The Wonders of Tea Tree Oil

[jessie58]

Tea Tea Oil is absolutely amazing, I just really wanted to share a couple of things that I've discovered about it lately.

I've only been using Tea Tree Oil since joining LHC a few months ago and I've discovered some astonishing uses for it. I think it's a wonder oil. This week I discovered two new uses for it.

First of all I put a few drops in my OCM mixture because I read about it in many peoples recipes and I find I really like it in there.

I have to tell you that I've had these two enlarged pores on my face all my life, one right over my left brow and one on the left side of my nose. They have always been there since my early twenties and they just look like a combination between a pimple and one single large pore. They're not really all that noticeable, kind of like a mild zit and I'm used to them.

Anyway, I have been putting tea tree oil on them every day for about two weeks, not sure why I thought of it but I just decided to see if I could dry them up or something. Well they have both been shrinking and I swear the one on my forehead is almost gone. I can't believe it. I'm not sure what is going on but it honestly is making them disappear. They've been there for more than 20 years.

The other discovery I've made is also a really random use idea. I cover my grey hair about every 4 to 5 weeks with a semipermanant hair color. Sometimes the hairdresser leaves a bit of a stain on the skin. Hairdressers have always got this useless cream that they try to remove the color with and my SIL uses cigarette ashes to scrub it off. No thank you, I declined that offer even though it really works.
Anyway, my skin really soaks up hair dye and sometimes my skin has been stained for up to about 5 days because I try not to wash my hair for a few days after coloring. So, I decided to get out the good old Tea Tree Oil TWO DAYS after coloring my hair. I put some on the end of a Q-Tip an it took out the color just like magic. I couldn't believe it. I just rinsed the oil off my forehead with cold water after and there wasn't a trace of color left on my skin. I was amazed. I only used one drop on each end of the Q-Tip. Why don't all hairdressers know how simple and cheap it is to remove the dye on the skin?

I was wondering if you guys all know this and have been holding out on me? I love this stuff. I really wanted to share this because I am so excited about it. Anybody else have any other amazing uses for Tea Tree Oil?

[kimberlily]

Actually, it makes sense that TTO would take the dye out of your skin, since it is astringent :) Neat discovery! I wish I'd thought of that back in my hair dye days.

I usually just use it on the occasional zits I get. I've got one on my chin right now. Bleh.

[jessie58]

Kimberlily the funny thing is they don't do anything for a zit on me. I've barely had one since using the OCM method and rosewater toner but I have tried it on the occasional one and it doesn't help. Also my daugher has tried but it doesn't help her either.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that you can use it for cleaning around the house too. I must go look that up. Hmm household cleaner on my face. Strange.

[Love My Cop]

I'll have to add Tea Tree to my shopping list! Trader Joes, carries it, so I know just where to find it! I was reading the post last night, on how Tree Tea is good for damaged nails as well. Will continue to follow this thread with interest :happy:

[jessie58]

Love My Cop can you add that damaged nail information here?

[physicschick]

Tea tree oil doesn't help with my regular zits, but it's great for cystic acne. It's soothing and helps the swelling go down. I mix a couple drops with a squirt of aloe gel. (Thank to icydove for the idea. :flower: )

I'll be reading this thread with interest, since I have a lot of TTO and it'll take years to use up if I'm just putting it on acne. :)

--physicschick

[Love My Cop]

Love My Cop can you add that damaged nail information here?

Jessie: It was a post started yesterday, by a gal named " Susie", she was talking about nail fungus, on how Tea Tree seem to have helped her. But, then again, she stated it took a long time.

[Love My Cop]

http://www.teatreeoil.net/use.htm?source=goto&OVRAW=uses%20for%20tea%20tree%20oil&OVKEY=use%20of%20tea%20tree%20oil&OVMTC=standard


I found this site, and im sure there are tons more, that will give you information on Tea Tree and its uses :happy:

[Snow White]

I love tea tree oil. Other things I have used it for: gargle with it for a sore throat (1 drop in 3 or 4 oz of water), apply it to canker sores, put it on bug bites (sort of works), add it to water for the baby's wipes, add it to bath water for diaper rash (not sure if it really helped, but it didn't hurt anything either), put it in lotion for toddler, added it to my face soap. I'm on DH computer otherwise I have a page bookmarked that has a whole list of uses.

[naj]

TToil is really very useful. I used it in my OCM oil mix(now i do not OCM because it didnt suit my skin), applied directly on my zits. It did help with the healing but it dried my skin awfully and i cannot use moisturizers.
The most important places i found it useful is on bug bites and in my toner.
I should try out the pore thingy as Jessie58 said becaus ei do have some pores around my brows and nose.
But i wish it helped with blackheads....
Naj

[eiyela]

So many uses!:whoohoo: Let's see what more I can think of.

A 1% solution in oil is good for sunburn.
TTO treats fungus.
It's a good disinfectant in general.
It's good for lice.
It's GREAT for dandruff.

However, it should NEVER be used on pets, especially dogs. Just a few drops on the skin can, in rare cases, cause paralysis that lasts for several days. Cats are also sensitive.

[unaspenser]

TTO definitely works on nail fungus! I got a really odd fungus on one fingernail after getting some dirt lodged under the cuticle on a camping trip. By the time I got it out I was getting weird pits all over my nail, and new growth was very weak and odd-looking. Anyway, I started applying TTO all over the cuticle, nail, and underside/fingertip a couple of times a day and the fungus just started disappearing! I got gorgeous new growth. I made the mistake of stopping once before the fungus was totally grown out and it made a comeback, but now it's almost gone again. Just remember to keep the nail short and don't use nail polish.

I also use TTO on acne, cuts, and in a scalp rinse when I get scalp pimples (used to happen quite a lot before I got rid of paraben shampoo and condish)

[Ama]

TTO... one of the things you always find in my apartment! I use it daily after brushing my teeth, as a gargle. I get these weird cuts on my thumbs, looks like a deep paper cut (my mom gets it too). I put a drop of TTO and it stops the pain (doesn't really do much for the cut but at least that horrible pain is gone). Any time I am given antibiotics for dental work I use TTO instead. Antibiotics give me a yeast infection iiiiick! Speaking of yeast infections, using TTO in a douche will get rid of them QUICK! TTO works great on nail fungus, like others have said, you must be consistent. Put some on a Q-tip and rub all over nail. The TTO soaks through the nail (anti-fungal gels/creams don't)

[jessie58]

Wow all these wonderful things that TTO does, I'm amazed and awed. I only found out two uses by happy accident but I had no idea how useful this stuff was. I only purchased it to put in my OCM and I only use 4 drops in there. This is something every household should have and use. Thanks for all the other great information guys. :happy:

[13bodies]

I've found that TTO is fantastic on cat scratches. They don't turn as red and disappear much more quickly, so it's very useful in my house. :happy:

[Pierre]

I use it as one of several terps in my henna mix, and I henna my nails, so they're fungusproof.

[cobblersmaid]

I love TTO. I wet a cloth and put a few drops on it and smooth it on my face after washing and it helps clear up my acne. I put a bit in my ACV rinse. If I want to streatch out washing one more day I rinse my hair in the shower and rub some on my scalp. It helps with the greasies. I shower at night, so sometimes in the summer my pits are a bit stinky by morning, so I do the same as for my face, but rub it in my pits before deo.

[MystressDeath]

Rushes off to find Tea Tree Oil!!! :geek:

[Koala Kim]

I always have TTO in the house. Cat scratches, insect bites, boo-boos- TTO helps it all! It was in the oil mix I had made up myself for Hubbs' scalp condition. It helped with that as well.

I was using it for awhile when I brushed my teeth since it's supposed to help with gum disease. Can't remember why I stopped...:boggle:

[texasgal]

Oh I am so off to the store first thing in the morning to get me some TTO. Thanks for all the tips:whoohoo: :whoohoo: :whoohoo:

[golden_gal]

I love TTO!! It's great on acne in every form: by itself, mixed in a mask, mixed with toner....

[killerswallow]

I love TTO too! Mixing it with rosewater and applying to my face with toner in the morning as well as mixing it with jojoba oil to use as moisturizer at night has helped clear up some horrible breakouts :happy:

I also use it on cat scratches, mosquito bites (reduces the swelling & itching alot!) and many other things I can't think of atm :sweatdrop:

[sandrak]

When I put toothpaste on my toothbrush, I add one drop of tea tree oil to it. My gums are in very good condition.

[SpiralingWaves]

I just found out that TTO is good for chapped lips. :happy: I've been using a lip balm that has TTO in it and it is the only thing that has gotten rid of my chapped lips. I plan on making my own lip balm and adding TTO.:geek:

[LittleFlower]

I have to tell you that I've had these two enlarged pores on my face all my life, one right over my left brow and one on the left side of my nose. Anyway, I have been putting tea tree oil on them every day for about two weeks. Well they have both been shrinking and I swear the one on my forehead is almost gone.
I really wish this worked for me. As it is, I've been applying TTO to my face for months but my pores still look like mini-craters :sweatdrop:

I'm not sure if straight TTO has any benefit for my acne, but once I was using a TTO-Grapeseed Oil mix and it seemed to help with the scaring. I'll go back to using that once my regular TTO runs out.

[Bonnie]

Tea tree oil doesn't help with my regular zits, but it's great for cystic acne. It's soothing and helps the swelling go down. I mix a couple drops with a squirt of aloe gel. (Thank to icydove for the idea. :flower: )

I'll be reading this thread with interest, since I have a lot of TTO and it'll take years to use up if I'm just putting it on acne. :)

--physicschick

I don't know what "a lot" means, but if you have any that you'd like to sell, PM me :grinhappy:

I'm not sure exactly where to get it except at a co-op my mom orders from occasionally. I'm not sure when the next time is that she's going to order.

I've been using lavender and aloe, and so far I think it's helping!! It feels good, if nothing else.

Bonnie

[physicschick]

I don't know what "a lot" means, but if you have any that you'd like to sell, PM me :grinhappy:

I'm not sure exactly where to get it except at a co-op my mom orders from occasionally. I'm not sure when the next time is that she's going to order.
I think by the time you cover the cost of the little container I'd put it in, and then the cost of shipping, it will no longer be cost effective for you. Do you have a Whole Foods? That's where I got mine. Also, my local health food store carries it.

--physicschick

[Beldaran]

I found mine at Wal-Mart of all places. I think it was in the aisle by the rubbing alcohol in a small brown bottle.
I'd love to use it for all of the things listed, but does anyone else find it smells like paint thinner? I currently have some in a spritzer with aloe and water, but it initially smells like turpentine so I don't use it much. I tried some in a bath once, but I got out sooner than I wanted because of the smell. Any thoughts?

[lh1299]

I never thought to check walmart. I know walgreens sells it. http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100571&navAction=jump&navCount=0&skuid=sku389780&id=prod389779 i've been thinking of trying it for a long time but wasnt sure what all it could be used for, I think I will have to give it a try.

[naj]

Im giving it a try again.TToil has been really drying on my skin. But i think i will try again. I apply it on the affected area and then dab it with some aloe gel. That way i hope the drying effect will be reduced.
Any thoughts over this?
Naj

[eiyela]

Why not just dilute it with your regular moisturizer? It will still be effective. In fact, my TTO bottle recommends a 1/10 dilution for use on skin as the strongest.

[Bonnie]

TY.

When we're on the road, we pass many walgreens. My dad will make a stop if I tell him I need something there. (and we're on the road in just a few weeks, so I won't have to wait long :) ) I'll also check walmart. I don't think there are any health food stores here in town, there might be someplace I might be able to get it if I make some sort of effort to find it :p .

Bonnie

[brunette]

A few years ago I used it on some spots on my chin (vit B deficiency it turned out to be) but it burned and dried out my skin terribly, turned the spots into something far uglier. I stopped after a few days once I realised what it was doing. That was neat TTO though, so applying it in a 3% dilution in oil is probably a better idea.

The other day I was pouring some into my floor mopping bucket and got some on my hand - thinking nothing of it I carried on what I was doing but when it had dried it had gone white like a powder! I felt the burning sensation too. I guess what I am saying is use it wisely, it is one of natures's best antiseptics/antibiotics but very potent!

[jessie58]

The other day I was pouring some into my floor mopping bucket and got some on my hand - thinking nothing of it I carried on what I was doing but when it had dried it had gone white like a powder! I felt the burning sensation too. I guess what I am saying is use it wisely, it is one of natures's best antiseptics/antibiotics but very potent!


brunette I knew it! I thought I saw it was a household cleaner somewhere. Scary thought, putting floor cleaner on our faces. I put it on my spots neat and it doesn't bother me a bit on my face. I don't dilute it or use other stuff over top either, so maybe my skin's tough as leather. LOL.

[SunCat]

I always have tea tree oil I use it for everything most of which have already been mentioned. I also add it to my homemade deoderant and use it mixed with lavender and rosemary as an air freshner spray.

ETA: I always dilute my tea tree oil in a carrier oil when I use it on my skin, I have very sensative skin.

[snowbear]

(copied from the The Helpful Hints Thread)
Remember, that TTO is deadly to animals. Even one drop can kill them.

[merry]

Tea tree oil is one of my absolute favourites. :soppy:
It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

I use it for zapping zits and as a general antiseptic, it busts tinea too.
The most amazing result I ever had with it was on some plantar warts from hell that I had. There were six of them - four on my heel and two on the ball of my foot. They were huge 1cm+ in diameter, they were there for about ten years and nothing could get rid of them. I tried all the lotions, creams and patches etc that the doctor recommended but none of them worked. I had them cut out and they came back. :pissed:
I started putting TTO (neat with cotton buds) on them twice every day - and after a few weeks they were gone. :whoohoo: (I need the dancing nanners here!)
It also got rid of the two little warts I had on my fingers.

[brunette]

brunette I knew it! I thought I saw it was a household cleaner somewhere. Scary thought, putting floor cleaner on our faces.
LOL yeah :) Actually I do use liquid dish soap in the water too, plus a few drops tea tree oil and a glug of white vinegar all mixed in the bucket of very hot water. Smells good and I feel it is disinfecting my floors as I clean!

[naj]

Originally posted by eiyela
Why not just dilute it with your regular moisturizer? It will still be effective
I dont use any other stuff to moisturize except aloe gel. All others give me spots and zits and blackheads. Applying neat TToil on the spot and then dabbing up the aloe gel would have the same dilutiing effect right?Im doing this actually.
Previously my skin would shrink or get plasticky after two days of application and then start drying and flaking. Im on day 2 now and skin is not all bad. Lets wait and see if the aloe gell has helped.
Naj

[curls2grow]

Can someone please let me know what it means when you are saying you are applying the TTO "neat" or "neat with cotton". I'm thinking it must mean something more than being careful and tidy in how you apply it! ;)

[Love Long Hair]

neat would be directly applying it without any carrier oil.

[brunette]

Can someone please let me know what it means when you are saying you are applying the TTO "neat" or "neat with cotton". I'm thinking it must mean something more than being careful and tidy in how you apply it! ;)
It just means undiluted - or full strength. Like when you say you had a neat whiskey or whatever as opposed to with soda or on the rocks!

[physicschick]

The most amazing result I ever had with it was on some plantar warts from hell that I had.
.......
It also got rid of the two little warts I had on my fingers.
Thanks for the idea, merry. I am going to walk upstairs right now and try this! I have some warts on my hands that stubbornly refuse to go away. (I used to have a horrible plantar wart, so I can really appreciate the value of something that kills plantar warts.)

--physicschick

[merry]

Thanks for the idea, merry. I am going to walk upstairs right now and try this! I have some warts on my hands that stubbornly refuse to go away. (I used to have a horrible plantar wart, so I can really appreciate the value of something that kills plantar warts.)

--physicschick

Oooh... keep us posted on how it goes!!
I hope it works for you, my yucky warts have never come back.:whoohoo:

[jessie58]

Can someone please let me know what it means when you are saying you are applying the TTO "neat" or "neat with cotton". I'm thinking it must mean something more than being careful and tidy in how you apply it! ;)

Neat meaning straight, undiluted,by itself.
Like when you order an alcoholic beverage without mix or ice you ask for it neat.

Doh. Sorry missed page 2.

[lovey]

Physicschick, how did you use the tea trea oil to get rid of your plantar wart? I have one on my heal and it's the bane of my existence!!! I've done more than one "freeze" and it doesn't seem to be working at all. Did you just apply it daily or what?

[physicschick]

Physicschick, how did you use the tea trea oil to get rid of your plantar wart? I have one on my heal and it's the bane of my existence!!! I've done more than one "freeze" and it doesn't seem to be working at all. Did you just apply it daily or what? Lovey, it was merry who used TTO on her plantar wart. I've just started with TTO on some little warts on my hand, so no results yet.

My horrible plantar wart finally went away with Compound W. I applied it twice a day and sat for a couple minutes while the stuff dried. That killed it, after several freezing treatments and the duct tape treatment had failed.

--physicschick

[Clare-Dragonfly]

The most amazing result I ever had with it was on some plantar warts from hell that I had. There were six of them - four on my heel and two on the ball of my foot. They were huge 1cm+ in diameter, they were there for about ten years and nothing could get rid of them. I tried all the lotions, creams and patches etc that the doctor recommended but none of them worked. I had them cut out and they came back. :pissed:
I started putting TTO (neat with cotton buds) on them twice every day - and after a few weeks they were gone. :whoohoo: (I need the dancing nanners here!)
It also got rid of the two little warts I had on my fingers.

Wow! I wish I'd known about that ten years ago, or however long ago it was that I had those plantar warts on my feet. I had to have three different surgeries to remove the one, and it finally stopped coming back when they cut it off with a laser.

[lovey]

oops I'm sorry! Thanks for telling me what you did though for your plantar wart. I'll take ANY wart success story and cling to it for dear life. I'm going to try the compound W, as i just simply can't believe tea tree would do anything to this monstrosity. And if it did it would take years. :)

[enitsirk]

I *must* go get some TTO. And Coconut Oil..coconut for the hair and face..tto for face and this darn wart on my hand (that my boyfriend says is cute :cringe: silly)
And TTO for all these amazing uses...who'd a thunk?

[merry]

oops I'm sorry! Thanks for telling me what you did though for your plantar wart. I'll take ANY wart success story and cling to it for dear life. I'm going to try the compound W, as i just simply can't believe tea tree would do anything to this monstrosity. And if it did it would take years. :) No worries :grinhappy:
This is what I did - every morning and evening I took a fresh q-tip, dipped it in the oil and dabbed it on the warts.
I did this for a few weeks and nothing seemed to be happening, so I didn't give up exactly but just sort of forgot for a while. When I decided to get back into the routine again I suddenly noticed they were gone. :boggle: All six of them, and they were h-u-g-e. They seemed to take up my whole foot. :whyme: I was glad to see them go.

It was after the ones on my foot went away that I decided to bust the two on my fingers - they didn't take so long probably because they were small.

None of them have ever come back.

TTO is really good at penetrating into your skin (or warts or nails or whatever) and it's very potent stuff. I reckon anything that smells that strong should be respected!!! :evileye:

[texasgal]

Thanks to this wonderful thread I went & got me some TTO. I had a small blemish on my face & it cleared it right up.

[Pierre]

I brush my teeth with a mixture of 3 parts TTO, 2 parts peppermint, and 1 part clove.

[Swampy]

Another use, probably in line with the other antifungal ideas... Some clothing items take for ever to airdry here and end up smelling a bit moldy [ugh]. I thought I was going to throw them away: handwashing them twice, hot water, extra long soaks, stronger detergents, etc. just wouldn't get the smell out. I had tried soaking them in eucalyptus citriodora to cover the smell but the moldy scent was still there.
Soaked with a few drops of TTO after washing = no smell!

[jessie58]

Found an other use for tea tree oil. Recently DH was using this black sticky substance to seal the windows in the motorhome. It's called Varathane.
Afterwards, he had it on his face and hands and couldn't get it out. I just got out the TTO and it came off instantly.

Love the stuff.

[gcason]

Yes, I use a shampoo with Tea Tree oil in it, it's awesome! Makes my hair feel wonderful.

[sciongirl17]

Yep I love the stuff...I have a little bottle of the desert essence brand's TTO and I put it on my occasional zits (including cystic) and it zaps them in a few days <3

[curls2grow]

Not sure if this use has been mentioned yet, since I haven't read all the posts in the thread in a while. Earlier in the week, I had a canker sore in my mouth and it hurt every time is smiled. :purplex: I put some TTO on a Q-tip, undiluted, and just dabbed it on the spot. The taste was less than fabulous, but it started feeling better in minutes afterward and has gradually gone away and was less irritating as it was healing. Previously I had swished with TTO mouthwash, but applying a bit directly on the spot gave better results.

[jessie58]

I also use it on cat scratches, mosquito bites (reduces the swelling & itching alot!) and many other things I can't think of atm :sweatdrop:

My husband gets eaten alive by mosquitoes and this year I put some TTO on his bites and he said they were much less itchy and they disappeared in record time. He really got a lot of relief from it.

[SunCat]

I have sensitive skin and have to be careful with TTO. I use the organic TTO from Mountain Rose Herbs. If I don't dilute the TTO it makes my skin burn. I like to mix it with Lavender EO in a base of jojoba oil.

[jessie58]

My daughters boyfriend spilled a carton of milk on his leather work boots at work one day and had to work the rest of the day without being able to clean the boots. He rinsed them with water that night and left them to dry. They smelled awful the next day.

He cleaned them again with Mr. Clean and water and then left them to dry again, they still smelled awful the next day.

I made a small bucket of hot water with a few drops of Javex, 12 drops of TTO and gave my daughter and her BF two rags. They wrung out the rags and wiped down the entire surface of the boots, rinsing the rags and wringing them out several times. They left the boots to air dry and sun dry in the back yard.

The next day I smelled the boots and all I could smell was leather. The kids smelled the boots and the smell was gone completely. We were all amazed.

I got the idea to do this from this thread. Honestly I would have never ever thought of this, but it really works.

[SunCat]

I also add a few drops of tea tree oil to my laundry when I do the kitchen towels. My DH insists on using those sponges with the nylon over them in the kitchen so I soak them in Tea Tree Oil to keep the bacteria and germs off of them and it keeps them from getting sour. I also add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract as well.

Tea tree oil will also get rid of mold and mildew.

[jessie58]

The other day I dragged out an old shirt that I hadn't worn since last summer. I was shocked to find that the pits smelled like BO. Whoa, I never smell and am not sure what happened there but the shirt is that material that doesn't breathe, some synthetic stuff and I would never have put it away without washing it but anyway, for some unknown reason, there was the proof, smelly pits. I took regular laundry soap and washed the pits but the smell was still there. I got the brilliant idea from this thread to put a couple of drops of TTO on the pits and scrubbed a bit and then rinsed. Lo and behold, the smell is gone. No BO. I was so relieved, I thought I would have to toss the shirt. It was dry the next day, I smelled it and is smells as fresh as a daisy.

[LadyOttoline]

Wow, I really need to get some, didn't know there were so many uses to TTO!! I look forward to when I'll be able to use it on my skin, right now that won't work since I'm pregnant, but I sure am curious to see how it would work on my acne.

[jessie58]

I love this thread and love tea tree oil. Is there anybody else out there who has other ideas to share about TTO?

[emeraldeyes]

I also love tea tree oil!! :whoohoo: I use it as a spot treatment for pimples. I haven't read this whole thread yet so I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but TTO really works for cold sores. I get at least one cold sore a year and I find that if I dab TTO on it and take 1000mg of Lysine that it cuts the healing time in half and takes the swelling down. It's mostly from the Lysine (works like a miracle!! :happy:) but the TTO helps kill any bacteria that is present.

[meliora]

I love TTO! It has helped with my scalp issues (itchies, gunk, breakouts). It is a great way to desinfect accidental cuts or cat scratches. Occasionally I would use diluted TTO as a facial cleanser because of its astringent properties.

[ilovemycop]

Does anyone have a problem with the way TTO smells?I used a bit on my hair last night and I swear just smelling it was making my asthma worse :( Is there anyway to make it smell better because I would love to continue to use it.Especially since I've read this thread.

[jessie58]

The one drawback about TTO is its smell. It is horrid and many people cannot stand it at all. My girls freak out when I get it out. To me it smells medicinal or vaguely chemically. I am used to it and some people can never get used to it. There is not much one can do to disguise it unfortunately.

[ilovemycop]

well,after reading this thread I did try my hardest to get over the smell and use it in my son't bath water.He had a benign rash on his little face so I put about two drops in the baby tub with him and it cleared it right up.It was amazing,all the baby lotions out there weren't working and I was this close to calling the dr.about it.I'm going to do one more bath with the TTO to clear up a few spots left over.

I am very happy with it!

[MountainGypsy]

I am one of those strange people that likes the way it smells, of course I find the smell of Vicks Vapo Rub delightful too! :geek:

[unaspenser]

Don't know if I ever posted this before, especially since this thread started so long ago, but TTO has cleared up ringworm and also nail fungus beautifully on two occasions for me. :)

[vidgrl007]

I am one of those strange people that likes the way it smells, of course I find the smell of Vicks Vapo Rub delightful too! :geek:
i am right there with you.i do love it for getting rid of he monthly monsters that pop up on me:happy:

[ohjezebel]

I adore tea tree oil. I found that the organic soap store near me also sells soap-making supplies - including oils and E.O.s in bulk - so I managed to pick up some organic TTO that way.

My favorite use for TTO (that I haven't seen on a skim through this thread) is on infected piercings. My conch got mildly infected (really red and nasty with crust and pus), so I'd clean it with a few drops of TTO diluted in a shot-glass full of water, then soak the end of a q-tip in straight TTO and apply that to the piercing to kill any lingering gerns. Worked like a charm!

I've also used it for acne, in place of neosporin on cuts and scratches, for terping my henna, and on yeastie-beasties (along with ACV). I need to start using it to clean more. It's the greatest thing ever.

[Chamomile betty]

I have a Tee Tree blemish stick I got from Puritan's Pride. I love it! I will dry up a blemish and it's good for bites and cuts. I make sure I stock up because I tend to run out quickly. The brand's Herbal Authority.

[angelthadiva]

I'm not crazy about the smell of TTO, but it clears up breakouts quicker than anything I've ever tried; and trust me, I think I've tried it all! I can deal w/the smell because the results are so good!

[kwaniesiam]

I use TTO for everything. Piercings, especially angry cartilage ones it works wonders on, putting some in shampoo or spritz to fix an itchy scalp, for zits, you name it. TTO rules. I also kind of like the smell, but when I use it my mum will go in the bathroom after and ask what that chemical smell is. I think it smell a lot more natural than any chemical...

[PatGear]

Not sure if this use has been mentioned yet, since I haven't read all the posts in the thread in a while. Earlier in the week, I had a canker sore in my mouth and it hurt every time is smiled. :purplex: I put some TTO on a Q-tip, undiluted, and just dabbed it on the spot. The taste was less than fabulous, but it started feeling better in minutes afterward and has gradually gone away and was less irritating as it was healing. Previously I had swished with TTO mouthwash, but applying a bit directly on the spot gave better results.Thanks for this tip. I get canker sore pretty often. I'll try TTO next time.

[Kimo]

How about eczema? I get a touch of this during very dry winters, and I have a little bit now behind my knees... and a small patch on my face! Heavens! What to do? The spot on my face is about the size of a dime, up right on my cheekbone near my eye, and it's red and hurts. I'm currently using a watered-down aloe/lotion but that makes it sting. Would TTO help or make it worse?

TIA!

[SarieQ]

I make a jock itch and athletes foot spray with tea trea oil. My DH gets this when on the ship and not able to nice hot showers. I just can't imagine what the berthing must look and smell like having twenty guys living there! His clothes always smell so terrible when he brings his bags home--the clean clothes at that. The first time he got it, he wanted to buy two different over the counter treatments. I said that the fungus that causes it was the same for both so one mix with TTO would do it. Within one treatment, he was already feeling better! He's leaving for a seven month cruise in two weeks and that spray is first on his list of things for me to make! Oh, it also helped my DD when she had mosquito bites all over her legs. I'm also gunna make him some TTO soap for when he is in the communal shower!

1 four ounce spray bottle
2 oz each of aloe gel and witch hazel
a splash of vodka
1/2 tsp TTO

Add all ingredients and shake well!

I have tried TTO on me, but it just doesn't work good at all! I'm sensitive to lots of eo's. I just ended up looking like I was sunburned and it actually caused more acne due to the irritation!

[Pierre]

If you don't like the smell, try nerolina or rosalina. Those are in the same genus and smell prettier. Or try Anne Lee's Melablend. Other close relatives (not the same genus, but close enough to have many similar effects) are lemon tea tree, manuka, kanuka, and Kunzea ambigua. (I kept thinking Aotearoa on that last one, trying to remember its name - it's also called white cloud. "Aotearoa" can be translated "long white cloud".)

[jessie58]

Hey Pierre, I was thinking of you today as I watched "The Princess Bride" and remembered your old siggy at LHC.

I've never heard of nerolina or rosalina but I'd like to have a product with similar results but not the dreaded smell. I'll look for them to try.

[frannyg]

How about eczema? I get a touch of this during very dry winters, and I have a little bit now behind my knees... and a small patch on my face! Heavens! What to do? The spot on my face is about the size of a dime, up right on my cheekbone near my eye, and it's red and hurts. I'm currently using a watered-down aloe/lotion but that makes it sting. Would TTO help or make it worse?

TIA!

I've used TTO mixed with pure Shea Butter for eczema. It definitely helped and did not make it worse at all. Hope that helps some. :flower:

[shelleybean]

Wow all these wonderful uses for TTO :) I have always loved the smell of it. I first learned about it from my first piercing/piercer, he suggested it for use during the healing process. It became a nice association for me.

I'm wondering how folks use it for treating dandruff/scalp problems. I've tried applying with a carrier oil directly to scalp and in rinses but I haven't had much luck with it. I would love to know how to use it on a pretty severe scalp issue.

-shelleybean

[Sapphire'sWings]

How do those of you with cats use tea tree oil? I plan on using it on my face, but I'm afraid of the cat touching my skin or licking my face with the TTO on.

[Clare-Dragonfly]

I've never noticed cats to be interested in TTO. It's a pretty medicinal smell (though I personally like it).

[Sapphire'sWings]

I've never noticed cats to be interested in TTO. It's a pretty medicinal smell (though I personally like it).

Thanks, I guess I'll just be very careful while using it.

Right now I'm using the Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish stick with tea tree oil in (seems very diluted with other oils,willowbark, and alcohol) and I am impressed!This is the second day I'm using it and I see results. So far, this is working better than benzoyl peroxide on my skin, and leaves my skin with less flaking. My skin looks healthy and glowy, but not greasy at all, and the pimples are drying out. Yay! :whoohoo: A bit expensive for me, but totally worth it.

[Kimo]

Frannyg--I just broke down and put hydrocortisone on it and it cleared up in about 36 hours. (Sometimes the drugstore comes through!)

[violetflower]

For those who don't like the smell of Tea Tree, or find it is too drying etc, have you tried Manuka essential oil? Here is a little write up about it:

MANUKA
Leptospermum scoparium New Zealand, Organic. Steam distilled, leaves.

Similar in action to Tea Tree, but much less medicinal in aroma, this healing oil is honey scented. Use as you would Tea Tree, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

It is proven effective against both Strep and Staph infections .

Experimental use has shown it helpful in dealing with the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue. I find it milder and less irritating than Tea Tree in skin care products . This has become, in our house, one of the "must have" oils.

Testing at the University of Heidelberg showes that Manuka is more effective than Tea Tree essential oil when dealing with gram positive bacteria. Both Tea Tree Oil and Manuka Oil also demonstrated a very good antimicrobial efficacy against various
antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus species.
It is from this (http://www.naturesgift.com/essential/descriptionm-o.htm)website.

I haven't actually tried it yet, I have some organic Manuka on its way to me!

[Tigerdawn]

I used some TTO in a pimple the other day and my cat got a whiff. Her ears went back and she glared at me and started to swipe at my face. So I don't think I need to worry about her ingesting it. :)