There are many herbs and essential oils in our herbal medicine cabinet, but one we never do without is tea tree oil. Like other herbs and essential oils, it is multipurpose, but our favorite way to use it is for its antibacterial uses.
Foot Bath
If you're dealing with a foot or toenail fungus, try a foot bath. Fill a basin large enough for your feet with warm water. Add twenty drops of tea tree oil to the water and soak your feet for 30-40 minutes. After your foot bath, allow your feet to dry completely and leave them uncovered so there isn't any moisture buildup.
For Bug Bits
If you're suffering from bug bites, take 1/2 teaspoon of a light oil (mct, grapeseed, etc.) and mix in five drops of tea tree oil. Apply the mixture to your bug bites twice a day to relieve itching.
Compress
For relief from poison ivy/oak, make a compress. Combine 1 cup of room-temperature water and ten drops of tea tree essential oil in a bowl. Soak a clean cloth in the water for a few minutes. Squeeze the water from the cloth, place it on the affected skin area, and leave for several minutes. Repeat for 30 minutes.
Dandruff Relief
For dandruff relief, add 3-5 drops of oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual. After shampooing your hair, add the same amount of oil to your conditioner and allow the mixture to stay in your hair for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
Insect Repellant
This works on your body and in your home. Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to 1/2 a cup of water into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle before each use and spray on your body and clothes before going outside. To keep insects away from your home, you can spray this mixture on the baseboards of each room and thresholds of your home. Bonus tip: add a few drops to a diffuser at night before bed to keep the bugs away while you sleep.
Tea Tree oil is a wonderful natural remedy that can be used in your everyday life but should be used with caution. It is potent and concentrated, so do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to larger areas.
*Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your primary healthcare physician before purchasing and using essential oils and supplements.