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Tea Tree Oil Uses

The information contained herein is intended for reference only, and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and true. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, or be a substitute for professional medical services. If conditions persist or worsen discontinue use and seek professional medical attention immediately. Any claims made have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Although I've been using essential oils for some 30 years now, only in recent years did I become aware of the incredible therapeutic qualities of Tea Tree Oil, the steam – distilled essence of Melaleuca alternafolia. For centuries, the aboriginal people of Australia have been using it to treat many different ailments, from the common cold to nail fungus! Captain Cook allegedly called it "the tea tree" after observing the aborigines making a therapeutic tea from the leaves (Another version of that story says his men gathered leaves from the melaleuca trees and made tea from them). According to the Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide,1 a lot of research was done on tea tree oil by the medical community during the early 1900’s, before the advent of "wonder drugs", patent – medicines like penicillin. Tea tree oil was found to be 13 times stronger than carbolic acid (considered to be the universal standard for antiseptics at that time). During World War II tea tree oil was considered so important that producers were exempted from war service until the military had sufficient quantity in stock. The oil was a standard issue in Army and Navy first aid kits, for units in tropical regions. It was even added to machine oil to prevent infections from metal splinters! The uses seem to be endless - here's a few I'd like to share with you:
Tea Tree Oil Uses Table
Whenever I’m suffering from inflamed sinuses and the accompanying sinus headache, I fill a small bowl with very hot, steaming water, and add 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil (and occasionally a small amount of menthol crystal). I then lean over the bowl and use my cupped hands to direct the vapors toward my mouth and nose. Then, very slowly and carefully, I inhale, moving away from the bowl if the vapors get too concentrated. Several long, slow inhalations through my nose are usually what it takes to completely clear out my sinuses and ease the pain. For coughs and sore throats, in I inhale the vapors slowly through my mouth (keep mouth opened wide). Other essences such as Eucalyptus radiata can be added (in small amounts) to the tea tree oil, to enhance its actions. When treating a cold, I also increase my intake of vitamin C to 1 1/2 grams per day, divided into three doses of 500 mg each, taken morning, afternoon, and at night, before bed. Zinc lozenges and vitamins A & D will also shorten the duration of the cold.
Tea tree oil can be applied to the gums to temporarily relieve a toothache (although it's not a substitute for the dentist), and it works wonders for gum disease (add 2 - 3 drops to the toothpaste on your toothbrush). A member of my family recently discovered how well it works for relieving pain and swelling after having her wisdom teeth removed (using a drop on her finger, she applied it to her gums several times a day). A few drops in a small amount of water can also be used as a mouthwash/gargle for gum and throat ailments (if you don't like the taste of tea tree oil you can add a few drops to a small amount of commercial mouthwash).
Tea tree oil can also be very useful when treating acne, cuts, scratches and scrapes. It can be applied neat (undiluted), right from the bottle, and it’s solvent – like characteristics help to wash away oily ground - in dirt (great for treating "road - rash"). It stings much less than other antiseptics, and will usually prevent infection if applied several times a day. Using a salve that contains tea tree oil, vitamin E and nourishing vegetable oils (such as Calendula / Olive Oil Infusion) not only prevents infection but also promotes rapid healing with minimal scarring 2.
- Dan Bucciano, Proprietor, Accent Botanicals Co.
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Tea Tree Oil Uses Table

N

Use neat (pure, undiluted) Tea Tree Oil, applied directly to skin. Although allergic reactions are not common, it's probably a good idea to test a small area first. If redness or rash develops or worsens, discontinue use.

V

Vaporize 5 - 10 drops Tea Tree Oil in a bowl of steaming water. Use towel to make "tent" over head to confine vapors, and inhale slowly, moving away from bowl if vapors become too strong. Repeat 3 - 5 times.

S

Use as a mouthwash / gargle - add 3 - 5 drops Tea Tree Oil to 1/2 cup water and shake well before each use, or add to commercial mouthwash, approx. 1 drop per 1 ounce of mouthwash. DO NOT SWALLOW!

O

Mix 1 part Tea Tree Oil with 5 - 10 parts Olive, Avocado or other vegetable oil, and a few drops of vitamin E. Use when diluted essence is desired. Can be used as a lotion for dry skin.

Ailment

Method

Application

Acne

N

Apply with cotton swap or fingertip twice daily

Blocked nasal or sinus passages

V

Slowly inhale vapors through nose

Boils

N

Apply with cotton swap or fingertip three times daily

Bronchial Congestion

N

Use 5 - 10 drops oil on warm, wet washcloth placed onto chest

Cold Sores, Canker Sores

N

Apply to affected area with cotton swab twice daily

Coughs, Congestion

V/O

Slowly inhale vapors. Rub oil onto chest and back

Dandruff, Itchy scalp

N

Add 10 - 20 drops to shampoo. Lather for 2 minutes before rinsing

Gingivitis

N/S

Rub gums with oil. Swish mouth with solution 3 times daily

Hives

N

Apply to affected area, or use tea tree lotion, as needed

Leg Ulcers

N

Apply with cotton swap or fingertip twice daily

Mouth and Nasal Ulcers

N

Apply to affected area with cotton swab twice daily

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, rashes including jock itch

N

Soak a gauze pad with Witch Hazel, add 5 - 10 drops tea tree oil, and dab on affected area, or just apply neat oil.

Sore Gums, Bad Breath, Plaque

S/N

Use water solution as mouthwash. Use 2 drops oil on toothbrush

Sore Throat

S/V

Gargle with water solution. Slowly inhale vapors to soothe throat

Toothache

N

Apply to gum around tooth - See a dentist as soon as possible!
Information sources:
The Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide by Cynthia Olsen, (ISBN 1-890941-01-8);
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless (ISBN 1-85230-721-8)