The difference between my family’s health 15 or so years ago and prior and our health today is significant. Long ago, I knew nothing about essential oils, toxic products, contaminated food supply, the dangers of vaccines or how corrupt the government is. As I began to research, study and learn, I became more and more convinced that natural remedies and lifestyle would be best for us. I always had a small garden. As I became more educated in health and in how to remove toxins from our lives, I expanded my garden and learned to grow foods without chemicals. began to incorporate edible flowers, herbs and weeds! I grow foods for specific health reasons, such as leafy greens for antioxidants and vitamin C or sunflowers to roast the seeds that are super-power brain food! Over the years, I also learned about essential oils. Using oils as remedies for illness, infection, injury and overall well-being has substantially strengthened our immune systems and improved our health. Tea tree oil, in particular, has many beneficial uses.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to offer medical advice. The Hot Mess Press is not responsible or liable for any consequence that occurs if a person tries an idea mentioned in this post.
Use tea tree to alleviate poison ivy discomfort
Tea tree oil has several properties that are helpful to treat poison ivy. It is an anti-inflammatory oil, so it reduces, itching, redness and irritation. Anyone who has ever had a severe case of poison ivy knows how uncomfortable it can be! Tea tea is also known for its antimicrobial properties, which means it fights infection. If you scratch poison ivy blisters, you’re at risk for infection.
Control dandruff and kill lice with tea tree oil
Like poison ivy, dandruff or a lice infestation can cause chronic discomfort from itchiness and irritation. The commercial products people typically use to treat these conditions are highly toxic! You can add 15 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to your usual amount of shampoo. Work it into the hair and scalp as well as possible. Wrap the head in a shower cap or plastic bag and let sit for an hour. RINSE WELL. It will often resolve the problem in a single application. However, you can repeat as needed.
Prevent mold from fresh produce that is store-bought
It’s so frustrating to purchase fruit or vegetables at the grocery store, only to have gray fuzziness appear within a few days! (That’s because the produce we buy could be months old by the time it arrives on our store shelves! Bleecchh.) The good news is that tea tree oil prevents the moldiness store-brought produce is prone to. Just add a few drops to a bin of water and wash your fruits and veggies in it. Again, RINSE WELL.
Commercial mouthwash has all sorts of nastiness in it
Do you know that a person who has recently used mouthwash will often register positive for alcohol if he or she takes a breath test? This is because ethyl alcohol is a main ingredient in store-bought mouthwash! There’s a whole host of other toxic ingredients in commercial mouthwash, several of which can cause cancer. Using a drop of tea tree oil in a small glass of water to swish around the mouth, then spit out is a natural mouthwash. It has also been shown to help improve gum health, as well. Some people add a drop of peppermint essential oil or clove to the mixture. Be aware that clove numbs the mouth, so there’s a danger of biting your tongue if you use it.
Things to be aware of when using tea tree oil
Tea tree is a “hot” oil. If you apply it directly to the skin, you might feel a slight burning sensation. As with most “hot” oils, it’s best to use a carrier oil with it. This means that, instead of applying directly to your skin, you add however many drops you need to coconut oil or other non-toxic oil. Mix well and apply the tincture to your skin. Always keep a surplus amount in a glass container or bowl and keep it covered.
While there are many essential oils that you can safely ingest or swallow (when you know exactly how to do so safely), tea tree oil is NOT one of them! You don’t want ingest this oil. It is poisonous if you swallow it. Serious reactions that can occur include unconsciousness, lack of muscle control and confusion. DO NOT INGEST TEA TREE OIL!
Avoid touching your eyes after having tea tree oil on your hands. Always wash hands thoroughly after using fingers to apply the oil to other areas of the body.
Just as there are risks involved with using commercial drugs (even those that are needed and helpful), there are risks involved in using natural remedies, too. However, since using non-toxic products is always healthier than using things containing toxic ingredients, it pays to learn how to use essential oils safely. When you use them safely, essential oils may help prevent and treat illness, infection or injury. They can also help strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health!
