Tea tree oil is a highly versatile essential oil used for many skin conditions including acne, dandruff and toenail and other infections. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal capabilities, it is also used as disinfectant for cleaning.
Pure tea tea essential oil can cause skin irritation and even burn some sensitive skins. Whether you use it for acne, dandruff, cold sore or any other infection on your outer skin, you need to dilute tea tree oil before use.
Dilution ratios will depend on the application. Acne requires diluted oil whereas your can use more concentrated tea tree oil for toenail fungus.
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What is Tea Tree Oil Good for?
Tea tree oil is an extract from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia. It is also called melaleuca oil which has been in use by the Aboriginal people for centuries.
The traditional antiseptic and antifungal agent tea tree oil has now been extensively used around the globe. Some of its most popular uses are for
Treatment of:
- Acne
- Toenail fungus
- Athlete’s foot
- Vaginal infections
- Dandruff
- Cold sores
- Lice
- Scabies
- Ear Infections
- Hemorrhoids
- Yeast infections
- Ringworm
It Is also used for cough, staph infection, sore throat, bad breath, gingivitis and dental plaque. Since all these applications require oral uses, do it under a doctor's supervision.
Many of the above uses have no scientific backup as research is lacking. However, like most traditional medicines
How to Dilute Tea Tree Oil?
1. Dilute With Honey
A combination of manuka honey or any local raw honey and tea tree oil is very effective to treat acne.
- Take one teaspoon of manuka honey
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- Mix well
- Apply on your entire face
- Leave it for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse it off
- Don't 2 times daily
Both honey and tea tree oil possess antibacterial properties to deal with acne.
2. Dilute Tea Tree Oil with Carrier Oils
Direct topical application of tea tree oil can cause severe skin irritation, it is advisable to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and other oils.
Adding 2-5 drops of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of one if the above carrier oil is about right for treating mist of the skin conditions.
You can increase the tea tree oil content in carrier oil by adding an extra drop and spot testing on a patch of your skin to arrive at the right amount that didn't irritate your skin
3. Dilute with Vinegar to Make A Tea Tree Oil Spray
You can use tea tree oil as disinfectant to get rid of molds from your shower, corners of rooms and furniture.
- take 100 ml vinegar in a spray bottle
- add 15-20 drops of tea tree oil
- cap the bottle and shake well to mix
- spray it on every corner, shower and furniture where mold generally reside
4. Mix With Other Essential Oils
Mixing essential oil increases potency of oils to kill the germs fast.
a. For Fungal Diseases
You can use tea tree oil and oregano oil to treat toenail fungus as under. Both essential oils have excellent anti fungal properties.
- Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 3 drops of oregano oil and 10 drops of coconut oil well
- Apply this mixture on the toenail fungus with a cotton swab.
- Let the oils be absorbed by the nail. It might take a couple of minutes.
- Don't wear shoes. Keep the nail in open.
- Do it twice daily
b. For Viral Diseases
For viral conditions like chickenpox and shingles mixing tea tree oil with lavender oil works really well.
- Take a teaspoon of Shea butter or coconut oil
- Add 3 drops of lavender oil and mix well
- Apply it gently on chicken pox or shingles
Since shingles is a nerve related condition add 3 drops of helichrysum oil to the above mix for even better results.
5. Dilute Tea Tree Oil with Water
Dilute it with water and spray on acne
- Take 100 ml distilled water in a spray bottle
- Add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil, put the cap and shake well to mix.
- Spray on you acne ridden face
- Rinse it off after 5 minutes
Make sure that the spray doesn't get into your eyes.
Precautions and Other Tips
Take the following precautions to get the best out of tea tree oil.
- Use it for topical application only.
- Do not take it orally as it is toxic
- Protect your eyes from it
- Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is just a precaution in the absence of sufficient research although no adverse effect is reported.
- Use it diluted in a carrier oil otherwise direct 100% pure tea tree oil can damage your skin.
- Avoid it if you have a sensitive skin as it may cause irritation.
Bottom line is always dilute tea tree oil before using it on your skin.