One of the most abundantly researched and sought after essential oils, tea tree oil has proven to be no less than a miracle for a wide variety of uses. The reasons being multiple; it serves not only the beauty problems in women but also has strong anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer properties which have earned this essential oil the honor of being a “wonder drug”.

But do you know about the illustrious history of this miracle oil?

In 1732, Captain James Cook took his famous trip around the world and landed at last, in Australia. Upon reaching the land, he brewed a cup of fresh tea from the leaves of a particular kind of tree which revitalized his energy, gave him strength and refreshed his mental faculties. He named it the “tea tree”! His appreciation and wonder for this miracle tree was confirmed by the aboriginals who mentioned that they have been using it as a medicine since time immemorial! Then Captain Cook took back an ounce of the oil extracted from the tree leaves and had a physician test it who later confirmed the amazing healing properties that the oil possesses.

Here, I would like to share all the benefits of tea tree oil that I know about and how you can use it to reap the maximum benefits. Want to know how? Then read on!

The usual safety concerns:

All tea tree oils are powerful and this particular oil we are talking about is no exception. The smell is very strong, similar to that of eucalyptus and a few drops, around 3-4, are enough to serve your purpose.

Benefits of tea tree oil:

Few traditional benefits of this oil include healing:

1. Bacterial infections
2. Cold sores
3. Chicken pox
4. Ear-aches
5. Congestion and other infections of the respiratory tract
6. Acne
7. Head lice
8. Halitosis
9. Fungal infections
10. Dry cuticles
11. Psoriasis
12. Sunburns, sores and other insect bites

Other domestic uses of tea tree oil are:

1. Laundry Freshener
2. Used in face wash for removing acne
3. Insect repellent
4. House cleaner

Let us discuss in details how this oil can help us and how we can use it!

Here are the top uses of this wonder oil:

• For smoothing and lightening scars:

Scars from injuries, surgeries or diseases such as Chickenpox can be a nightmare! Especially, chicken pox scars are itchy, causes serious discomfort and if you scratch them by mistake, hell, you just made them permanent!

But don’t worry! The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil makes it just the right remedy for you!

Tip- Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply the mixture on the affected areas with completely clean cotton, twice a day. This will help lighten the scars.

• For acne

How many times has acne given you sleepless lights? I am sure the answer is “more than once” for both boys and girls! And I have seen even mommies worry the heck out because their adolescent daughters are having their first pimples and rush to dermatologists for remedy.

Hello! Slow down and relax! Although doctors are definitely the most trusted help we can attain, I would suggest you to try out tea tree oil which is much cheaper and works like magic on pimples and acne. Here’s why. Pimples are caused by excess sebum secretion underneath the skin layers which fails to come out because of blockage in the pores. This blockage is caused by minute dirt particles or bacteria which feed on the skin, ultimately causing small red bumps which we call pimples. The anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil make it a favorite among adolescent kids as well as adults dealing with acne.

Tip- Nothing fancy! Just pour 3-4 drops of tea tree oil on clean cotton and dab only on the affected areas before retiring to bed at night.

• For hair

There are probably no such hair problems in this world that tea tree oil cannot solve! Hair lice is a big menace that school and college girls are the most vulnerable to and you can get rid of lice by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with your regular shampoo or to your daily oil routine.

Dandruff and itchy scalp is another huge problem with people having dry skin. It leads to tremendous hair-fall which if not treated in time, can lead to baldness and infection. Mix drops of tea tree oil with aloe-vera gel and apply liberally to your scalp and leave it over-night. Rinse it off with shampoo the next morning.

Did you know tea tree oil promotes hair growth? Hell yeah! Hence next time you oil your hair, don’t forget to add 3-4 drops of this amazing oil to your regular carrier oil (almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil) and massage your scalp with this mixture at length.

• For cleaning

Tea tree oil with all its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties is one of the best cleaning and sanitizing agents without the side-effects of any harmful chemical.

Tip- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil along with water, vinegar and lemon essential oils and use it as your home made cleaner. Or simply, use it as a hand sanitizer.

• For toenail fungus

Toenail fungus, although affects mostly adults can happen to people of any age due to unhygienic habits. Tea tree oil has anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties making it often the natural choice when it comes to treating toenail fungus, ringworm and athlete’s foot. However, if problems turn severe consider consulting a doctor.

Tip – Take clean cotton and dab it into the oil. Apply liberally on the affected area. This is a slow process and would require you to apply it daily for straight 30 days.

• As a make-up remover

 Wondering how one single thing can be a solution to practically everything? Well, thank Captain James Cook for that! This amazing oil works as a make-up remover without causing any harm due to unnecessary chemicals.

Tip – Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a quarter cup of canola oil and viola! Your make up remover is ready!

• To reduce body odor

Have you ever been in an embarrassing situation when you just forgot to carry that regular deodorant bottle and people are noticing you for the wrong reasons? Well then the solution is here! And most importantly, there is no excess compulsion of carrying it along with you! The anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil can reduce body odor to a great extent by killing the odor-causing bacteria present in the covered areas of your body such as your under arms.

Tip- Add a few drops of essential oil with a little amount of water and rub your underarms gently with it. Then wash off with water. Do this regularly to have maximum benefits.

• Treats bad breath and maintains good oral health

Tea tree oil kills bacteria and soothes inflamed skin, which is why it is often the primary thing that goes into making a home-made mouthwash or toothpaste. Also, incidences of teeth decay and bleeding gums have been seen to reduce on the application of tea tree oil.

Tip- Mix coconut oil and baking soda with tea tree oil to make the home-made tea tree oil toothpaste for your family. Or, you can simply add a few drops of it in a cup of clean water and rinse your mouth with it in the morning and at night after you brush your teeth.

So, we are at the end of the tea tree oil saga! I have tried to inform you about the benefits that I know about and the ways of using the oil that I have mentioned, are the ones that have benefited most people. If you have discovered any new and innovative way of using this oil or any other use of it, then do share in the comment section below for me as well as for everybody to know. Also, do let me know if tea tree oil has benefited you in any way! Feedbacks are welcomed!