Essential Oils Have Been Used for Centuries
Tea Tree Oil was first “discovered” by Captain James Cook when made his famous trip around the world. Upon landing in Australia in 1775, Captain Cook used the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree to brew a spicy and refreshing tea. This is where the common name “tea tree” comes from. Since that time, this oil has become a standard in many households for its diverse uses. Here are 10 uses for tea tree essential oil to help kick start you towards integrating this versatile oil into your routine.
10 Uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil
Nail Serum
Treat dry, brittle nails and cuticles to this softening nail serum.
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
8 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil
Combine in a roller bottle and top off with fractionated coconut oil.
Hair Tonic
Tea tree essential oil is great for stimulating the scalp and nourishing the scalp and hair. Additionally, it is mildly astringent for extra cleansing. Try my favorite DIY Hair Tonic recipe.
Cracked Heel Relief
Summer often leaves feet dry and parched. As a result, we often end up with painful (and unsightly) cracked heels. Mix up a batch of this Summertime Foot Scrub to gently scrub away dry skin. Your feet will thank you!
Blemish Buster
Terpinen-4-ol is the primary chemical constituent of tea tree essential oil. Since it is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, terpinin-4-ol may be an effective treatment for blemishes on the skin. Apply a dab of tea tree to blemishes or try my favorite skin-supporting toner recipe.
Shoe Freshener
Simply place a few drops of tea tree essential oil on some cotton balls and place in shoes.
Diaper Pail Deodorizer
Mix up a spray bottle of water with a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Frequently spritz to keep that diaper pail smelling fresh and clean. Don’t forget to shake before each use!
Clean Your Washing Machine
A stinky washing machine is a signal that it may be time to give your washer a good washing of its own. This study points to the amazing cleansing properties of tea tree because of its ability to tackle lots of different stinky offenders.
2 cups of vinegar
1 cup of baking soda
20 drops of tea tree essential oil
Add all ingredients to your washer and run it on the hottest cycle. When cycle completes, use a wash rag to wipe clean. Finally, use an old toothbrush to clean nooks, crannies, and under the rubber seal.
Yoga Mat Cleaner
1 cup water
1/4 cup witch hazel or vinegar
6 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops citrus (orange, lemon, tangerine, etc.) essential oil
Combine in a spray bottle. Spritz yoga mat and wipe clean.
Yoni Steaming
Vaginal steaming, sometimes called v-steaming or yoni steaming, is a treatment that has been practiced by many cultures in Africa, Asia, and Central America for centuries. Because of the purported cleansing and healing benefits, yoni steaming is becoming popular in the U.S. and other countries. Women who support this practice claim that the benefits include:
- Cleansing, purifying, and detoxification of labia and vagina
- Relief from yeast infections
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle
- Reduced pain and bloating associated with menstruation
- Decrease in menstrual flow
- Healing of hemorrhoids
- Increased fertility
- Healing of the reproductive system after birth
- Release of stored emotions
Traditionally, yoni steaming is done by sitting over a pot of steaming water for about 30 minutes while the steam gently permeates the skin. Dried herbs or essential oils can be added to the water as desired. Because of its cleansing and purifying properties, tea tree essential oil makes an excellent choice for this practice.
Not sure yoni steaming is for you? Do your research! Some women love the practice and find many benefits, while others disagree with the practice. Ultimately, you have to decide what is best for yourself.
Number 2 Spray
Tea tree oil is fantastic for neutralizing offensive odors. For this reason, it makes an excellent bathroom deodorizer. Make a simple Number 2 spray to keep in the bathroom.
2 tablespoons witch hazel
10 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops Clove essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a 4 oz. glass spray bottle. Fill remainder of bottle with distilled water. Spritz generously as needed.
Tea Tree Essential Oil has so Many Uses
These are just 10 ways you can use tea tree oil. Since it is so versatile, there are dozens of other ways to enjoy this oil and put it to use. What are your favorite uses for tea tree essential oil?
Love these Top 10 Lists? Check out more great ideas for using peppermint, lavender, lemon, cinnamon bark, and ginger essential oils.
