Tea Tree Oil – melaleuca alternafolia

First Aid in A Bottle

Compiled by : Herbal Lore/Legend Contributor - Claudette

This is not an endorsement or recommendation for medicinal use.  Only informatin for you to use in your own best judgment consulting with your health practictioner.

    If you are looking for remedies, including recipes on how to make, for any of following conditons then here is a very excellent compendium of ingredients compiled by one of our regular contributors to the herbfest blog.

    Conditons: medicinal salves, medicinal spray, acne cleanser, cold sores, dandruff, dermatitis, dry hair, itchy scalp, earaches, eczema, foot odor, body odor, gingivitis, gout, jock itch, leeches, lice, poison ivy, scabies, seborrhea, thrush, tinea, nail infections

Test Tea Tree Oil before using by rubbing gently the soft portion of the inside of your elbow and wait approximately 22 minutes.  If there is any reaction dilute the Tea Tree Oil with a carrier oil like Olive Oil.

Do not use undiluted oil on the skin of babies. Dilute with cold-pressed oils such as "Olive, Apricot, Almond or Avocado Oil" before putting on babies skin.

Always keep Tea Tree Oil in amber colored bottles and out of direct sunlight. "never plastic bottles."  Cap should be tightly closed to avoid evaporation.   Shelf life is 2-3 years when properly stored.

Best Tea Tree Oil Recipes Made in Advance

Tea Tree Salve

1 cup Olive Oil
1 ounce Beeswax
240 drops Tea Tree Oil

Place the oil and beeswax in a pint mason jar and place in a pan filled with several cups of water. Heat until the beeswax is melted, stirring to mix well. Once the beeswax is completely melted stir in the Tea Tree Oil. Pour into small salve containers. Store any excess salve in the refrigerator until needed. Tip: You could use a double boiler to melt the wax and oil. I prefer melting the mixture in the mason jar so that I can also store my salve in that jar and avoid having to clean a messy pan.

Antiseptic Skin Spray

4 ounces Witch Hazel
2 teaspoons 190 proof Ethyl Alcohol (if available)
60 drops Tea Tree Oil

Dissolve the Tea Tree Oil in the ethyl alcohol and then stir into the witch hazel. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on minor cuts and scratches. Tip: You can skip the ethyl alcohol - its main purpose is to help the Tea Tree Oil dissolve and mix better into the solution. If you do not want to use the ethyl alcohol shaking very well before each use will be necessary.

Cleanser for Acne

1/4 cup Witch Hazel
1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
10 drops Tea Tree Oil

Apply cleanser with a cotton ball. Use 2 -3 times a day as needed. Tea Tree Oil can effectively help reduce acne inflammation. It works slower than benzyl peroxide lotions but it is gentler on the skin.

Best Tea Tree Oil Remedies

Abrasions & Minor Cuts: Clean area well! Apply Tea Tree Oil full strength to area.

ACNE:  Acne is an extended case of the ordinary pimple. Both are the result of oil glands blocked by the overgrowth of bacteria. Several things may activate this common adolescent problem. Sometimes, adults experience this condition, but in less severe cases because of changes in body chemistry during menstruation or after childbirth. Stress and illogical eating habits can also encourage acne.

Apply a comfortably hot wet washcloth to the face to open the pores. This allows the Tea Tree Oil to increase its effectiveness. Apply Tea Tree Oil directly to the area of infection approximately every two hours.

If you use a facial wash, add 60 drops of Tea Tree Oil to facial wash, apply twice daily.

After Shave or Waxing: Add Tea Tree Oil onto razor blade before shaving. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1 Tbs of aloe vera gel. Smooth over area. Or add one ounce pure Tea Tree Oil to two ounces of vegetable glycerin. Shake Well. Add one ounce of water. Shake well again. This mixture can be used safely as an after shave.

Arthritis: An inflammation of the joints which can cause extreme pain and become debilitating in its advanced stages.

Mix a couple of drops of liquid  Tea Tree Oil with your care cream add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 2 ounces of Jojoba or Grapeseed Oil; massage into affected area 2-3 times a day. The natural ability of Tea Tree Oil to penetrate and desensitize irritated nerve endings provides excellent relief for minor arthritic pain.

Asthma: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to a warm damp face cloth and breathe through it for one minute. For best results repeat daily.

Athletes Foot: A condition caused by fungus and not necessarily limited to the foot. It usually begins between the third and fourth toe and spreads to the little toe. If not checked, it may extend to the underside of the foot, beginning with the arch. Exacerbated by warmth and moisture, sweaty socks and hot tennis shoes are favorable breeding grounds. Hence, the name. It can be distinguished by itchy skin and is often accompanied by peeling of the top layers of skin.

Clean feet thoroughly, paying particular attention to the area between the toes, using soap. Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil to affected area Or add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to ½ ounce of Olive Oil. Massage on feet and between toes. Repeat every day for 2 weeks. If condition does not show signs of improvement or if condition worsens, consult a physician.

Bad Breath: Bad breath can result from the foods we have ingested such as onions or garlic, etc. Sometimes, bad breath is the result of bacterial activity in the mouth. Other forms stem from stagnant breath, as when tobacco has permeated the lung. Still other forms are intestinal in nature and result from bacterial activity in the stomach.

To help kill odor causing bacteria, add a few (2 to 3) additional drops of liquid Tea Tree Oil to the Breath and Throat Spray.  This aids in relieving odors, which arise from the intestinal tract.

Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil on toothe brush and brush with baking soda. Do Not Swallow!

Bath Salts: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1/2 cup bath salt and then apply to water.

Bedsores: For a bedridden person. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to one Tbs. of Almond or Olive Oil. and massage in affected parts of the body.

Bladder Infection: It is important to keep the Urethra clean. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 4 ounces of purified or distilled water and wash area thoroughly. Add 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil to bath. 10. Blisters: Wash area with soap and water. Apply several drops of Tea Tree Oil 2 times daily.

Blisters: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly on blister. Add rap with sterile, non-stick bandage.

Body Mist: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to several drops of Rose Oil, to one tsp. of Jojoba Oil.

Boils & Inflammations: These inflammations caused by the staphylococcus bacteria can result in nodules ranging from 8 to 30 millimeters in diameter. Most are located on the face, neck, breast or buttocks. Multiple boils or clusters are called carbuncles. Generally developing more slowly than a single boil, carbuncles tend to cover a broader area of the skin and the infection may extend deeper into the skin tissues. They may cause a fever and even temporary disability. If fever is present, consult your physician immediately.

Clean the area with soap. A comfortably hot washcloth should be held to the area for a couple of minutes. Follow with straight Tea Tree Oil to the infected area, every 2 hours, for one week.  See a physician, if no improvement is visible after 3 days. If fever is present consult a Physician immediately.

Bronchitis - Bronchial Congestion: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to a warm, damp cloth; apply to chest or add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to a hot bath and soak. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to cream or oil and massage infected area.

Bruises: Apply ice if swelling occurs, add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to an Arnica or Comfrey salve. Apply daily!

Burns: For treatment of minor burns only. Serious burns can lead to infections and other complications and should be treated by a physician.

Immediately flush the area with ice-cold water. Pat dry. Apply straight Tea Tree Oil to area.  Repeat about every 4 hours until tissue has healed.  If a large burn or charring of the skin occurs, contact a physician immediately. For a salve, mix several drops of Tea Tree Oil with several ounces raw unpasteurized honey.

Calluses & Corns: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to one teaspoon Grapeseed, Apricot, Olive, Almond or Avocado Oil. Massage area well, or soak in mixture of several drops Tea Tree Oil, 1/2 ounce Grapeseed, Apricot, Olive, Almond or Avocado Oil for 5 minutes, 2 times daily. Once the corn or calluses have become soft remove with tweezers and apply a few drops of Tea Tree Oil, then cover with bandage.

Canker Sores: Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil directly to infected area with a cotton swab twice daily. Add several drops to 1 cup of water, swish around in mouth. Caution: Do Not Swallow.

Carbuncles: Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to cotton swab and apply directly to carbuncle. Repeat twice daily.

Chapped Lips: Add several drops Tea Tree Oil to lip balm or moisturizing cream. Add apply to lips as necessary.

Chicken Pox: This common childhood disease is usually initiated by the same virus that causes shingles in adults.  Common symptoms are itching, red rash and vesicles on the chest and arms. Chicken Pox can cause severe scarring if left untreated.  Tea Tree Oil reduces itching, which can lead to scratching and later infection.

Apply Tea Tree Oil to vesicles. Allow to remain for about 15 minutes. Rinse area with warm water and pat dry. Apply Silk and Satin body lotion to entire area. Repeat about every 6 hours until rash and vesicles disappear.

Chigger: This dermatitis is caused by an infestation of mite larvae. Normally picked up by walking through mite infested grass, chiggers are particularly common in the southern states. They can result in somewhat painful eruptions on the feet and legs. Oftentimes, it can take several days after the initial contact with the mite for these eruptions to show.

Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil directly to area to disinfect.

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex 1): These unsightly blemishes are a result of the herpes simplex virus. The clear fluid-filled eruptions generally form inside the lip, on the roof of the mouth or just outside the mouth on the lips. Because antibodies are developed with age, this potentially painful disorder is experienced primarily by children.  Cold sores may be precipitated by allergies, brushing teeth or metabolic changes in the body, due to stress, menstrual cycles, antibiotics, eating too much acidic food, etc. Normally, they will go into remission after about one week, clearing completely in about 10 days. However, they may be extremely painful during the interim period. In many cases, following the recommended use of  Tea Tree Oil has reduced this period by as much as one half. It is important that you catch the problem when it first arises.

Using a cotton swab, dab liquid Tea Tree Oil on the lesion as soon as it is noticed. The lesion should either disappear, if caught early enough, or come to a full head. If this happens, continue to apply Tea Tree Oil approximately every two hours.

Coughs: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 4-6 cups warm water. Drape towel over head and lean over warm water for 10 minutes, "gently inhale". Add several drops Tea Tree Oil to vaporizer, steam for 5-10 minutes.

Cuts: For use on minor cuts only. Serious cuts can lead to further complications and should be treated by a physician immediately.

Clean all foreign matter out of the wound.  Apply Tea Tree Oil to the area. This will act as an invisible bandage while the Tea Tree Oil eliminates the bacteria, which can lead to infection.

Dandruff: This exceedingly common skin affliction of modern man is thought to be the result of harsh chemicals and frequent washing of the hair. Both upset skin's natural balance.

Add one drop of liquid Tea Tree Oil to shampoo in hand prior to washing hair.

Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to any shampoo; use daily or alternate with another shampoo. Rub a few drops of Tea Tree Oil directly into the scalp. Or use several drops of Tea Tree Oil in your shampoo in hand prior to washing hair. This will help unblock the hair follicles. Repeat process every other day for ten days.

Dermatitis: An inflammation or irritation of the skin. May be the result of improper nutrition, mild allergies or environmental conditions.

Apply straight solution of pure Tea Tree Oil and/or add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to ¼ cup Grapeseed Oil and massage in areas that have been exposed. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Consult a physician if the condition persists.

Diabetic Gangrene: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1/2 ounce of lotion. Massage onto infected area.

Douche: Add one ounce pure Tea Tree Oil to two ounces of vegetable glycerin. Shake Well. Add one ounce of water. Shake well again.

Dry Hair, Oily Hair & Itchy Scalp: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly onto hair strands; massage into scalp.

Dry Skin: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to one ounce Carrot Seed or Sweet Almond Oil. Massage in to skin.

Earaches: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1/4 cup of warm Olive Oil. Drop a small amount gently into ear, tilting head to one side for a minute. Use small cotton ball to absorb oil. Repeat until improved.

Earlobe Cysts: Bacteria can be trapped between the tissue of the earlobe, causing a cyst. These cysts are similar to pimples, but they never come to a pustulated head.

Apply a small amount of liquid Tea Tree Oil to both the front and back of the earlobe. To increase its effectiveness, use a warm washcloth to open pores prior to applying Tea Tree Oil.

Ear Infection: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1/4 cup warm olive or almond oil, drop a small amount gently into the ear.

Eczema: Add several drops Tea Tree Oil to 1/4 cup of Grapeseed Oil, massage in areas that have been exposed. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

Emphysema: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 3-4 cups warm water. Drape towel over head and lean over warm water for 10 minutes or you may add several drops Tea Tree Oil to a vaporizer, steam for 5-10 minutes.

Flea Bites: To disinfect bite add several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly to area of bite. Repeat every 2 hours or until swelling and itching has disappeared. Remember to use a moisturizer with any repeated application of Tea Tree Oil.

Fly Bites: (Deer, Horse, Cow, etc.) Apply Tea Tree Oil directly to the specific area of the bite. Repeat application every two hours until swelling and itching has disappeared. Remember to use a moisturizer with any repeated application of Tea Tree Oil.

Foot Odor (Bromidrosis): Foot odor is not necessarily a condition resulting from poor hygiene. It can also be caused by bacteria.  Many people who suffer from foot odor could wash their feet twice a day to no avail. To relieve this condition, the bacteria which causes the odor must be eliminated.

Soak feet in a solution of Tea Tree Oil, after having it dissolved in with your shampoo, and warm water.  Repeat daily for approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

Gingivitis: This inflammation is detectable by sore and bleeding gums. It results from bacteria and other microorganisms located between the tooth shaft and the supporting gum tissue. If not checked, this condition may lead to inflammation of the connecting bone tissue and possible tooth loss.

Brush teeth a minimum of 2 times daily using 1 drop of   Tea Tree Oil mixed with your toothpaste. Floss afterward. Rinse well with your mouthwash and some drops of Tea Tree Oil.  Using a toothpick, check the gum line around any inflamed area for larger particles of food or debris, which may be precipitating the problem. Follow by rubbing a small amount of liquid Tea Tree Oil directly on the inflammation.

Gout: For swelling, add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 2 ounces of Jojoba or Grapeseed Oil; massage into affected area 2-3 times a day.

Hair Conditioner: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to one Tbs. Olive Oil then add one whipped egg. Apply conditioner for 5-10 minutes, rinse.

Hair Rinse: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil into 32 ounces of water.

Head Cold: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 4 cups water, drape towel over pot of warm solution and inhale. At night add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to a vaporizer. Also rub on nose and forehead areas.

Head Lice: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to one ounce shampoo. Massage into hair, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse; repeat once a day until eggs and lice are gone.

Hemorrhoids: Are varicosities of the veins located in the anal canal opening. Common symptoms are swelling, bleeding and pain. Hemorrhoids can be brought about by factors such as constipation, pregnancy and prolonged periods of sitting on hard or cold surfaces. Stress can also be a contributor.  Generally, hemorrhoids will go away by themselves as the base of the problem is relieved. Adding more fiber to the diet, drinking more water, eliminating stress, and adjusting seating arrangements can usually provide such relief. When the primary aggravation is removed, the blood, which causes the hemorrhoidal swelling will be reabsorbed into the system. The swelling generally disappears.  Occasionally, severe cases can lead to more than simple discomfort, by strangulating tissue in the rectal area, and possibly leading to gangrene.

Mix Tea Tree Oil with a hair cream   and sponge solution gently on hemorrhoid area. Allow to stand for about 5 to 10 minutes. Dry. Repeat process morning and night for approximately a week to ten days. If no improvement is seen within two weeks, consult a physician.

Herpes Lesions: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil with one capsule of Vitamin E. Apply 2 times daily. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. You can also add several drops of Tea Tree Oil in bath water; or Sitz bath: several drops of Tea Tree Oil and one tsp aloe gel, soak well.

Hives: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 2 ounces of witch hazel. Massage infected area.

Insect bites & Stings: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly onto area of bite or sting to disinfect and to reduce swelling.

Ingrown Hair: This results from a hair that has not grown beyond the skin's surface, but folds back under the surface and begins to grow inwardly. Bacterial growth around the hair shaft causes a sometimes painful eruption below the skin.

Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil to the specific area of infection. Continue applications every two hours until signs of infection have disappeared. Consult a physician if condition persists.

Jock Itch: This results from a variety of microorganisms, which will usually form lesions around the genital and crotch areas. Jock Itch can become extremely irritating, as it leads to itching and eventually to secondary infections. This condition can be extremely persistent and become chronic. Like most fungus, Jock Itch is inclined to establish itself in moist warm areas and under tightly enclosed areas i.e., jock straps. Jock itch is more likely to appear during the summer months.

Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil lightly to entire area, paying particular attention to lesions. Cover area with a care cream to reduce the drying effects of the oil. If irritation persists or if a rash occurs, discontinue treatment and consult your physician.

Leeches: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil with any natural insect repellent. Also apply several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly onto the leech, and the leech should remove itself.

Lice: Infestation of head lice is common where mixed groups of individuals are in close quarters for extended periods of time. Although they are generally called head lice (pediculosis capitus), they may be found on other areas of the body's trunk (p. corporis) or in the genital area (p. pubis). The louse survives by puncturing the skin and eating the blood that rises to the skin's surface. These bites can be extremely painful and cause children to itch, which leads to serious secondary infections.

Lice move from victim to victim via the exchange of hats, combs, brushes, and clothing. The louse is visible under a small magnifying glass. Plump grayish white eggs of the louse affix themselves to the hair shaft and are difficult to displace. Because head lice hatches after about one week, they can multiply very rapidly.

The most common treatment for this problem has been the use of such toxic substances as lindane (an active ingredient in Kwell) is a known carcinogen shown to cause mutations and cancer in animals.  Regardless of its toxicity, it is still being prescribed. Over the past several years, doctors familiar with the use of Tea Tree Oil have had equally impressive results from this natural remedy-with none of the side effects.

Massage a capful of liquid Tea Tree Oil directly into the hair and scalp. Wrap the hair in a hot towel and allow to stand for approximately 10 minutes. This will ensure that the vapors of the oil permeate all areas of the scalp. Follow by washing the hair in with your regular Shampoo mixed with Tea Tree Oil. To prevent reinfestation, wash clothing and bedding very carefully.

Mosquito Bites: Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil directly to the specific area of the bite. Repeat application every two hours until swelling and itching has disappeared. Remember to use a moisturizer with any repeated application of Tea Tree Oil.

Mouth Wash: add one ounce pure Tea Tree Oil to two ounces of vegetable glycerin. Shake Well. Add one ounce of water. Shake well again. Do not swallow.

Nail Fungus: An inflammation of the tissue around the nails, resulting from yeast (fungus) of the Candida strain. Bacteria such as Proteus or Pseudimonas may enter through a break in the skin tissue caused by overexposure to water, chemicals or manicuring. Untreated, this fungus may extend under the nail and even into the muscle and tendons. Distortion of the nail often occurs in extended cases of this problem.

Apply liquid  Tea Tree Oil directly to the nail and surrounding tissue. Repeat this treatment daily for one week, even though signs of infection may go away after 3 to 4 days.

Pimples: Apply a medium warm wet washcloth to the face to open the pores. This allows the Tea Tree Oil to increase its effectiveness. Apply Tea Tree Oil directly to the area of infection approximately every two hours.

Plantar Warts: This common wart, usually located on the sole of the foot, can become quite tender when pressure is applied. Plantar warts can be distinguished from corns and calluses by their pinpoint bleeding when the cap is shaved away.

Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil to specific area daily. Apply a cream to the area to decrease and soften cornified tissues around the wart.

Poison Ivy/Oak & Sumac: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 3 Tbs of baking soda and rub onto affected area. Rap with gauze. Apply 2-3 times daily.

Psoriasis: Often severe and sometimes recurring, this disease of the skin is easily discernible by its silvery gray patches of scaling skin. Varying in size from one or two lesions to massive dermatosis, the exact cause remains a mystery. Symptomatic relief can be achieved by a variety of means. The thick scaling is the result of an increased rate of epidermal cell proliferation. Although psoriasis may reveal itself anywhere on the body, it is often located on the scalp, elbows, knees, the back and the buttocks.

Bathe using your shower and shave gel mixed with Tea Tree Oil followed by a direct application of Tea Tree Oil on more severe areas.

Ringworm: Fungi causes this contagious disease of the skin, hair and nails. Ringworm can occur in man or domestic animals and is characterized by ring-shaped discolored patches of skin that are covered with vesicles and scales.

Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil directly to the area of the fungus. Reapply approximately every 8 hours.

Scabies: An itch mite, known as Sarcoptes scabiei, instigates this transmittable parasitic infection. Extreme itching can lead to scratching and usually, secondary infections. Initial lesions of the burrow are observable as narrow, wavy, dark lines several millimeters long with a very minute papule located at the open end.  Scabies are generally found on the arms, on the genitals in males, around the nipples of the breast on females, along the beltline and on the buttocks.

Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil to the area morning and night. Note: it can cause irritation on sensitive skin.  If condition does not show noticeable improvement within 10 days, consult a physician.

Seborrhea: This inflammation of the skin around the scalp, face, and sometimes other areas of the body, appears as a dry or greasy scaling of the scalp. It looks similar to dandruff. In more severe instances, yellow or red scaling papules appear along the hair line and behind the ears. It is also common to the bridge of the nose, the external ear canal and on the eyebrows. Infant Seborrhea is more commonly known as Cradle Cap.

Bathe using your Tea Tree Oil dissolved with your soap. Pat dry. Apply it morning and night. Condition should disappear in a week to ten days. If condition persists, consult a physician.

Sore Gums: Dab a small amount of liquid Tea Tree Oil on the on the irritated gum and the gum tissue around the area. Repeat procedures as often as required to relieve pain.

Sore Throat: Straining your voice, a cold, thrush or the streptococcus virus can cause a sore throat.  Add about 4 drops of liquid Tea Tree Oil to the Breath & Throat Spray solution. Shake well and repeat spraying about every 2 hours until condition ceases. See a physician if the condition persists for more than a week.  Applying Tea Tree Oil to the outside of the throat may ease the pain. If condition worsens after such treatment, consult a physician.

Splinters: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to area. Then remove splinter with tweezers.

Sprains: Ice area with ice compress and elevate. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to arnica and apply to sprain. Rap area with dry cloth. Keep foot elevated for at least 20 minutes. Repeat often.

Stings (Bee and Wasp):Inspect the area of puncture to make sure the stinger has not remained lodged in the skin.

Apply straight Tea Tree Oil to affected area. Continue to do this every two hours until swelling has subsided.  Tea Tree Oil should provide substantial pain relief within minutes.

CAUTION: Some individuals are extremely allergic to bee and wasp stings, possibly to the extent they may become violently ill and lose consciousness. If any signs of this condition appear, consult a physician immediately.

Sunburn: A minimum of SPF 10 should always be applied before exposure to the sun's rays. This will block the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Excess exposure to these rays can lead to cancer causing reactions.

Apply Tea Tree Oil directly to sunburned area. Follow with body care cream. Reapply about every 4 hours until condition eases.

Thrush: The fungus, Candida Albicans, causes this disease. It is identified by white patches in the oral cavity of the mouth and throat.

Add about 4 drops of liquid Tea Tree Oil to the Breath & Throat Spray solution. Shake well and repeat spraying about every 2 hours until condition ceases. See a physician if the condition persists for more than a week.

Ticks: Apply several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly to tick and area. If tick does not back out of skin, use tweezers to remove it. Get as close as you can to your skin to remove. Do not squeeze the body. If cold-like symtoms or ring like pattern appears; consult a Physician

Tinea: Apply liquid Tea Tree Oil directly to the area of the fungus. Reapply approximately every 8 hours.

Toothache: Over stimulated nerve endings in the tooth or gum are usually caused by an inflammation pushing on the nerve.

Dab a small amount of liquid Tea Tree Oil on the cap of the tooth and on the gum tissue surrounding the irritated tooth. Repeat procedures as often as required to relieve pain.  Tea Tree Oil's natural ability to penetrate and desensitize nerve endings often helps to relieve minor toothache. If pain remains or worsens, contact your dentist.

Tooth Decay and Plaque: The process by which this occurs is called demineralization and it takes place because of the presence of acids on a tooth's surface.

The acids that cause tooth demineralization (cavity formation) are produced by specific types of bacteria (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) that live on our teeth. These bacteria are living organisms just like we are. The bacteria that cause tooth decay utilize sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches) as their food source. The waste products created from digesting these sugars are the acids (especially lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin.

Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth when it hardens or turns to plaque..

To prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup, brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that has a of drop of Tea Tree Oil.

Household Uses

All Purpose Cleaner: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 2 Tbs. of vinegar with 1 tsp. of borax. Put solution in a 12 ounce spray bottle, then fill bottle with warn distilled or purified water. Shake until borax dissolves.

Deoderizer: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to spray bottle. Mist room.

Dishwashers: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to dishwasher dispenser, then fill with dishwashing soap.

Humidifier: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to the humidifier. This will clean. disinfect and refresh the air.

Insect repellent: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to first aid lotion (Mix Well) or you may simply add a few drops in the palm of your hand and rub it into clothing and directly onto skin (providing your not allergic) this works very good for an insect repellent (especially mosquitos) thus possibly preventing the West Nile Virus.

Mold, Mildew and Fungus: Studies show that at any given time there are at least 500 different types of bacterial species living on your walls! These can contribute to all times of contagious diseases like the flu, colds, lung infections, etc.

Using a diffuser with Tea Tree Oil is an excellent solution.

The next time you paint, for every gallon of paint add one cup of Tea Tree Oil.

Mood & Memory: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly to skin and massage in to face and temples. If your allergenic (perform patch test for allergies first)

Plant Spray: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to a 32 ounce bottle of water, then add 16 drops of hydrogen peroxide. Mix well and mist plant with spray bottle. Do not wipe off.

Vaporizer: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to a cup of water; leave in room to help alleviate stuffiness, allergies, headaches and flu symptoms. Or heat a pot of water and drop 3-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil, after removing pot from burner.

Washing Machine: To Kill Germs. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to each load of laundry. This will disinfect and leave laundry smelling clean and fresh.

Beauty Care Uses

Acne Mask: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1-4 drops of neroli, rosemary or thyme oil, then add a small amount of clay. Apply and leave on face for no longer than 20 minutes.

Body Lotion: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to lotion. "Shake Well." Massage lotion into skin after shower.

Dry Skin: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1-4 drops of Carrot Seed Oil. Apply to skin and leave for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly.

Nail Infections: Apply Tea Tree Oil directly to infected area and cuticles. Do not rinse.

Nail Soak: Remove finger nail polish. Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 2 Tbs of olive or almond oil. Soak finger nail for 5 minutes. Repeat twice daily.

Oily Skin: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1-4 drops of Lavender, then add to clay. Rinse skin thoroughly.

Skin Treatment: Add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to 1/2 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Massage into skin. When bathing finish shower with cold water to close up pores, use dry towel to buff the skin dry.

Stained Finger Nails: Apply several drops of Tea Tree Oil directly to finger nail, then buff finger nail until stain is removed.

Tea Tree Oil for Pets

Fleas and Ticks: After washing your pet in Conditioning Shampoo, mix water with Tea Tree Oil (10 parts water to 1 part Tea Tree Oil) on pet's coat and allow to dry naturally. Make sure that the animals get no oil on the eyes. To remove imbedded ticks, apply a drop of Tea Tree Oil on the site of the skin puncture.

Tea Tree Oil Toxicity

Tea Tree Oil toxicity is equal to or about 1/5 teaspoon per pound of body weight. This is considered a lethal dose in 50% of persons or animals administered this dose.

This is why, it is common for folks who are overzealous and uninformed or who have received bad information to poison their own pets, particularly small cats and dogs.

Tea Tree Oil is toxic to cats. An average cat weighs seven to 12 pounds, and if toxicity were based solely on weight, all things being equal, somewhere between 1 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of Tea Tree Oil would be lethal to 50% of cats given that dose. Before you go putting Tea Tree Oil on your cat or dog, please read this...

Warning for dog and cat owners

But in cats all things are not equal, and their liver is not capable of processing even smaller amounts of Tea Tree Oil. Poisonings are frequent.

Because of this cats should never be treated with anything more than about five drops of Tea Tree Oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. The same thing applies to small, and some medium-sized dogs.

Remember, this is for topical application only. Using a cotton swab or cotton ball only.

Because pets also suffer many of the same disorders as humans, Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) can be used for pet medication of arthritis, bad breath, ringworm, or ear infections.
For external application, mix 1 teaspoon Tea Tree Oil with 1 cup of water.
When using Tea Tree Oil for pet medication, always dilute it as full strength can cause irritations.

Do not use Tea Tree Oil internally! Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) contains toxic cyclic terpenes. Thus, apply it only on areas where your dog cannot lick it off! Do not use it on open wounds.

Tea Tree Oil Components

*97 components have been identified, this table relates to major components only.