Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil that is antiseptic, antifungal,
antibacterial, and antiviral. Native to Australia, tea tree oil is derived from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, and contains active chemicals called terpenoids, which give the oil its healing properties.
Originally used by the indigenous Bundjalung people of Eastern Australia for the
treatment of infections and colds, tea tree oil has more recently become a popular home
remedy in the U.S. for many conditions.

1. Cold Remedy

You can use tea tree oil as either a gargle, or a facial steam to kill bacteria, loosen
phlegm, and reduce the symptoms of a cold. For a gargle, add 6 drops of tea tree oil to
warm water and gargle repeatedly during the day, making sure not to swallow any of the
solution. Rinse your mouth out thoroughly after gargling. To clear up congestion, add 4-
5 drops of tea tree oil into a pan of steaming water. Place a towel over your head and the pan,
inhaling the steam for a few minutes at a time. Be sure to breath slowly, in order to avoid burning
your nasal passages with hot steam.

2. Fungal Infections

Tea tree oil is an antifungal, and can be used to treat athlete's foot, ringworm,
toenail fungus, and fingernail fungus. For topical skin infections, dab tea tree oil on
infected areas morning and night until the infection is gone. Using tea tree oil directly on
your skin may cause irritation, and so it is advised that you test a small area first to see how
your body reacts.

3. Plantar Warts

Using a cotton ball, dab a small amount of tea tree oil directly onto plantar warts
and leave on over night. Avoid wearing socks to bed as this can increase moisture,
preventing warts from drying out. Repeat every night until warts disappear. If you find
that the tea tree oil irritates your skin, try diluting it with another type of oil such as olive
or almond oil.

4. Dandruff

Dandruff can be itchy, annoying, and unsightly. Try using tea tree oil to clear up
dandruff by adding the oil directly to your shampoo bottle. Use 10 drops of tea tree
oil for every 8oz. of shampoo. Use your shampoo as you normally would, giving your scalp an extra scrub, and then rinse clean. Make sure to thoroughly rinse shampoo residue from your scalp and hair.

5. Acne
The antiseptic qualities of tea tree oil kill bacteria in the pores of the face, helping
to reduce unsightly blemishes caused by acne. Because tea tree oil can irritate the skin if
applied directly, its best to use it as a facial steam. Combine 10-15 drops of tea tree oil and 3
drops of lemon oil into a pan of steaming hot water. Place a towel over your head and let
the steam penetrate your face for five to eight minutes at time.

6. Oily Skin

Adding tea tree oil to face masks can help reduce the shine associated with oily
skin. For a homemade face-mask, use 2 tablespoons of cultured yogurt, 1 tablespoon
of water, 3 drops of tea tree oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of ground dry oatmeal. Stir ingredients in a bowl until fully mixed. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes.

Tea tree oil is an inexpensive treatment, and considered safe to be applied topically for most
people. Some side effects from application include, itching, swelling, dryness, irritation,
and rash. Tea tree oil is toxic when taken orally, and should not be ingested in any form.
If any condition persists longer than 10 days, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Tea tree oil originally got its name from 18th century sailors who made tea from leaves
they found while sailing near the Southern Australian coast. Tea tree oil should not be
confused with tea oil, an ingredient used in cooking. Unlike tea oil, tea tree oil is toxic,
and should not be taken orally.