Tea tree essential oil It is obtained by steam distilling the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia shrub. and stands out for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and healing properties that give it great versatility, from its medicinal use in aromatherapy to others more focused on beauty and well-being and disinfection of the house.
Where can tea tree oil be used?
Tea tree oilIt was already used by the aborigines for its many benefits and was even used by Australian soldiers in World War II to treat their wounds. It owes its colloquial name to the English explorer James Cook. Centuries of history support the use of tea tree, which has become one of the most versatile products in the home.
Well managed, it is suitable for all audiences, from children to pets and in all rooms. We detail below 21 uses of tea tree essential oil in the home: in the kitchen, in the bathroom, for cleaning, against insects and for the skin.
Uses of tea tree oil in cooking
Tea tree oil is an excellent cleaner and antiseptic for kitchens and bathrooms and, in addition to disinfecting, it will give us its characteristic smell.
- Multi-purpose spray cleaner
Although it could be done by simply mixing the essential oil with distilled water, We are going to enhance its effect by adding vinegar with these doses: (12 drops of tea tree oil, 250 ml of white vinegar, 250 ml of distilled water, 1 spray bottle).
Simply spray the surface and wipe with a damp cloth.
- Concentrated disinfectant
Tea tree oil is ideal to use in areas where we want more disinfection because they are a source of germs (such as door, window and furniture knobs, TV remotes and others). We can apply a few drops to the damp cloth.
- Disinfect the dishwasher
Pouring a few drops of this oil in the dishwasher detergent basket We managed to clean the appliance itself and the dishes better.
A bowl of baking soda and a few drops of this essential oil They will absorb bad odors from the refrigerator and they will refresh it.
Once the trash can is very clean, place some cotton pads or wooden balls on it.impregnated with several drops of essential oil to avoid bad odors and eliminate bacteria.
Uses of tea tree oil in cleaning
A way of disinfect, refresh and aromatize clothes It is by putting a few drops of tea tree oil in the washing machine drawer or on the laundry wool balls.
- Freshen sheets and towels
We can spray sheets, towels or children’s toys with a spray composed of about 30 ml of distilled water and 10 drops of essential oil to disinfect and refresh them.
Although it is true that it is not the most popular smell and is not as evocative as lavender or citrus, it also we can use the tea tree in the diffuser for its double effect: it neutralizes bad odors and aromatizes with its resinous touch. It can be combined with another aroma that we like such as eucalyptus or pine.
To eliminate that unpleasant mold that accumulates on the tiles or joints in the bathrooms, We just have to apply a sponge with water and a few drops of this oil. We could also add white cleaning vinegar and let it sit for a while before rinsing.
To disinfect the floor we add several drops to the mop water with the usual detergent or a good splash of vinegar.
- To disinfect the car
Nothing like spraying with water and tea tree spray to disinfect the seats and freshen the car.
Tea tree against insects
- To repel and treat bites
Although citronella is better known as a remedy, Tea tree serves both as an insect repellent and to relieve their bites. To prevent, we can spray doors and windows with a spray with water and several drops. Another suggestion is to place cotton pads soaked with a few drops at the entry points.
In case of a bite, apply a drop directly to the skin and massage.
- Against fleas and ticks
As in the case of lice, to avoid fleas and ticks For pets, tea tree must be added to the usual shampoo. Also You can rub the animal with a sponge soaked in water and several drops or apply directly to the area in case of ticks.
Uses of tea tree oil in the bath
Due to its versatility, we cannot miss ithelp heal wounds, relieve burns, decongest in case of colds, eliminate nail and foot fungus, fight infections and more therapeutic indications. But here we are going to focus on aspects of hygiene, facial, body and hair care and more everyday uses.
It is about adding a drop of this essential oil to the shampoo dose used regularly and, once applied, wait a few minutes before rinsing.
In children or pets, tea tree oil is an effective anti-insect. For the prevention of lice about 8 drops can be added to a detangling spray and she combs her hair with it every day. You can also Mix a few drops into children’s shampoo.
And when we talk about treatment, A few drops of tea tree oil diluted in a vegetable oil are directly applied and massaged throughout the scalp.
It’s a great ally in oral hygiene because it helps eliminate bacterial plaque, treat inflamed gums and even helps whiten teeth. Consult with the specialist and never exceed the doses.
- You can add a drop of tea tree essential oil directly to the toothpaste and brush and rinse normally.
- Another formula is to prepare a mouthwash by diluting two drops in a glass of water, stir it through the mouth without swallowing and spit out.
- Some people add it to their morning oil pulling routine, holding it in their mouth for several minutes.
And given its numerous uses to disinfect, care and treat, there is nothing better than including it in your travel bag as a good companion in fatigue.
Other uses of tea tree oil for the skin
This oil is the star in adolescent skin treatments by itself.u effectiveness treating pimples naturally. It can be applied in different ways:
- Directly on the granite, and not on the adjacent skin so as not to dry it out, with a cotton swab about 3 times a day
- Preparing facial steams with boiling water to which several drops of oil are added and the water vapor is received on the face for a few minutes
- It can also be added to vegetable oils indicated for this type of skin.
- Other sensitive skin care
Due to its purifying properties, tea tree essential oil can be received by sensitive baby skin like that of adults.
- In babies it must be diluted very well with vegetable oil, calendula oil is very suitable, and it is applied at each diaper change when there is skin irritation.
- After waxing or shaving, it helps to nourish and soften the skin by diluting a few drops in vegetable oil and massaging the area.
- And to show off a radiant complexion, you can incorporate a drop into your nighttime facial routine.
- Deodorant and foot odor
This oil is a good odor absorber and You can add a drop to your regular deodorant. to enhance it, for example, when doing sports. It also serves to deodorize feet. To do this, soak them for a few minutes in a container of warm water with several drops of tea tree oil.