Tea Tree Oil: Benefits, Recipes, Usages & Side Effects

What is Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is nature’s gift to man and has been used for thousands of years in medicine. Today, many are still unaware of its benefits to our health, but with an increasing amount of studies on tea tree oil in its benefits, modern medicine is catching up. It is known for its amazing antiseptic properties that are beneficial to our skin and hair. Its ability to kill bacteria has made its way into cleaning products to kill mold and fungus, antiseptic ointments to heal skin cuts, face gels to treat acne, and even homemade toothpaste for fresh, clean breath. This wonderful anti-inflammatory antiseptic essential oil is a truly important part of every home’s medicine cabinet.

Read on to discover the top 20 amazing health benefits of tea tree oil, complete with recipes:

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20 Amazing Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Improves Hair Health

Tea tree oil is an excellent way to treat damaged hair and bringing it back to life. It can treat dandruff, relieve a dry scalp, promote hair growth and even prevent hair fall.It is also a great method for treatment of lice in hair.

Home remedy for tea tree oil hair shampoo:

Ingredients: 15 drops of tea tree essential oil, 2 tbsp aloe vera gel, 2 tbsp of coconut milk, a few drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Directions: Blend the ingredients well and store in a container. Rinse hair prior to application, and rub mixture into scalp and rest of the hair. Keep on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse off. This recipe can also be used as a hair mask, kept on for 20 minutes before washing off. If the mixture is too thin for a hair mask, it can be thickened by adding some aloe vera gel.

Natural Acne Remedy

Tea tree oil is regarded as one of the most effective ways to reduce acne naturally. In fact, research showed that tea tree oil’s effects are equivalent to those of benzoyl peroxide, which is a common over-the-counter medication for acne. However, tea tree oil is a safer, chemical-free option and does not come with the side effects related to the use of benzoyl peroxide, such as flaky, dry skin.

Home remedy for tea tree oil acne face wash:

Ingredients: 5 drops tea tree essential oil, 2 tsp natural honey

Directions: Mix the ingredients together. Rub into skin, massaging for about a minute, and then wash off with lukewarm water.

Tip: Another way is to add a few drops of tea tree oil diluted with water to a cotton swab and dab it onto your face once a day. A word of caution: don’t overuse, as tea tree oil tends to dry out the skin if overused. Also, it’s best to stay out of the sun if you have it on your face as it can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage.

As a Cleaning Product

Having powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, tea tree oil can be used as an excellent, chemical-free cleaner for the household. It also smells fresh! It can be used to clean counter tops, floors, sinks, tiles, kitchen appliances, and generally get rid of bad bacteria around your home.

Home remedy for tea tree oil household cleaner:

Ingredients: 1 part tea tree oil, 1 part vinegar, 1 part lemon juice, 4 parts water

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces and wipe off with a clean cloth.

Natural Makeup remover

Tea tree oil, apart from being a fantastic acne fighter, can also be used as a makeup remover. It helps get rid of impurities in the pores and keeps skin fresh and glowing.

Home remedy for tea tree oil makeup remover:

Ingredients: 10 drops of tea tree oil, 1/2 cup canola oil

Directions: Shake the ingredients together in a tight-fitting glass jar until blended. Dip cotton swabs into the mixture and run over your face, applying light pressure to remove the makeup. Afterward, rinse face with lukewarm water and then apply a toner.

Fungus Removal

Research shows that pure tea tree oil, being microbial in nature, when applied to nail fungus is as effective as prescribed anti-fungal ointments. It can be used to treat toenail fungus and other fungal infections on the body.

Home remedy for tea tree oil nail fungus treatment:

Ingredients: Pure tea tree oil

Directions: Apply 1-2 drops of pure tea tree oil to the affected nail. Do not overuse and limit coverage to nails, as pure tea tree oil can be irritant to the skin.

Body Deodorizer

Tea tree oil is also used to fight body odor and reduce perspiration due to its ability to kill odor-causing bacteria on the body. You can also add it to your bath – it refreshes and deodorizes the entire body.

Home remedy for deodorizing foot soak using tea tree oil:

Ingredients: 10 drops tea tree oil, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp baking soda Hot water (enough to cover both feet in a utensil which can fit your feet comfortably)

Directions: Simply add the ingredients to the hot water, give it a good stir. Soak feet for 15 minutes, or until the water cools down. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

Remedy for Skin Inflammation

Tea tree oil can relieve various types of skin inflammation, including eczema and psoriasis. It can also be used to relieve inflammation caused by chicken pox and other skin inflammatory diseases.

Home remedy for tea tree oil skin inflammation relief:

Ingredients: 1 tbsp coconut oil, 10 drops tea tree oil, 10 drops of lavender essential oil

Directions: Mix together to create a lotion which can also be used as a body soap. Apply twice daily until inflammation is treated.

Kills Mold and Mildew

Mold, mildew and other harmful bacteria is a common problem in many households which can be treated by tea tree oil.

Home remedy for tea tree oil mold remover:

Ingredients: 1 tsp tea tree oil, 1 cup water

Directions: Pour into spray bottle and shake well. Simply spray onto affected areas, let soak for a few minutes and wipe clean.

Treat Infections and Wounds

Being antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, tea tree oil is very effective in treating cuts and infections.

Home remedy for tea tree oil wound ointment:

Ingredients: Pure tea tree oil

Directions: Clean the cut with water and some alcohol, and then dab it with a cotton swab dipped in a few drops of tea tree oil. Wrap with a bandage.

Dental Care

Tea tree oil is a great way to get rid of bacteria, so why stop at just treating cuts or cleaning your kitchen with it? It can also make a wonderful toothpaste and/or mouthwash! It can provide relief to inflamed gums, lessen tooth decay, and fight bad breath. Be careful not to swallow, however, as tea tree can prove toxic if consumed orally.

Home remedy for tea tree oil toothpaste:

Ingredients: 20 drops tea tree oil, 6 tbsp baking soda, 20 drops spearmint/peppermint (optional)

Directions: In a small bowl, pour in the baking soda and add some water, stirring until it forms a paste. Add the oil and mix well. Multiply the recipe as needed, and store in a cool, dry place.

Treats Yeast Infections

A combination of tea tree oil and lavender can destroy yeast infections by unsettling yeast cell membranes.

Home remedy for tea tree oil yeast infection treatment:

Ingredients: 5 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil, filtered/distilled water

Directions: Mix the oils and water together. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and sweep over affected parts of the body.

Protects against Cancer

Tea tree oil can guard against cancer in combination with other beneficial oils. Use it on abnormal moles or skin lesions that may appear.

Home remedy for tea tree oil skin lesion treatment:

Ingredients: 5 drops tea tree oil, 5 drops frankincense oil, 5 drops raspberry seed oil

Directions: Mix together and apply on affected areas three times a day.

Cure Jock Itch

This oil’s antiseptic properties can also treat jock itch, which is a type of fungal infection commonly affecting athletes due to excessive perspiration from physical activity.

Home remedy for tea tree oil jock itch reliever:

Ingredients: 10 drops tea tree oil, 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions: Blend the two oils well, and apply to affected areas twice daily.

Clear Sore Throat

Tea tree oil can treat the inflammation of mucous membranes which causes the symptoms of a sore throat. It also helps fight and even prevent infections.It can also help clear the nasal cavity via a steam bath.

Home remedy for tea tree oil sore throat gargle:

Ingredients: 1 drop of tea tree oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 glass of warm water

Directions: Mix the oil and salt into the warm water, and use as a gargle once a day.

Treat Nasal Infections and Sore Throat

Having a cold that develops into a sinus infection can be a miserable experience. The nasal cavity, in this case, becomes congested with excess mucous due to the inflammation. Ease Muscle Soreness

Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory, which means it is also effective in providing relief to inflamed, sore muscles.

Home remedy for muscle soreness using tea tree oil:

Ingredients: 10 drops tea tree oil, 4 tbsp Epsom salt, a tub of warm water

Directions: Add the oil and salt to your warm bath, soak and let the tea tree oil work its magic!

Relieve Bug Bites

Tea tree oil can help reduce irritation and the intense burning sensation that can be caused by some insect bites. Use it directly on the bite or dilute with some coconut oil following the recipe below.

Home remedy for tea tree oil insect bite ointment:

Ingredients: 2 drops of tea tree oil, 1 tbsp of coconut oil

Directions: Mix ingredients together and dab onto affected areas thrice daily.

Natural Insect Repellent

Why wait until the bugs get to you? Plants have their own essential oils that ward off any pests that want to attack and eat it, and the tea plant is no different. Therefore, the strong scent of tea tree oil can also keep some pests away.

Home remedy for tea tree oil insect repellent:

Ingredients: 20 drops tea tree oil, water in a spray bottle

Directions: Add the tea tree oil to the bottle and shake well. Spray around doorways and other possible bug entryways.

Works as a hand sanitizer

We are susceptible to myriad types of bacteria when we are an out and about. Tea tree oil can work as a great natural hand sanitizer, killing many bacteria with its antimicrobial traits. And it’s much more pleasant than the drugstore version!

Home DIY tea tree oil hand sanitizer:

Ingredients: 25 drops tea tree essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 15 tbsp aloe vera gel

Directions: First, stir the oils in a medium-sized bowl. Next, add the aloe vera gel and blend everything well. Keep in a cool place.

Treats Eye Flu

Tea tree oil can ease the pain caused by Pink eye or conjunctivitis, which is a virus that causes pain and itchiness in and around the eyes.

Home remedy for Pink Eye using tea tree oil:

Ingredients: Green tea bag, 1 glass hot water, 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Directions: Add the green tea bag and tea tree oil to the water, and boil it for a few minutes. Immerse two cotton swabs into the tea, squeeze out excess liquid and keep on eyes for 15-20 minutes.

For general skin health

Overall, tea tree is great for your skin. It not only helps with acne, but also reduces dark spots, scars and blemishes, and helps with skin dryness. It can easily be used as a face wash or mask, or a gel with tea tree oil. It is a much safer alternative than products containing chemicals and alcohol.

Home remedy for tea tree oil blemish-reducing face mask:

Ingredients: 5 drops tea tree essential oil, 2 tbsp green clay powder, water

Directions: Mix the green clay powder and tea tree oil together, and add water while stirring until a smooth paste is formed. Apply to face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Different ways to use Tea Tree Oil

As a hand sanitizer
For face masks and gels
As mouthwash/toothpaste
As a skin ointment or gel for bacterial/fungal infections
In a hot bath, to freshen the body and kill bacteria
As a steam bath to clear the nasal cavity
To treat nail fungus
To clean and help heal cuts and abrasions
For earaches
As a deodorizer for the feet

Research and Studies on Tea Tree Oil

To this day, over 230 studies have been conducted on tea tree oil. As this oil gains popularity, so does the science community’s interest in it, so this number is expected to grow in the near future. There is still much to learn about tea tree oil. For example, limited research has been done on its topical use for health conditions. Also, not much is known about its side effects except that it can cause irritation in some people. Research is needed on the quantities of tea tree oil that can cause side effects, and if there are additional side effects associated with it. Further research is also needed on its anti-cancer properties.

Does tea tree oil have any side effects?

Not many known side effects are associated with tea tree oil, except that it may dry out and cause irritation to the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. If you experience a reaction from using undiluted tea tree oil, you can dilute it with other neutral oils like almond, coconut or olive oil. Internal consumption of tea tree oil can prove toxic and is not recommended. If taken orally, it can cause temporary disorientation and loss of muscle coordination.