Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which grows in Australia. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, and over 400 medical studies has proven its value as an antimicrobial agent that can combat fungi. 

Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is also antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic — making it an amazing cure-all that should be stocked in every home’s first aid kit.

Tea tree oil should only be used topically, and never ingested — although it’s safe to use as a mouthwash as long as you spit it out.

You can purchase tea tree oil from most pharmacies, health stores, or online. It’s an invaluable part of your home apothecary! So how can you use tea tree oil? Let’s count the ways!

As always, consult with your doctor before trying to treat any medical condition.

Tea Tree Oil Uses

Uses for tea tree oil range from keeping away pests to beautifying your hair! Read on to discover the amazing ways tea tree oil can benefit you!

1. Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

2. Tea Tree Oil Uses For Beauty

3. Tea Tree Oil Uses For The Home

4. Dangers Of Tea Tree Oil 

Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil For Boils

When a hair follicle becomes infected with Staphylococcus aureus, it might swell into a painful, pus-filled boil. Technically, anyone can fall victim to a boil if a scratch or cut allows the harmful bacteria to enter the skin — but people with immune problems are particularly susceptible.

Fortunately, you can take advantage of tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties in order to keep that boil at bay. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends applying full strength tea tree oil three to four times a day. Continue applying it two weeks after the boil disappears. If the boil is persistent or painful, see your doctor. 

Tea Tree Oil For Burns

Burns run the risk of getting infected if they’re left untreated. If a mishap while cooking dinner leaves you with a painful burn, run it under cool water until the pain starts to subside. Then, disinfect the area with tea tree oil. Because tea tree oil can be very strong, dilute the oil with water first. This treatment is recommended only for minor burns that can be treated at home. For more serious burns, go to your closest emergency room for treatment.

Tea Tree Oil For Colds

Tea tree oil should never be ingested. However, some people report reducing their cold symptoms simply by gargling a mixture of tea tree oil and warm water and spitting it out. The taste is less than pleasant, so don’t overuse this technique.

Tea Tree Oil For Cough

A homemade chest rub with tea tree oil can ease an irritating cough and make it easier to sleep. Nina Nelson published a fantastic recipe for a whipped vapor rub over at DIYnatural.com.

• ¼ cup room temperature coconut oil
• ¼ cup room temperature shea butter
• 25 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• stand mixer with whipping attachment or hand mixer and bowl
• spatula
• clean glass jar with lid

Put the coconut oil and shea butter in your mixer and whip them together for about 30 seconds. Use the spatula to pull the mixture to the middle of the bowl. Add the essential oils. Whip them for another minute, and then use the spatula to bring the mixture to the middle of the bowl again. Whip for one more minute, then scoop the mixture into a jar with sealable lid.

When you have a cough, apply a small amount on your chest, and reapply it every few hours.

Tea Tree Oil For Cradle Cap

Newborn babies sometimes get a flaky skin rash on the top of their head called cradle cap. The flakes can be gently removed with a mixture of tea tree oil and almond oil.

Create a mixture of one part tea tree oil and ten parts almond oil. Mix thoroughly, and then apply it on the affected areas. Make sure to avoid contact with your baby’s eyes, mouth, and nose. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, use a comb to carefully remove the flakes.

Tea Tree Oil For Cuts

The native people of Australia have traditionally used tea tree oil to dress wounds and help them heal faster. It may help with cuts because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. To clean a wound, first create a solution of one part tea tree oil and 10 parts warm water. Then, soak part of the solution in a clean cloth and dab it on the cut.

Tea Tree Oil For Cysts

Struggling with an unsightly and painful sebaceous cyst? It’s possible to remove it naturally with tea tree oil. First, clean the area with soap and water. Then cover a small cotton ball with tea tree oil and attach the cotton ball to the cyst with a bandage. Leave it on for eight hours, then throw it away and clean the area again. Repeat daily until the cyst is gone.

Tea Tree Oil For Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that results in scaly patches and red skin, particularly on your face and scalp. A combination of a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and tea tree oil might help heal your skin and even your skin tone. Mix together a combination of nine parts coconut oil and one part tea tree oil, then apply the mixture to the affected skin. Leave it on for five or 10 minutes, then wash it off with a warm, damp cloth. Repeat daily. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might try a weaker solution of 95 parts coconut oil and five parts tea tree oil.

Tea Tree Oil For Eyes

Blepharitis is a condition where tiny oil glands of the inner eyelid become inflamed. A possible cause is Demodex mite infestation. Unfortunately, Demodex mites are notoriously stubborn and resist antiseptic solutions. However, according to the Review of Ophthalmology, tea tree oil can be effective in rooting out the little critters.

You can get rid of the mites and treat your blepharitis with a daily lid scrub that consists of 50% tea tree oil, and massage your eyelid with 5% tea tree oil. Consult your doctor before you treat your eyes with tea tree oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Tea Tree Oil For Feet

Tea tree oil can fight a number of fungal foot conditions, including foot odor, toenail fungus, and athlete's foot. Simply apply a tea tree oil solution to the affected area. It will kill the fungi and bacteria that cause odor and foot rash. 

Tea Tree Oil For Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition that occurs when a hair follicle is infected by a fungus or bacteria. Most commonly, it’s caused by a fungus called malassezia. It often resembles acne, except it is centered around a few hairs. Regularly applying tea tree oil to the affected area might kill the fungus or bacteria that is causing the problems, which can help the infection heal faster.

Tea Tree Oil For Gums

The types of gum disease range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Since they are caused by bacteria, both of these conditions can be treated by applying a drop of tea tree oil to your toothpaste. Remember to spit and thoroughly rinse your mouth so you don’t swallow any tea tree oil. Always consult your dentist on the best way to treat gum diseases. 

Tea Tree Oil For Headache

If you have headaches caused by sinus problems and anxiety, tea tree oil might help. As an aromatherapeutic treatment, inhale the scent of concentrated tea tree oil. This can open your sinuses and help you relax. 

Tea Tree Oil For Herpes 

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular and natural ways to control herpes outbreaks. Use an eyedropper to apply tea tree oil to the affected area two to three times a day. If you’ve never used tea tree oil, you might start with a diluted solution at first to see how your skin will react. Always follow your doctor’s advice before deciding on a course of treatment for herpes.

Tea Tree Oil For Hives

Hives are a skin reaction caused by food or stress. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the redness and swelling. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area. Optionally, you might cover it with a cotton ball. Reapply a few times a day.

Tea Tree Oil For Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the body. To treat impetigo, place three drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it on the impetigo sores.

Tea Tree Oil For Ingrown Hair

Tea tree oil can reduce inflammation, which means that it can loosen up an ingrown hair and reduce swelling. Place a few drops of tea tree oil in some warm water, then dip a clean washcloth in the mixture. Place the cloth on the ingrown hair until the area is thoroughly soaked. 

Tea Tree Oil For BV

BV, also known as bacterial vaginosis or gardnerella, is a common type of inflammation. It’s caused by bacterial overgrowth in the vagina. If you need relief between visits to the doctor, add 10 to 12 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath, and soak for about 30 minutes. 

Tea Tree Oil For Cold Sore

Tired of a stubborn cold sore? Apply diluted tea tree oil directly onto your cold sore three to four times per day. Make sure you use a diluted version — 100% tea tree oil can irritate sensitive and broken skin. Also, take care not to ingest tea tree oil, which can have dangerous internal side effects.

Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff

Alongside tea tree oil’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, it is anti-inflammatory and super moisturizing. The end result: tea tree oil can be a lifesaver if you’re dealing with dandruff. Some products are designed specifically for the scalp and combine other essential oils to dilute the tea tree oil. If your product is undiluted, mix a few drops with water in a refillable bottle. Apply it to your scalp, wait overnight, and wash it out in the morning! 

Tea Tree Oil For Eczema

Essential oils can be harsh for people with sensitive skin, so you should ask your dermatologist before using tea tree oil for eczema. However, it can provide great relief for inflamed skin in its diluted form. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil to make a natural moisturizer. 

Tea Tree Oil For Warts

For plantar, flat, and common warts, tea tree oil can form part of an effective treatment. Place two to four drops of tea tree oil on the wart, and then cover it with garlic. Repeat nightly for up to three weeks.

Tea Tree Oil For Yeast Infection

Dealing with a yeast infection? Studies are still inconclusive regarding tea tree oil’s effect on vaginal infections, so ask your doctor before you try it out for yourself. Some women coat the top half of a tampon with lubricant, apply a few drops of tea tree oil, and insert. Other women simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bath and soak for at least 30 minutes. 

Tea Tree Oil For Athlete’s Foot

Tea tree oil is super effective when it comes to treating bacterial and fungal infections. If regular medications aren’t clearing up your athlete’s foot, use a tea tree oil solution between 25% to 50% twice per day over four weeks to relieve symptoms and clear up the infection.

Tea Tree Oil For Blisters

Tea tree oil is a natural astringent, which can help dry up stubborn blisters. Dilute one part tea tree oil with three parts water, and apply the solution to the blister. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off. Repeat two to three times per day.

Tea Tree Oil For Ingrown Toenail

Add tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar to a large bowl of warm water, and soak your foot for 10 to 15 minutes. After the tea tree-infused footbath, directly apply tea tree oil to the affected area. 

Tea Tree Oil For Itchy Scalp

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo, or buy a tea tree-based shampoo to relieve scalp conditions like excessive itching.

Tea Tree Oil For Keloid

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to vitamin E oil  or Bio-Oil. Apply it to keloid scars to speed up healing and reduce the appearance of the scar.

Tea Tree Oil For PPP

Do a skin test before applying tea tree oil to penile papules. If you don’t have a reaction, add a drop of tea tree oil to a cotton swab, dilute it with water, and rub on the affected areas.

Tea Tree Oil For Rash

Add tea tree oil to chamomile-infused water, pour it into  an empty spray bottle, and spray over the rash.

Tea Tree Oil For Razor Bumps

Add tea tree oil to a carrier oil, like almond oil. Rub the mixture between your hands, and pat it on razor bumps after you exit the shower. A steamy shower will open up your pores, letting the tea tree oil quickly absorb into the skin.

Tea Tree Oil For Ringworm

Cleanse the infected area thoroughly and let it dry. Dip a cotton swab directly into tea tree oil, and apply it to the area. Repeat this process three times per day until the ringworm disappears. Make sure you use 100% pure tea tree oil.

Tea Tree Oil For Scabies

Research has shown that an active ingredient in tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol, is effective in killing scabies mites. There are several different methods to implement this. Wash your clothes, bedding, towels, and other household fabrics in a hot wash with a mix of diluted tea tree oil. Rent a carpet steamer, add water and tea tree oil, and then steam household upholstery (carpets, furniture, curtains, etc.). Tea tree oil can also be used topically. Add a few drops to coconut oil, and use it as a body moisturizer.

Tea Tree Oil For Scars

Add tea tree oil to coconut oil, or a vitamin E oil, and apply it to scars to boost healing and reduce their appearance. You can also use a soap infused with tea tree oil to speed along the healing process.

Tea Tree Oil For Shingles

The antiviral properties of tea tree oil are useful for treating shingles. Add tea tree oil to a body lotion, or add 5 to 10 drops to a small bowl of hot water. Dip a clean flannel in the warm solution, wring out any excess, and apply it to the infected area. Hold it on the rash for 15 minutes.

Tea Tree Oil For Spots

Make a hot compress. Add several drops of tea tree oil to hot water. Make sure the water isn’t scalding hot, but try to keep it as hot as you can stand. Dip a clean washcloth into the solution and apply it to spots or pimples. The heat will open the pores and draw out the infection, and tea tree oil will zap your spots by disinfecting them while drying them out. You can also try adding tea tree oil to a large bowl of hot water. Then, hover your face above it with a towel over your head to create a facial sauna. 

Tea Tree Oil For Sunburn

Top tip! Keep a bottle of aloe vera gel in the fridge for exactly this occasion! Dilute five to 10 drops of tea tree oil into the aloe vera gel, and apply it on the sunburned area. Tea tree oil can reduce blisters and peeling, along with soothing the skin and reducing the pain of sunburn.

Tea Tree Oil For Teeth

Got gum disease? Whether you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, you can use tea tree oil for teeth. Add a drop of tea tree oil to your toothpaste after you’ve squeezed it onto your toothbrush. It will assassinate the bacteria lurking in your mouth. It might not taste good, and it shouldn’t be swallowed, but as long as you spit it out, there’s nothing better to kill off plaque — which is just bacteria. You can also dilute tea tree oil with purified water, and use it as a mouthwash. 

Tea Tree Oil For UTI

Add five drops of tea tree water to a shallow bath. Add a pinch of baking soda, and wash out your bits. Don’t get too splash-happy: a gentle wash will do the trick. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties should clear it up in a few days.

Tea Tree Oil For Wounds

Tea tree oil is perhaps best known for its ability to treat wounds. It keeps the wound clean and promotes fast healing. But can you apply tea tree oil to an open wound? It’s going to sting like a b****, but yes — you can. Dilute tea tree oil in water, add the solution to gauze, and gently pat the wound to clean it out.

Tea Tree Oil For Moles

Although tea tree oil shouldn’t be applied to mole over a prolonged period of time, it can be useful if you’ve recently had a mole surgically removed. Use tea tree oil to keep the skin clean and disinfected.

Tea Tree Oil For Molluscum

Apply tea tree oil directly to the warts three to four times a day until the bumps disappear. 

Tea Tree Oil For Allergies

Tea tree oil destroys airborne pathogens that can cause nasty allergies to flare up. Add some to your household cleaning products, or apply topically as an anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil is especially effective at treating any rashes or hives that may occur as a result of an allergic reaction. 

Tea Tree Oil For Alopecia

Tea tree oil is renowned for stimulating hair growth. It does this in two ways. Tea tree oil cleans the follicles while removing dead cells, which promotes hair growth, while the antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil clear up any scalp health issues. It also boosts the immune system, which can help assist the symptoms of alopecia. Try adding a few drops to your shampoo.

Tea Tree Oil For Demodex

Demodex is best known for causing rosacea. Rosacea is actually caused by nasty parasites living underneath your skin. When the mite dies, it releases a bacteria which causes the redness associated with rosacea. Add tea tree oil to your cleanser, toner, and moisturiser to kill off the bacteria and any remaining parasites living in your skin.

Tea Tree Oil For Ear Mites

Tea tree oil is effective in killing ear mites, but it’s not recommended for cats or dogs because it can be toxic.

Tea Tree Oil For Eye Mites

Getting tea tree oil in your eyes is going to sting like mad, but it’s also very effective at killing off eyelash mites. Wash your pillow cases with tea tree oil, and then make a solution that’s 50% tea tree oil and 50% walnut oil. Apply liberally over your eyelashes (keep your eyes closed!) and in your brows. Wait 10 minutes with your eyes closed. Wash it off with baby shampoo. Repeat twice a day until symptoms subside.

Tea Tree Oil For Gout

Either add a few drops of tea tree oil to your bath, or mix tea tree oil with a massage oil — such as almond or castor oil — and gently massage the affected area. If you have gout in your foot, fill up a big bowl with warm water and add tea tree and peppermint oil for a foot bath that will relieve the pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil may help reduce swelling.

Tea Tree Oil For Gum Pain

If you’re suffering from gum pain, you can directly rub a drop of tea tree oil onto sore gums. Ayurvedic oil pulling is an ancient traditional Indian practice in which you swill coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes. Add a drop of tea tree oil to the coconut oil, and swill for as long as you can. Take care not to swallow the solution — tea tree oil is toxic if it’s ingested.

Tea Tree Oil For Heat Rash

Heat rash is caused by sweat trapped underneath the skin, and it can be painful! You can either apply tea tree oil directly to the rash, or add a few drops of tea tree oil and half a cup of baking soda to a bath for a healing soak.

Tea Tree Oil For HPV

Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath, along with half a cup of apple cider vinegar, and soak in it for a minimum of 30 minutes. Some homeopathic practitioners advise applying tea tree oil topically (diluting with castor oil first), but if you have sensitive skin, avoid using tea tree oil in sensitive areas.

Tea Tree Oil For Joint Pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can reduce swelling and relieve pain in aching joints. You can create your own massage oil by adding tea tree to a carrier oil, or you can sprinkle a few drops in the bath. 

Tea Tree Oil Beauty Uses

Tea Tree Oil For Lips

Add several drops of tea tree oil to a lip balm for an antibacterial lip ointment. Use it when you’re sick to avoid spreading germs.

Tea Tree Oil For Scalp

Is your scalp constantly itchy and sad? A tea tree oil treatment could make a world of difference. You can either apply diluted tea tree oil to your hair after showering, or you can mix a few drops of it with a carrier oil — like jojoba or coconut oil — to create a hair mask. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to work its anti-inflammatory magic!

Tea Tree Oil For Skin

Tea tree oil is naturally antiseptic, so it can be used to treat small wounds. Use it as a spot treatment for acne — but dilute it on a wet cotton ball or Q-tip first.

Tea Tree Oil For Dark Spots

Uneven skin tone? You can remove dark spots on your skin with tea tree oil. Simply apply a few drops to the area every day until the skin area lightens.

Tea Tree Oil For Hair

Tea tree oil can unclog your hair follicles, which may help promote hair growth. Mix a few drops of it with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) and massage it into your scalp for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.

Tea Tree Oil For Acne

Renowned for its disinfecting and soothing properties, tea tree oil can be an effective spot treatment for acne. Dilute the oil before use by mixing a couple of drops with jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Alternatively, you can wet a cotton ball or Q-tip with water before saturating it in oil. If you have sensitive skin, spot test first!

Tea Tree Oil For Face

Are you tired of your oily, acne-prone skin? This face mask provides tons of moisture and anti-inflammatory benefits. Mix three drops of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of jojoba oil and half of a finely chopped tomato. Apply the paste to your face for 10 minutes, and then wash it off. 

Tea Tree Oil For Beard

Do you want a luscious beard that makes all your non-bearded friends bristle with envy? Tea tree oil is a great essential oil that can be added to beard oils, which are essential for maintaining a soft, shiny beard that doesn’t itch. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to one ounce of carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil, and rub a few drops into your beard after a shower. 

Tea Tree Oil For Nails

Add tea tree oil to a manicure bath of warm water to disinfect your nails and kill any bacteria lurking under your fingernails.

Tea Tree Oil For Nose Piercing

Apply tea tree oil to a recently pierced nose to prevent infection. You can apply it directly, or dilute tea tree oil with water if you have sensitive skin.

Tea Tree Oil For Wrinkles

After you apply your cleanser to a cotton pad, add one drop of tea tree oil. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of your regular cleanser for a totally organic experience. Tea tree can tighten the skin, thus preventing wrinkles.

Tea Tree Oil For Age Spots

Tea tree oil is also a cicatrisant, which means that it lessens the appearance of blemishes or scars. It can also reduce the appearance of age spots. Add a few drops to cold-pressed argan oil, and use it as a moisturizer on areas that have age spots.

Tea Tree Oil For Edges

 

Add tea tree oil to coconut oil, and rub it around the edges of your hairline at night to promote hair growth. You can also use castor oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil. Add other essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and rosemary for a blissful blend that will stimulate hair growth.

Tea Tree Oil For Eyelash Growth

Use a cleanser infused with tea tree oil to unblock follicles around the eyes, kill eyelash mites, and promote healthy eyelash growth. Never apply undiluted tea tree oil directly onto your eyes. It’s going to hurt — a lot!

Tea Tree Oil For The Home

 

Tea Tree Oil For Mites

When applied directly, tea tree oil kills mites. If you know where the mites are, apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area, or add tea tree oil to your laundry to kill mites in fabrics.

Tea Tree Oil For Mold

Tea tree kills mold, so add a few drops of it to your household cleaning spray. Spray any areas that are partial to mold.

Tea Tree Oil For Cleaning

A few drops of tea tree oil can add an antibacterial kick to your favorite handmade soap. Here’s a recipe from Create, Sustain, and Flow that will eliminate the need to buy those neon-colored bottles of dish soap at your supermarket ever again.

• 1 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup (tightly packed) grated bar soap
• 1/4 cup castile soap
• 1-1.25 tbsp. super washing soda (adjust amount for thickness)
• 10-30 drops tea tree oil (or any essential oil)

Take a pint jar, throw in your grated bar soap, and carefully pour the boiling water over it. Stir until the flakes are dissolved. Mix in super washing soda, and then add castile soap. Allow it to cool, and add in the drops of tea tree oil.

Now you’re ready to get your dishes super clean. Please note that the solution might gel up a bit over time, so you may need to mix it up.

Tea Tree Oil For Fleas

While essential oils can be an effective way to boost your pet’s health, avoid using tea tree oil for fleas — even in diluted quantities. Tea tree oil is toxic for pets. Even if you just apply it to their fur, it’s risky if they lick it off later. If your furry friend is dealing with fleas, take them to the vet instead.

Tea Tree Oil For Bed Bugs

On its own, tea tree oil isn’t effective against a bad bed bug infestation. But in conjunction with other pest control methods, like diatomaceous earth and routine washing and vacuuming, it can help keep bed bugs at bay. Mix a 2% solution of tea tree oil, lavender oil, and lukewarm water, put it in a spray bottle, and spray down your furniture and carpets. The strong scent may keep those bugs away!

Tea Tree Oil For Lice

A number of studies suggest that tea tree oil can kill lice and reduce the number of hatched lice eggs. If you’re dealing with lice, try using up to 10% tea tree oil in a shampoo, and apply it to your hair once per day for as long as four weeks. 

Tea Tree Oil For Poison Ivy

Splash several drops directly on the infected area, and spread it out with a cotton ball. Don’t touch a poison ivy rash — it could spread! Tea tree oil will quickly dry out the blisters and scabs, and promote healing. After your rash has stopped oozing, you can add tea tree oil to a dollop of coconut oil to make a natural healing salve.

Tea Tree Oil For Ticks

You can make a natural tick repellent spray at home with just a few ingredients, or use tea tree oil to safely remove a tick. To make a tick repellent spray, add tea tree oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and lavender oil to water. Decant the mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it on before heading out into an area with a likelihood of tick bites.

To remove a tick, add a generous amount of tea tree oil to a cotton swab, and place it over the tick. You can either hold it there for 60 seconds and remove the tick with tweezers, or tape it on for 30 minutes — the tick should fall off by itself.

Tea Tree Oil For Ants

You can make your own all-natural ant repellent spray that won’t have you evacuating your brood from the house. Add tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle of water and spray directly at the six-legged critters, or spray it around your windows and outdoor entryways.

Tea Tree Oil For Laundry

Are your clothes smelling a little bit musty? Tea tree oil kills mold and mildew, so add 10 drops to your next laundry cycle. 

Dangers Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil For Cats

Tea tree oil contains potent chemicals called terpenes. These chemicals are a powerful destroyer of bacteria and fungi, but they also can harm larger residents in your home — such as your cat. Tea tree oil, as powerful as it is, is still toxic in large amounts. And it’s especially toxic to small animals like your pet Fluffers. A feline who ingests too much of it may drool, vomit, or appear weak and lethargic. Large amounts may result in seizures or loss of consciousness. Never use a tea tree oil product on cats, and always keep it where they can’t reach it.

Tea Tree Oil For Babies

Do not let your baby ingest tea tree oil — it can be fatal. A baby’s skin is highly sensitive, so you should proceed with caution if you want to use tea tree oil for babies. Only use diluted solutions, and ask your doctor before you apply it. Some parents use diluted tea tree oil (one drop per teaspoon of carrier oil) as a treatment for eczema and diaper rash. Don’t use undiluted tea tree oil on babies younger than six months, and test diluted solutions on a small area of their body before application.

Tea Tree Oil For Dogs

While tea tree oil is awesome for humans, it is definitely not awesome for pets. Just seven drops of 100% tea tree oil is toxic — and potentially fatal — for dogs. While you might run into diluted products on the market for pets, avoid them entirely. Visit your vet for treatment instead.

Tea Tree Oil For Horses

Never use undiluted tea tree oil on horses because it can be toxic. However, many grooming products contain a safe amount of tea tree oil that can be used on horses. Carr & Day & Martin offer top-of-the-line equine grooming products that contain tea tree oil.