Tea Tree Oil: Natural Healing Properties & Uses

Aromatic tea tree leaves have been used for medicinal purposes by the aboriginal peoples of Australia since ancient times. The oil of the tea tree is a natural disinfectant and strengthens the immune system, so it promotes healing as it keeps wounds like boils, cuts and insect bites clean.

Acne

• Before you go to bed, wash your face, then apply tea tree oil on acne problem areas with a Q-tip. Let it soak into your skin overnight and wash it off in the morning.

Lice

• You can get rid of lice on both humans and pets by adding ten drops of tea tree oil to a bottle of shampoo and shampooing daily. Rinse, and follow up with a little more oil rubbed into the skin to kill eggs before they hatch. Clean brushes, combs and bedding with a solution containing a few drops of the oil. Do not bathe pets on a daily basis for longer than necessary, as bathing removes natural oils and promotes skin problems.

Congestion

• Fill a medium-sized bowl with boiling water and add two or three drops of the oil. Lean your face over the bowl, put a towel over your head and inhale the steam for approximately ten minutes to help break up congestion.

Diaper

• Mix together equal parts of tea tree oil and water in a small bowl. Soak a washcloth in it, and gently press the cloth to the area affected with diaper rash.

Vaginal Hygeine

• Women with yeast infections or chronic vaginosis can prepare a natural douche of two cups of water with 1 tsp. tea tree oil. Use the douche every day for six weeks to kill the bacteria that are causing the odor or the infection.

Sunburn

• Soak a cotton swab in the oil and wipe it directly on your skin as needed to cool it off and reduce the discomfort of sunburn.