Tea-Tree Oil For Bug Repellent And Almost Everything Else!
Tea Tree oil, which is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, has been used by the Australian aborigines for centuries as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment. In recent years, many countries have embraced it as an alternative to synthetic medicines.
Not only will this potent liquid cure you of all fungal problems on your body, but it is also great as an insect repellent for both you and your garden.
Here are a few other ailments of this incredible oil treats:
- Dandruff
- Athletes’ foot
- Jock itch
- Nail fungus
- Insect bites
- Acne
- Ringworm
- Bee Stings
- Boils
- Cold sores
- Gum disease
Always use this oil with caution. It is very strong and has been known to cause rashes in some people. If you use it on your skin, always dilute it with another essential oil such as jojoba. If used to repel insects in your garden, please be sure not to spray directly on plants as it can burn them and be sure to always dilute it before spraying.
This oil is toxic if ingested. Be very careful when using around domestic animals and when using as an antiseptic in your mouth.
I also think it is important to call attention to a study that suggests that Tea Tree oil and lavender oil may cause Gynecomastia in prepubescent boys when used in excess. Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic for more information http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tea-tree-oil/AN01555. The study found that it only occurred in 3 boys, so it is not really conclusive. It is important, however, to provide all the information, so people can develop an informed opinion.
Tea Tree oil is a great multipurpose treatment to use on a number of ailments. Whether you are looking to repel insects in your garden or if you are looking to clear up your acne, tea tree oil is a great alternative.
If you are looking for more information on tea tree oil please check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tea-tree-oil/NS_patient-teatreeoil.
Another great source to learn more about Tea Tree Oil is http://www.teatreewonders.com/.
Posted: June 16th, 2008 under Green Lifestyle, Home Remedies, Organic Gardening, Pest Control.
Comments: 15
Comments
Comment from fractal
Time: June 18, 2008, 3:20 am
Truly, a wonder of nature.
We are never without it in our home.
Additional suggestions:
A few drops in a small pot of boiling water, wrap a towel around head and breathe steam to rid oneself of respiratory infection.
A couple drops on a tampon to treat yeast infection
Add tea tree oil to a light, organic shampoo to treat dandruff and balding caused by oily scalp
A dab or two behind the ears, just because it smells nice as a cologne or perfume!
Comment from Simon Slade
Time: June 18, 2008, 3:36 am
Dandruff??? How is it meant to work for this? Just tip a bottle on it on your head or what?
Would love to know please.
Thanks
Simon Slade
Comment from Kyle
Time: June 18, 2008, 3:38 am
Poisonous if ingested? What about tea tree chewing sticks? http://www.amazon.com/Thursday-Plantation-Australian-Chewing-Sticks/dp/B0001U1YB8
I go through a few packs a year….
Am I in graaaaaaave danger?
Comment from Thom
Time: June 18, 2008, 4:16 am
There is a shampoo with it in it…white bottle…black lettering…sold only at a saloon…I think it is Paul Mitchel or something like that…works great on dandruff…you can feel a tingle on your scalp like nothing else…does the same if you use it as body wash…
Comment from tea tree rocks
Time: June 18, 2008, 4:59 am
teatree oil is really good for protecting your pet from flees.
i got a fabric collar and added a few drops of teatree oil and citrus oil to the collar,then soak in hotwater for a while dry and your own natural flee collar.
Teatree is also very good for cuts.
Comment from Rip Van Winkle
Time: June 18, 2008, 5:14 am
Wow, that is so totally cool. Well written!
JT
Comment from Merriwyn
Time: June 18, 2008, 6:00 am
It can also be used to treat head lice (pour it on you hair but be careful not to get it in your eyes).
Comment from Merriwyn
Time: June 18, 2008, 6:04 am
I don’t know if tea tree oil has the same effect, but eucalyptus oil can be really useful for removing glues and other wierd sticky substances from tricky surfaces easily (I once used it to get dried Jelly of the cover of a book someone had put in the returns chute).
Comment from Doug
Time: June 18, 2008, 6:32 am
Just a word of caution, tea tree oil can be deadly for hedgehogs, and I would imagine other small animals. Do not use it if you have/handle such pets.
Comment from brendon
Time: June 18, 2008, 6:57 am
It also works really well to remove genital warts. Just be consistent about it for about 3-4 weeks and they’re gone!
Comment from line dance girl
Time: June 18, 2008, 10:44 am
Tea tree oil is what they told me to use after I got my belly button pierced if it got funky - and it did - and I used it - it worked!
Comment from Ryan
Time: June 18, 2008, 1:51 pm
Just wanted to add that it is a known cure for oral thrush as well and can really help angular chelitis. As mentioned above though, do not ingest it.
Comment from Tansy
Time: June 18, 2008, 2:27 pm
ALWAYS DILUTE TEA TREE OIL!!!! IT WILL SEEP INTO THE BODY SYSTEMICALLY AND CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE IF USED UNDILUTED DIRECTLY ON THE SKIN OR SCALP.
Comment from Heather
Time: June 18, 2008, 5:11 pm
My mom is an office manager for the company Tea Tree Therapy. They sell a great product! Their oil is specially packaged in amber bottles. You should never buy tea tree oil in a clear bottle because light diminishes it’s effectiveness.
It is perfectly safe to put it on your body and to use inside your mouth as with the toothpick product or toothpaste.
Comment from ksc23
Time: June 26, 2008, 8:24 am
I use an astringent with Tea Tree oil and lavender for acne and I was so disappointed to find that Whole Foods no longer carries it…they said Tea Tree Inc. no longer sells it. I am going to order it online, but I don’t understand why they would stop making it. It is one of the few things that has consistently helped my skin, while not drying it out. Tea Tree rocks!
(ps- the woman whose mother works at Tea Tree inc. should mention that the product has gone missing on Whole Foods shelves-thx)
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