- Inhale for a quick pick-me-up to start your day.
- · Pour 2-3 drops on stubborn tile stains. Wipe away after 2 minutes.
- · Combine 12 drops with 1/4 cup Dead Sea salts for a spa-quality bath.
- · Combine 24 drops in a bucket of soapy water. Purify nursery pots and flats.
- · Place drops on air vents to freshen a room.
- · Diffuse in a room to cheer up cranky kids.
- · Combine 24 drops with 4 ounces water. Shake well and spray on houseplants to discourage pests.
- · Use 2-3 drops to remove grease or glue from surfaces.
- · Combine 12 drops with 1/4 cup castile soap and water. Wipe down household surfaces.
- · Place several drops in indoor garbage cans to improve scent and discourage bugs.
- · Combine 12 drops with 1/4 cup salt. Rub on cutting boards and rinse with hot water to purify.
- · Add 12 drops to 1 tablespoon vodka and 6 tablespoons water for an energizing kitchen spray.
- · Add a few drops into your body scrub and feel refreshed and awake as you step out of the shower each day.
- · Add 10 drops to a natural floor cleaner to make the whole house smell fresh.
- · Combine with jojoba oil and vodka to make your own perfume.
- · Add 2 drops to a cotton ball and dab lightly on a blemish.
- · Mix 2-3 drops with 1 ounce of almond oil and massage into skin to fight cellulite.
- · Add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot water for a steam inhalation to help colds and coughs.
- · Place 2-3 drops in a glass of water, then swish and spit to treat gingivitis and mouth ulcers.
Acne itself is embarrassing enough. Unfortunately, once it heals, it leaves behind scars that are very difficult to remove, and these can cause just as much self-consciousness as the original blemishes. There are plenty of commercial creams that claim they can erase scars and dark spots, but they’re expensive and often ineffective, and they contain chemicals that can cause further damage to skin. Tea tree oil is a great natural alternative for getting rid of pimples. It has unique disinfecting and soothing properties and, unlike other acne treatments, tea tree oil will not strip your skin of its natural oils and cause further damage. Once you learn how to use tea tree oil, it will be an effective tool in your battle against pimples.
How to use:
Apply Tea Tree oil directly to pimples (for more than 15%, dilute with water): Tea tree oil can be applied directly to pimples for an effective and natural acne treatment. It contains natural antibacterial properties which make it an excellent alternative to harsh synthetic chemicals.
- To apply, pour a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton bud or tissue. Gently dab the tea tree oil onto any pimples or spots. Leave for a few hours, or overnight.
- Always apply to clean, dry skin.
- Make sure to use 100% pure tea tree oil, not products containing tea tree oil.
Homemade spot treatment: If you find that pure, undiluted tea tree oil is a little too harsh or drying on your skin, try using it in a homemade spot treatment. Simply mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil into a few teaspoons of Aloe Vera gel and apply directly onto the pimple you wish to get rid of.
- As an alternative to Aloe Vera, try mixing tea tree oil with raw, organic honey. Honey also contains antibacterial properties and promotes skin healing.
Also in face masks: A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to either store-bought or homemade face masks to kill bacteria and dry out pimples. Here are some recipes for homemade face masks using tea tree oil:
- Mix 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of green clay powder, which can be found at most health food stores. Add enough water to turn your clay into a spreadable paste and give it a good stir. Apply the mask evenly, all over your face and neck. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes, until the clay dries and the tea tree works its antibacterial magic. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
- Blend three drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of jojoba oil, then stir in half of a very finely chopped tomato. Mash together to make a purée. Apply this refreshing face mask directly to clean skin and leave on for ten minutes, before rinsing off with warm water and patting dry.
- Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup of plain yogurt and apply as a mask. Rinse off with warm water after 15-20 minutes.
Homemade face scrub: For an effective, acne-fighting face scrub, try mixing tea tree oil with some other natural ingredients from your kitchen cupboard. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of sesame or olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil. Gently massage onto damp face, using circular motions, for 2-5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat your face dry.
- This scrub may be a little rough for people suffering from cystic acne, but is perfect for mild to medium breakouts.
- As both tea tree oil and honey are natural preservatives, you can make this scrub in bulk and store in a jar in your medicine cabinet
Add it to your cleanser and moisturizer: A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to your daily moisturizer and cleanser to help combat stubborn pimples. Apply 2 - 6 drops, depending on how strong you want it. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes!
Add it to your bath: Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your bath to help clear acne on your chest, back and other parts of your body. The oil will add a fragrant scent to your bath.
Points to be remember:
- If you have sensitive skin, dilute the tea tree oil with water.
- If your skin is too sensitive to apply directly, dilute in a carrier oil like coconut, or olive oil. If you don't have those, or don't mind getting sticky, mix it with some honey for a nice mask or paste.
- Apply Tea tree oil to a clean face, it is easier for the tea tree oil to clean pimples and acne when the skin on top is already clean.
Cautions:
- Tea tree oil is poisonous to cats so make sure to keep it far away from them.
- Tea tree oil should only be used topically because it can have severe side effects if swallowed.
