Got a pimple? Tea tree. Dirty yoga mat? Tea tree. Dandruff? Tea tree! We know how amazingly popular this great essential oil is, and now, you will, too!

What is Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is an essential oil distilled from an Australian tree with the scientific name of Melaleuca alternifolia – which shouldn’t be confused with the plant used to make the drink called tea. The Aborigines have used melaleuca oil (that’s fancy for tea tree essential oil) for centuries, and they make it by crushing the tree’s leaves. Researchers have found that melaleuca oil can reduce skin allergic reactions and may have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Tea Tree oil has a ton of amazing uses for spiritual and mundane practices!

10 Ways to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil

1. You can use tea tree essential oil to treat yellow nails.

Yellow nails are sometimes indicative of nail fungus; don’t worry. We won’t tell. Just break out your tea tree oil! Melaleuca oil can be used in either an undiluted form or after being mixed with an equal amount of coconut oil. Simply apply the oil to the affected nail, and then wash your hands to keep your fingernails from getting infected.

2. Clean and sanitize your yoga mat, naturally with tea tree essential oil!

We love a good, all-natural cleanser, and this oil does the trick!

Commercial mat sanitizers often contain alcohol or bleach that can irritate the skin. A sanitizer made from melaleuca oil can work just as well and be less irritating.

Add one or two drops of melaleuca oil to a spray bottle full of water and alcohol. If the mat really reeks after an hour of hot yoga, add a teaspoon of baking soda. Shake the bottle well, and then spray a mist over the mat. Wipe the mat with a damp and hot towel.

Essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some people, so never spray the mat when around others.

3. Clean up those ouches! Tea tree essential oil can disinfect minor cuts and scrapes.

Mix equal amounts of melaleuca oil and your favorite carrier oil, like coconut oil. After cleaning the wound with soap and water, apply a small amount of the tea tree oil mixture to the injury and cover it with a bandage. Use the treatment once or twice a day until a scab forms.

4. Use tea tree essential oil to cleanse your aura!

Spiritually, you can use tea tree oil in aromatherapy to strengthen yourself or remove harmful energies. It can be used to encourage clear thinking, unclog upper chakras, and purify auras.

5. Tea tree essential oil can help treat acne!

Surprise! Some acne gels are actually made with melaleuca oil. Make your own DIY acne cleanser using one part melaleuca oil and nine parts water. Use a cotton swab and apply it directly to the acne at least twice a day.

6. Sweeten breath with a DIY tea tree essential oil mouthwash!

Melaleuca oil can be made into a DIY mouthwash. Just add a drop of melaleuca oil to a cup of warm water and mix it thoroughly. Remember not to swallow it, for melaleuca oil, being an essential oil, can be toxic when swallowed.

7. Help stop psoriasis with this homemade, all natural tea tree cream recipe.

Tea tree essential oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can relieve the itching and inflammation that accompany psoriasis. Mix 10 to 15 drops of melaleuca oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and apply it to the affected skin two or three times a day.

8. Purify yourself and the air with tea tree essential oil.

Put a few drops in an oil diffuser, and it will deodorize the air. Melaleuca oil is also said to kill any bacteria, virus, or fungi that might be in the air.

9. Say bye to stress!

Melaleuca oil is used in aromatherapy as described above to reduce insomnia and anxiety.

10. Breathe in clear sinuses — breathe out sinus infections.

Pour steaming hot water into a bowl and add a couple drops of melaleuca oil. Drape a towel over your head and lean forward to breathe in the vapors for five to ten minutes.

As always, be sure you visit your doctor before trying home remedies in order to make sure you’re not allergic or that your symptoms are not part of something larger.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil#section1

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-113-TEA+TREE+OIL.aspx

https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-clean-a-yoga-mat

https://herbalriot.tumblr.com/post/55086032161/magickal-uses-of-tea-tree

https://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/g1929/extraordinarily-handy-uses-for-tea-tree-oil/