30 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Health Benefits

With toxic chemicals found in most household and medicinal products, many people are looking for all-natural and effective products to treat acne, eczema, fungal infections, oral health problems, MRSA, head lice and skin rashes. They have turned to tea tree oil, an Essential Oil imported from Australia.

More than 300 scientific studies have been performed on tea tree oil as antibacterial treatment for a number of bacterial infections, such as ear infections or gum disease. The studies have justified applying tea tree oil as uses of the acne scars treatment. In addition, the benefits of using tea tree oil are numerous.

Tree oil is made from the leaves of the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia), a member of the myrtle tree family, which is from Australia. In the 1770s, British explorer Lieutenants James Cook observed Australians brewing tea from the leaves of the tree, giving the plant it’s common household name. After watching Australians, Cook decided to try the tea on his crew to prevent scurvy. Tea tree oil is well-known for its healing properties. According to the University of Sydney, numerous aboriginal communities in Australia have used it for skin conditions, such as on cuts, burns and infections.

The University of Western Australia Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases is studying tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties. The researchers found tea tree oil has more than 100 components, mostly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their alcohols. The component terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant (minimum 30 percent) and is said to be the one used for most of the antimicrobial activity. Levels of 14 components, including terpinen-4-ol are listed in the International Standard for Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type.

What Benefits Do You Get From Tea Tree Oil Treatments?

Tea tree oil has been proven effective in treating:

Acne
Bacterial infections
Chicken pox
Fungal infections
Congestion and respiratory infections
Earaches
Halitosis
Head Lice
MRSA
Eczema
Psoriasis
Dry Cuticles
Insect Bites
Sores
Sunburns
Boils
Gum Disease
Athlete’s Foot
Dandruff
Genital Infections
Mold Removal
Foot Odors
Household Cleaners
Flea Bites on Dogs
Pet Shampoo
Pest Control
Toothbrush Cleaner
Clean Wounds in Dentistry

And can also be used as an air freshener and insect repellent.

Keeva Tea Tree Oil

As you can see in this video testimonial, Keeva Tea Tree Oil is amazing in treating skin problems in its composition — the chemotypes found in the oil. Chemotypes are oils with different compositions. Tea tree oil chemotypes have been found to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. These properties are what eliminates the acne-causing bacteria on the skin and others. It reduces redness and swelling.

The benefits of tea tree oil have a long history, dating back to ancient times. Apart from acne, it has been used for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Tea tree oil offers the same benefits as ancient tea tree oil because of its purity. It’s safe to use on sensitive skin. However, the benefits depend on the person’s age, health and types of medicines taking, according to a certified aromatherapy practitioner. People purchasing tea tree oil need to make sure the oil is housed in a dark bottle with a stopper, or it won’t be effective and pure. They should read the labels to understand what they are buying.

Awesome Uses of Tea Tree Oil for Acne BlemishesUsing tea tree oil to treat acne pimples is well-known. If you purchase Keeva Tea Tree Oil Acne cream, you can put some on your finger and dab it on your acne. The active ingredients in the oil will clear your face in a few days. According to a study in the Medical Journal of Australia, tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide both ameliorated patients’ acne. It was proven effective and had fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. The study also found that benzoyl peroxide did work faster. The aromatherapy expert says that the effectiveness of tea tree oil on acne depends on the brand and the person’s health. It’s not a miracle, she says.CASE STUDY:Acne Decreases in a Week
In this before shot, the acne is pronounced. The student has plenty of breakouts and redness on his face. He used Keeva Acne Cream on his face. He reported a tingling sensation while it was working on his face. After a few days, his skin felt smoother and cleaner. You will see the after show below. The acne blemishes have all but disappeared. However, it takes time to work as it gets into the pores.

To use as an acne cream, take these steps.
- Put some on your finger.
- Rub in areas of face and back where acne is prevalent.
- Let it seep into skin.
- Wash as usual.
- Wait for results.
Bang Out Bacterial Infections Using Tea Tree Oil Studies have found that tea tree oil can fight bacterial infections. For example, the National Institutes of Health reported that a 2004 study from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found tea tree oil may be used to treat bacterial infections.Mary Fitzpatrick, a researcher at Portland Community College tried tea tree oil on five bacteria. Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus roseus, Sarcina luteus and Serratia marcescens. These are known for causing infections. Fitzpatrick and her team used a bacterial lawn technique on agar plates for each bacterium. She placed small disks of tea tree oil along with other options, including Listerine mouthwash on plates of each strain of bacterium, surrounding each to calculate inhibitory effects. She measured the antimicrobial efficacy of each substance by calculating the zone of inhibition surrounding each sample. Based on her research, tea tree oil had the best antibacterial action against those strains of bacteria. However, Fitzpatrick cautions that more research should be conducted.
Another study from the University of Australia found that using tea tree oil on bacterial infections doesn’t cause an increase in drug-resistant bacteria. It was published in the International Journal of Antibacterial Agents. Genital infections and yeast infections are found to be eliminated with tea tree oil, according to studies.
Uses of Tea Tree Oil Includes ChickenpoxChickenpox is one of those childhood diseases that can be unbearable. The symptoms include itchy red marks on the skin, a high fever and a loss of appetite. While chickenpox will generally clear up on its own without medication, you might want to find ways to fight the symptoms as your child’s immune system fights the virus. Home remedies to relieve itchiness include oatmeal baths and tea tree oil in bath water.How to use tea tree oil for chicken pox
1. Fill a bathtub with warm water.
2. Add four drops of tea tree oil to the water.
3. Let child bath in the water
Because tea tree oil is good for skin, it takes away the itch and irritation in the skin so the child feels better.

CASE STUDY:

Mother Relieves Child’s Symptoms Using Tea Tree Oil

A mother complained on a parenting forum that her 3.5-year-old son had a severe case of chickenpox. The usual methods of relieving the itch weren’t working. She requested ideas for relieving the itch. A forum member suggested she try tea tree oil. After using the oil, the mother was able to help her son.

CASE STUDY:

Shingles Lesions Disappearing with Tea Tree Oil

The aromatherapy expert is battling shingles, which is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. She continues to use the medicine prescribed for her to treat the disease, but she has been using tea tree oil on the lesions. The oil has been effective in keeping the lesions from reappearing, she says.
Fight Fungal Infections With Tea Tree Oil ProductsFungi are living organisms that cause infections. The fungi need darkness and moisture, so men who wear work boots a lot can get fungal infections. Studies have found that tea tree oil have killed the fungi that have caused infections. Thick nails and discoloration are indications of an infection. A study from NIH has proven that tea tree oil has been effective treating nail fungus.Another published in Tropical Medicine and International Health found that treating toenail onychomycosis with 2 percent butenafine and 5 percent tea tree oil in cream cured 80 percent of patients.
What causes nail fungus?

Usually, nail fungus happens after fungus gets into the nail through a cut or break in it, but it is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be transmitted from person to person. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is acquired. However, a warm wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.

Antifungal medicines can treat only 50 percent of fungal infections, according to WebMD.com. Studies have shown that tea tree oil eliminates more of the fungi, causing the infections. However, you should have 100 percent tea tree oil. Smaller concentrations don’t work, WebMD.com said. Athlete’s foot can be treated using tea tree oil. It is another type of fungal infection. The same principles apply for this one as for the others. Foot odors caused by bacteria are eliminated if you dab tea tree oil on the feet. You can wipe your shoes with it too.

Watch this video find out how to treat fungal infections in the foot with tea tree oil.
Clean Out Congestion, a Tea Tree Oil UseExperts in aromatherapy believe that tea tree oil can fight chest and head congestion, stuffy noses, and other symptoms of colds. The tea tree oil is most effective when used after steaming so it is inhaled. Steam inhalation clears congested nasal passages and kills bacteria. Adding tea tree oil makes the process more effective. You can add a few drops of oil to purified water, cover your head with a towel and breathe the vapors for five to 10 minutes. This causes nasal passages to open more and allow for better breathing.You also can add tea tree oil to vaporizers or to diffusers. According to Tea Tree Wonders, when placed in a vaporizer, the tea tree oil diffuses throughout the room and is inhaled. If you use the vaporizer or diffuser with tea tree oil at night, you will sleep better because your nasal passages will be clear.
Tea tree oil can also be placed on a cloth to help with nasal congestion. Place a couple of drops of tea tree oil on a cloth and inhale it throughout the day. This should be done for short periods. It’s best to inhale the tea tree from the cloth through the nose and exhale through the mouth.
Eliminate Earaches with Tea Tree Oil MethodsAlthough earaches are most common in children, anyone can get one. People get earaches for a variety of reasons.Common reasons for earache include:
- Fluid building up deep inside the eardrum. Known as glue ear, this affects children more than adults
- Infection of the ear canal outside the eardrum (otitis externa)
- A boil or infected hair follicle in the ear canal
- Eczema in the ear canal ( seborrhoeic dermatitis)
- Injury in the ear canal from objects poked inside, such as cotton buds or sharp objects
- Blockages in the ear from plugs of earwax or objects pushed in which have become stuck
- Throat infections (including tonsillitis) and colds
- Jaw pain, known as temporomandibular joint pain
- Dental abscess in the mouth or other tooth pain, such as wisdom teeth problems
- Trigeminal neuralgia or facial nerve pain
When an infection is in the ear, it can cause dizziness, balance problems, fevers and inflammation inside the ear. Tea tree oil has long been used as an alternative treatment for ear infections. The National Library of Medicine uses the scale from the National Medicines Comprehensive Database to rank effectiveness of tea tree oil on ear infections. Although the database has shown inconclusive evidence on whether tea tree oil eliminates the earache, studies have found bacterial infections can be treated with tea tree oil. Thus, if the earache is caused by bacterial infection, tea tree oil will be effective against it.

What is the procedure for using tea tree oil for earaches?

You should add a few drops of tea tree oil to ¼ cup of warm olive oil prior to use. Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
1. Tilt your head to one side and use a small syringe or dropper to add a few drops to the ear.
2. Keep your head tilted for one minute, allowing the liquid to slide into the ear canal.
3. To capture excess liquid that drips from the ear when you return to an upright position, gently dab the ear with a clean cotton ball.
However, some people may be sensitive to tea tree oil. Although regarded as safe by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, tea tree oil can cause skin discomfort and swelling when applied undiluted to any large areas of skin or mucous membranes. Remember to consult a physician if the infection continues longer than 48 hours. Also, ear infections can be caused by viruses too and so treatment for the virus may still be necessary.
Have Tea Tree Oil to Hack HalitosisHalitosis, or bad breath, is a common affliction that affects many Americans. In fact, about half of the American population are concerned that they are embarrassing themselves with their bad breath, according to the Loma Linda University Dentistry School. Halitosis is treatable if you visit your dentist who can help you find the reason for the bad breath. However, you can treat it with tea tree oil too.The School of Nursing at Eulji University in South Korea wanted to see what would happen when a solution with tea tree oil and peppermint was given to patients. Thirty-two patients used the solution. Then trained nurses calculated their breath for bad odor. The result? The amount of unpleasant oral odor and sulphur compounds were significantly reduced after using the tea tree and peppermint solution.
According to researchers in Switzerland, tea tree oil kills the bacteria that cause halitosis. Another study in Brazil had similar results testing tea tree oil against garlic and a chemical compound. Because tea tree oil fights bacteria, it has also worked against gum disease since gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by bacteria in the mouth. In fact, tea tree oil has been shown to attack the bacteria causing the gum disease and end it.

Before current methods of cleaning wounds, dentists had turned to tea tree oil for that use since it is also a strong antiseptic. Although modern methods are used now, dentists still can use tea tree oil to clean and sanitize surgical sites prior to surgery to prevent bacterial infections.

How Do You Use Tea Tree Oil Against Halitosis?

Tea tree oil can fight bad breath by adding it to your oral hygiene routine including:
1. Using a toothpaste that contains tea tree oil.
2. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular toothpaste once it’s on your toothbrush.
3. Using an oral cleansing product that contains tea tree oil.
Use Tea Tree Oil to clear away Head LiceMany children are kept home from school because of head lice, which are tiny parasitic bugs that live on the scalp and hair of the human head. They look whitish in color and lay eggs on the hair shaft. They can go from head to head, especially children. Antifungal and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil have been shown to be effective in treating head lice.How does tea tree oil work against lice?
- Tea tree oil has natural insecticide properties.
- Tea tree oil contains natural antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties that kill lice and prevent them from returning.
- Tea tree oil contains terpinen – 4 – ol, a natural bacteria-fighting ingredient.
- Tea tree oil coats the hair, scalp and contains agents that will kill the head lice and their eggs. Tea oil not only kills the lice but also soothes and heals the irritated scalp that has been affected by the lice.
To use tea tree oil against lice, sprinkle a few drops on your hair and rub into the scalp. Do this before going to bed. The lice will not like the smell of the tea tree oil. Sleep with a towel under your head and leave the oil in your hair overnight. The lice and eggs will be killed by morning.

CASE STUDY:

Moms Put Drops of Tea Tree Oil in Shampoo

On the Circle of Moms forum website, one mother asked how to prevent lice. The mothers who answered recommended adding 10 drops of tea tree oil to shampoo and 20 to laundry detergent. They had great results in killing and preventing lice. However, you don’t want to use it every day or it might harm the children.

Dandruff is another things that tea tree oil can be used to treat. Tea tree oil adds moisture to the scalp and removes the dry, flaky skin, thereby soothing the irritated skin.
Tea Tree Oil Alternative for MRSAsThe National Library of Medicine says MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a “staph” germ that does not get better with the type of antibiotics that usually cure staph infections. When this occurs, the germ is said to be “resistant” to the antibiotic.Most staph germs are spread by skin-to-skin contact (touching). A doctor, nurse, other health care provider, or visitors to a hospital may have staph germs on their body that can spread to a patient.
Once the staph germ enters the body, it can spread to bones, joints, the blood or any organ, such as the lungs, heart, or brain.

Serious staph infections are more common in people with a weakened immune system. This includes patients who:
- Are in hospitals and long-term care facilities for an extended period;
- Are on kidney dialysis (hemodialysis);
- Receive cancer treatment or medicines that weaken their immune system;
- Inject illegal drugs; or,
- Have had surgery in the past year.
However, MRSA infections can also occur in healthy people who have not recently been in the hospital. Most of these MRSA infections are on the skin, or less commonly, in the lungs. People who may be at risk are:
- Athletes and others who share items such as towels or razors;
- Children in day care; or,
- Members of the military.
How Can Tea Tree Oil Help?

According to Australian researchers, tea tree oil can fight MRSA better than commercial antibiotics. Fewer and fewer antibiotics are proving effective at treating MRSA. In a recent study, researchers gave 30 people infected with MRSA either antibiotics or tea-tree oil ointment. At the end of the experiment, only 13 percent of the people treated with antibiotics were clear of MRSA infection, compared with an impressive 30 percent of those treated with tea tree oil. However, the NIH cautions people that no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted using tea tree oil on MRSA patients. The research also has shown that tea tree oil fights against Candida, which causes yeast infections.

These results were confirmed by an NIH study and a study published in the Journal of Microbial Chemotherapy.
Tea Tree Oil Uses for Eczema Are ExplainedThe tea tree oil uses for eczema are more ways to treat skin diseases naturally. The word “eczema” comes from a Greek word meaning “to boil over”, which is a good description for the red, inflamed, itchy flare-ups. The skin disease can range from mild to severe. Eczema is also commonly called atopic dermatitis, which is the most severe form of the disease.Because tea tree oil has healing properties, it can be used for damaged skin. The oil from the tea tree plant has been proven to work as antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic product. To treat eczema, add it to a soothing bath, make a paste or use it straight. You can add 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to a bath twice a day. Put olive oil or almond oil into the bath. You can mix it with olive oil or coconut oil to make a paste then apply to infected areas. You can put the oil directly on the skin, although some people have had bad reactions to this method. Tea tree oil also comes in creams, such as Keeva Acne Cream that can be used on skin affected by eczema.
CASE STUDY:

Mother Makes Son’s Skin Less Irritable with Tea Tree Oil

Jennifer Roberge’s son has eczema. She found out that her laundry detergent was causing his skin to have flare-ups because the ingredients in soap, even natural products, were irritants. To find something to soothe her son’s skin, she tried homemade laundry soaps, vinegar rinses, baking soda washes, et cetera, but ultimately found that soap nuts (with a few drops of tea tree oil) and laundry balls worked best. With these changes, her child’s skin was less irritated.

Another use for tea tree oil is on dry cuticles to improve their look and feel. The oil works by taking away skin irritations and dryness, as studies indicate. Other skin issues, such as sores, boils and sunburns, will also go away with a little use of tea tree oil.
Pick up Tea Tree Oil as Use for PsoriasisWhile tea tree oil is touted for skin diseases, it has proven effective for only a few. Psoriasis is one where tea tree oil has been effective. Patients have reported positive feedback to dermatologists. Tea tree oil is widely used for psoriasis because it contains an antimicrobial agent and good for inflamed skin conditions.Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, something triggers a psoriasis flare up. The skin cells in people with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.
How Does Tea Tree Oil Work as a Treatment for Psoriasis?

For it to work, you need to have a minimum of 5 percent concentration of tea tree oil. It can be found in shampoos and creams, or you can follow these steps:
1. Add 10 drops to shampoos and body washes.
2. Let it sit in your hair and skin for five minutes.
4. Use cream after showering.
However, handle the plant carefully because it can cause some harmful effects to your body. When you begin a new treatment, follow rules for safety. Tea tree oil should not be swallowed as it has some toxic substances that can cause drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach and severe rashes. A low concentration of tea tree oil is enough to be used for daily regimen. Usually, cosmetic products such as shampoo or cream have 5 percent concentration of melaleuca alternifolia oil.

CASE STUDY:

Mother Nabs Cure for Nail Psoriasis With Tea Tree Oil

A young mother did not know what to do about her son’s nail psoriasis, which causes misshapen nails and white mounds of skin covering the ends of the fingers. None of the medical treatments that her doctor recommended did any good. She visited a herbalist who told her to apply pure tea tree oil to the nails. The psoriasis disappeared after 14 days. Her son hasn’t had an outbreak in 14 years.
Stop the Itch from Insect Bites, Prevent ThemWhen you get bitten by fleas, mosquitoes, ticks or other insects, the result is usually a red circle that itches. Tea tree oil has been used to soothe the itch from bites and even repel the insects in the first place since ancient Egyptian times. Insects, especially mosquitoes and ticks, carry diseases.You can even use tea tree oil on your dog’s flea bites, but tea tree oil is toxic to cats and small dogs. If you use it on your pets, don’t put it on a place where they will lick because once ingested, it is poisonous to dogs.
NIH has found that tea tree oil is effective against insect bites both in preventing them and relieving the itch after being bitten.

Use these steps to stop the itch.
1. Use a dropper to put a drop or two on the bite.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Itch will be gone
To use tea tree oil on pets, follow these steps.
1. Dilute oil so it isn’t as strong as straight from the bottle.
2. Apply to pet’s skin.
3. Make sure pet doesn’t lick area.
To use tea tree oil as a prevention, use a few drops in shampoos and body washes.

Like all home remedies, you have to be careful. Tea tree oil has some amazing uses, but they don’t replace traditional medicine. In fact, using tea tree oil can complement traditional medicine and dentistry. Also, the oil should be used in small amounts because too much can have some harmful side effects.

Besides the health properties, tea tree oil uses extend to common household procedures. For example, you can put a few drops on your toothbrush after you use it to sanitize the toothbrush. You can add tea tree oil to water to be an effective disinfectant for cleaning. Tea tree oil uses also include being a pest control vehicle, being good for mold removal and being a good air freshener.

Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Tea Tree Oil
- In 1769, New Zealand Coromandel Mountains Tea Tree Oil Co. Ltd. in Mercury Bay, New Zealand, extracted the oil from naturally occurring cultivated plants by a procedure that does not involve crushing or heating.
- James Cook traveled to Australia and met with the aborigines who explained their healing methods using the tree. He brought the oil to a doctor to test it. The doctor affirmed what Cook was told about its natural healing power and antiseptic use. The doctor showed how tea tree oil was more powerful than the aloe vera plant.
- Nelsons was established in Europe in 1860 as an experienced homeopathic manufacturer. Nelsons’ creams and gels represent over a century of excellence in natural skin care, and are unrivaled in effectiveness and quality. Nelsons uses tea tree oil.
- When penicillin was discovered and manufactured, the popularity of home remedies disappeared. However, the desire to go back to home remedies is making a comeback. Tea tree oil is leading the way.