 drops of oil to the laundry to wash clothes more effectively
Step 5. Create your own custom dryer fabric softener sheets
Apply 5 drops of tea tree oil on balls of tumble dryer wool or on pieces of cotton about 13 cm on each side (you can also use a T-shirt to make a home-made fabric softener sheet). Insert the ball or piece of cotton into the appliance together with the clothes to dry; you can reuse it in the future.
Add a few more drops when you no longer smell the oil
Step 6. Use the oil as an insect and pest repellent
Many insects do not like its smell; you can put 20 drops in a spray bottle and fill it with water. Shake it well and spray the contents all around the door and any cracks or crevices where insects can easily enter.
Method 2 of 2: for the Body
Step 1. Treat acne
Tea tree oil can help get rid of bacterial acne. Add 1-3 drops of oil to your cleanser or moisturizer. You can also mix it with a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it on your face. Use a cotton swab to apply the solution and allow it to be absorbed into the skin.
There is scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of tea tree oil for treating acne
Step 2. Treat skin problems
Mix one tablespoon of carrier oil (such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil) with 8-10 drops of tea tree oil and apply the solution to the irritated areas of your skin. This remedy reduces itching, irritation, and symptoms associated with eczema, molluscum contagiosum, and viral skin infections in both children and adults. This mixture can also be used to treat allergic reactions to nickel.
However, more studies are needed to determine the actual effectiveness of this treatment
Step 3. Add tea tree oil to shampoo
Incorporate 3 to 4 drops of oil into your regular hair shampoo. The mixture helps relieve dry scalp, psoriasis and get rid of dandruff. Add a few drops in the shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
- You can also mix a few drops of this oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, olive, or coconut oil) and apply the solution directly to the head. Leave it on for an hour and then wash your hair as you normally do.
- There is still no firm evidence on the effectiveness of tea tree oil for treating scalp problems.
Step 4. Get rid of athlete's foot and nail fungus
Mix equal parts tea tree oil with olive oil and rub the solution on the affected area twice a day. It will take about 4 weeks for the treatment to take effect. For nail fungus, apply 100% pure tea tree oil to the infected finger twice a day for 6 months.
If you don't want to use pure oil, add 1 or 2 drops to a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it to your finger with a cotton ball. Secure the cotton on your finger with a bandage and leave it on overnight
Step 5. Treat vaginal infections
Tea tree oil is effective for bacterial as well as yeast infections. Apply coconut or olive oil to a tampon and add 2-4 drops of this oil. Insert the tampon into your vagina and leave it in place for an hour. You can repeat the procedure for 3-5 days if the symptoms do not go away.
To this day it is still not completely clear how effective the remedy is against vaginal infections
Step 6. Know when not to use
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or due to give birth, you should avoid using it for topical purposes, as it may reduce the strength of the contractions. If you know you have allergies or are sensitive to this oil, balsam of Peru, benzoin, rosin, tinctures, eucalyptus or plants from the myrtle family, you should avoid using it.
- Women should not apply it to the breast area because its hormonal properties may interfere with normal functions.
- Pre-pubertal boys should also avoid using it, as it could cause breast tissue to grow.
- If you have linear IgA bullous dermatosis, an autoimmune disease, you shouldn't use tea tree oil as it can cause blisters.
Step 7. Be aware of the possible side effects
This oil is safe when diluted properly, but side effects are possible. These may include inflammation of the mouth, skin irritation (for example, burning, itching, redness, rash, sensation of heat), damage to the ears, stomach pain, feeling of tiredness and sleepiness, diarrhea, weakness or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if they persist.
Advice
- Since tea tree oil appears to have antiseptic and antifungal properties, it can help kill pathogens responsible for acne, warts and other skin problems. It also helps prevent infections caused by second and third degree burns while reducing the formation of unsightly scars.
- This oil is used in several other beauty and healing products, such as oral hygiene, skin lotions, lip and mouth sores, as well as onychomycosis.
- Before applying it to a large area of the body, it is important to test it on a small area of skin. This way you can know if you have any form of allergic reaction to the oil. If so, do not use it and consult your doctor.
- Keep in mind that tea tree oil is toxic to pets, especially cats who may ingest it while grooming their fur.
