Move over coconut oil—there’s another do-it-all solution that should be making its way into your makeup bag, cleaning station, and first-aid kit: tea tree oil. Here’s everything you need to know about this potent essential oil and its many uses—from treating acne and dandruff to freshening up your living space.
First, what is tea tree oil?
Stemming from tea tree leaves (known as Melaleuca alternifolia), tea tree oil is a traditional form of medicine that was often used to treat wounds by the Australian aboriginal people, according to the National Institutes of Health.
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Today, it’s formulated through steam distillation, and is often found in beauty and skincare products. While more research needs to be done to truly understand all of its benefits, studies have shown that tea tree oil can benefit those dealing with acne or fungal infections.
That’s because tea tree oil contains natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it a versatile healer.
What are the best ways to use tea tree oil?
Grab a bottle and try these natural remedies.
⚠️ Before you try any home remedy using tea tree oil, keep in mind that it can be toxic if swallowed.
Sanitize hands naturally
Mix two drops of tea tree oil into 1 teaspoon of hand lotion for a natural—and soothing—sanitizing solution. “The oil is a powerful antimicrobial and antiviral,” says Kristen Ma, esthetician, Ayurvedic practitioner, and author of Beauty: Pure + Simple. Diluting the product is key: While most people are fine to use tea tree oil topically, some people can develop allergic reactions, causing irritation or even a rash, when they use an undiluted 100 percent essential oil.
Hydrate and protect cuticles
A solution of 1 tablespoon jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 10 drops of lavender oil shaken together in a small bottle makes a luxurious solution that will keep cuticles moisturized and fungus at bay, says Katherine Dorn, celebrity makeup artist of Pierre Michel Salon in New York.
Keep sore throats at bay
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Put 2 to 3 drops of oil in warm water and gargle twice a day, suggests nutritional consultant and registered pharmacist Barbara Mendez. “Tea tree oil is a great antiseptic and if you catch a sore throat early enough, it can help offset the need for antibiotics. If you’re prone to strep infections, you can use it preventatively every couple of days.”
Warning: it’s a strong tasting solution (and you shouldn’t swallow it)—so check out these 14 other home remedies for a sore throat if you rather not deal with the taste.
Disinfect beauty products
Naturally clean hair brushes, combs, and body brushes with a few sprays of tea tree oil, says Mindy Black, licensed esthetician and owner of Inner Beauty Skin Care in Lake Mary, FL. Just pour some oil into a spray bottle, spritz, and let brushes dry.
Calm an insect bite
Apply tea tree oil directly to an insect bite using a cotton ball or swab, or dilute in a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin. Try this mixture: half tea tree oil, half lemon, coconut, or olive oil, suggests Lindsay Christianson, a holistic wellness and empowerment coach. Re-apply as needed.
Heal a minor cut or scrape
A small 2013 study found that patients with infected cuts healed more quickly after applying tea tree oil to their wounds, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Try diluting a couple of drops in a carrier oil your skin responds well to (like coconut oil) and apply it to your cut or scape for an antiseptic effect.
Do away with dandruff
Tea tree oil’s primary ingredient is terpinen-4-ol, which helps to relieve symptoms associated with dandruff, psoriasis, and itchy scalp, says Yolanda Lenzy, MD, a board certified dermatologist and brand ambassador of SheaMoisture. Create a soothing scalp treatment oil by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
“Warm the mixture and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave on for up to an hour, then shampoo. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo and wash your hair with the mixture,” she says.
Zap away zits
Those powerful antiseptic properties can help fight acne: With a cotton swab, apply a dab of tea tree oil to the affected area to disinfect skin and speed healing. “I’ve seen blemishes treated with tea tree oil disappear overnight,” says makeup artist Susan Giordano, owner of Giordano Beauty. (And it can also help with ingrown hairs and adult acne.)
Banish athlete’s foot
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Research shows that people who applied a 50 percent tea tree oil solution to athlete’s foot twice a day for a month saw the condition clear up. Quit using it if redness and scaling get worse after an application or two.
You can also go for a milder approach. Try this treatment from Tieraona Low Dog, MD: Combine and shake up ½ cup white vinegar (which can soothe itching) with ½ cup water and ½ tsp tea tree oil. Dab on skin with a cotton ball. Be sure to keep it in the fridge and to make a new batch every week.
Calm oily skin
Dilute 1 to 3 drops of tea tree oil in your favorite cleanser or moisturizer, suggests Liliana Aranda, licensed esthetician, and owner of FACES Mobile Spa. “Tea tree oil helps to reduce the bacteria associated with acne, but also gives skin a matte finish when used in cleansers and moisturizers.”
Amp up your deodorant
“I like to drip a drop or two of tea tree oil onto my unscented deodorant each morning before applying it,” says Liz Palmieri-Coonley, an integrative nutrition health coach. “It adds a fresh fragrance and helps kill off the bacteria that cause body odor.”
Soothe a sunburn
Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your post-sunburn skincare routine. You can add a few drops to aloe vera for a soothing treatmentor find it in after-sun gels, like this one from Ocean Potion, which brings moisture back into your dry skin. (Not cutting it? These 11 natural sunburn remedies will heal you up in no time.)
Eliminate eczema
Add 8 to 10 drops of tea tree oil to roughly 1 tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut or grapeseed oil, then rub on any are of the skin affected by eczema, says Stacy Mobley, a licensed naturopathic doctor. “This will decrease itching and help clear the skin,” she says.
Get rid of toenail fungus
Combine 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the affected toe, says Mobley. Then use an adhesive bandage to secure the cotton ball to your toe overnight.
Freshen up stale carpets
Mix ½ cup baking soda and 20 drops tea tree oil and sprinkle on carpets, says Candyce Walti, a mind-body wellness educator in Medina, OH. Leave on carpets for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming.
Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic
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