12 Every Day Uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil

Uses For Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree essential oil was one of the first essential oils I started using. When I began researching ways to save money, I soon found that I could cut costs by making my own cleaners at home. Almost every recipe I found called for tea tree essential oil because it’s a great disinfectant.

 Now, I use it for much more than cleaning. Because essential oils are so complex, they can be used for a number of different purposes and tea tree essential oil is no exception.

 How to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil

Topically

 Tea tree oil can be applied to the skin either neat (undiluted) or diluted. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend diluting tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil. If you’re using it with kids, I also recommend diluting the oil and using it on the bottoms of their feet.

When using essential oils topically, it’s a great idea to:

Use a carrier oil: I’ve learned that just by adding a tiny amount of a carrier oil, you increase the absorption rate of essential oils because of how the carrier oil can penetrate the skin.

Heat up the area: When I apply an essential oil to my skin, I make sure to also rub it in to create a heat exchange. This increases blood flow to the area, which helps the essential oils go through your body faster.

 Aromatically

 Tea tree oil is a great essential oil to diffuse aromatically (unless you have cats – keep them away from tea tree oil). This is a great way to purify the air because of its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

 Precautions

 Always do a spot test to make sure you aren’t sensitive to tea tree essential oil. If you are, dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil . Also, make sure you’re using 100% pure essential oils, avoiding additives/chemicals/carrier oils found in some brands which can cause irritation.

Do not use with cats as most brands can be harmful. Dilute with children and make sure they do not consume tea tree essential oil.

For more information on using essential oils, check out our frequently asked questions on essential oils.

12 Uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil

1. Ear Infections

 Tea tree essential oil is my favourite way to treat ear infections naturally. We have few ear infections in our home now, but when they occur, I rub 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil all around the base of the ear every 2-3 hours.

2. Fungal Skin Infections

 Tea tree essential oil is a powerful antifungal and can be used as a natural remedy for fungal skin infections, like ringworm and Candida. Dilute 5-6 drops in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil for added antifungal power and rub onto the infection a few times per day. (However, I would not use this in the genital area for yeast infections as it can burn quite badly.)

3. Acne

 Rub a drop of the tea tree essential oil onto problem areas 2-3 times per day to make acne clear up faster.

 4. Disinfecting

 Tea tree essential oil is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic, making it a great addition to homemade cleaner recipes.

 5. Toothaches

 Tea tree oil is also analgesic, meaning it reduces pain. For a toothache, try mixing 1 drop of tea tree essential oil in 4 oz of warm water and swish in the mouth a few times per day. (For added pain killing power, add 1 drop of clove essential oil.) Do not to swallow.

 6. Athlete’s Foot

Use tea tree essential oil by itself or make an athlete’s foot blend. You can apply the essential oil undiluted to the feet but I think that mixing 5-6 drops in 1 tablespoon of antifungal coconut oil would be better. Massage into clean feet when you wake up and before you go to bed.

7. Canker Sores/Cold Sores

 Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil in 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil and dab onto the sore several times a day.

 8. Eczema

 To soothe the skin, try diluting 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and massage onto the affected area a couple times a day.

9. Nail Fungus

 I recommend a mix of dietary changes (avoiding chemical-laden processed food and eating limited amounts of natural sweeteners) and essential oils for getting rid of nail fungus.

 Tea tree essential oil is a great antifungal that can be applied topically to combat nail fungus. Apply one drop on the affected nail(s) and rub in the essential oil. It may be easiest to do this when you wake up and before you go to bed.

 10. Warts

Because warts can be so tough to get rid of, I recommend applying a drop of tea tree essential oil to the wart (undiluted if possible) several times a day until the wart is gone.

 11. Rashes

 Having dealt with a strange rash most of my life (which I eventually found out was caused by my food allergies) I have plenty of experience with using tea tree oil for rashes.

 Before I found the cause of my rash and began healing my body with diet, I used a lot of topical creams to get it under control. Nothing helped. That is, until I started using tea tree oil. Dabbing a drop of tea tree essential oil on said rash would soothe the itching and after a few applications, make it fade quite a bit. I recommend applying a drop (dilute in coconut oil if you have sensitive skin) every 3-4 hours.

 12. Coughs

 Tea tree essential oil is also an expectorant, making it great for coughs and congestion. Use it to make this DIY vapour rub.

Where can you get high quality tea tree oil?

Tea tree essential oil is becoming more widely available due to its versatility and consumer demand for natural remedies. You can find it at most health food stores or online. (Beware of the tea tree oil available in drug stores – it’s likely to be cut with additives, chemicals, or carrier oils.) Get 100% pure organic tea tree oil online here.

Your Fingernails

You may not look very often at your fingernails, but did you know that your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health? Did you know there are hundreds of medical conditions and diseases that may cause nail changes? Your nails can show the history of recent health and physiological problems, and has been used as a diagnostic tool since ancient times.

 Sometimes it might be a fungal infection or injury, but your fingernails can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying problem, such as problem in the liver, lungs or heart.

When the nails are healthy, they have a pink colour and the moons near the nail base are light pink to white colour. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots or discoloration.

But what happens if you see that your nails have changed in colour, shape, texture, thickness or any other unusual growth pattern, and you don’t know the reason for that? Well, maybe it’s time to visit your GP.

Here you will learn how to read the signs on your nails and discover the secrets they tell you about your overall health:

1. Brittle or crumbly nails

 Brittle or crumbly nail can be a result of aging or a long exposure to detergents or nail polish, but sometimes it can indicate a fungal nail infection, Lichen planus (a condition that forms an itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth), thyroid disease or psoriasis. In rare cases it can also may be an indication of a Reactive arthritis which is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis.

 2. Discoloured nails

 Yellow nails can occur due to a long use of nail varnish, but can indicate fungal nail infection or psoriasis. It can also indicate several other ailments, such as: jaundice due to liver problem (also see my other post about early signs of liver damage), sinus infection, a problem with the thyroid gland, lung infection and lymphedema (fluid retention that generally occurs in arms or legs). For more information, read my article about the most common causes of yellow nails.

Green-black nails – indicate bacterial infection that usually occurs under loose nails.

Bluish or purple fingernail beds may indicate oxygen deprivation.

Grey nails – can be caused by certain medications.

 Brown nails – can indicate a thyroid disease or malnutrition. Fingernails that are half white at the bottom and half brown near the tips can be a sign of kidney failure, AIDS or appear after chemotherapy.

White nails – might be a sign of aging, fungal nail infection or iron deficiency (anaemia), as well as other range of ailments, such as: cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), kidney or heart failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, malnutrition or after chemotherapy.

 3. Thickened nails

 There are a few reasons for having thick nails but they are commonly caused a fungal nail infection, but can also result from psoriasis and reactive arthritis (a painful form of inflammatory arthritis). Yellowish, thickened, slow-growing nails can also indicate lung diseases.

4. Loose nails

 When the fingernails become loose and can separate from the nail bed, it may indicate an injury or infection, as well as thyroid disease, psoriasis, poor circulation or allergic reaction to medicine.

 5. Spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)

When your finger nails curve inwards and look scooped out, it may indicate iron-deficiency (anaemia), hemochromatosis (liver condition which results in iron overlaod), Raynaud’s disease (that affects the blood supply to the fingers and toes), heart disease and hypothyroidism.

 6. Pitting or dents on the nails

 Pitting or small dents on your nails can indicate psoriasis, eczema, reactive arthritis, and alopecia areata (hair loss due to autoimmune disease).

 7. Grooves across the fingernails (Beau’s lines)

 If you notice deep lines or grooves that run across the nail, it might be a result of having chemotherapy, a previous injury, exposure to cold temperatures, Raynaud’s disease that affects the blood supply to the fingers and toes, diabetes, vascular disease, zinc deficiency and illnesses associated with a high fever.

8. Nail clubbing

 This is when the fingertips and nails are unusually curved around the fingertips. It can be harmless due to increased blood flow to the fingertips, and can run in families, but if it suddenly occurs, it may indicate low oxygen level in the blood that can indicate lung disease, as well as other ailments such as heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease and AIDS.

 9. White lines running across the nails

 In this case the lines run parallel to the base of the fingernail. Don’t confuse it with white spots or streaks that are normal, but when there are parallel white lines across the nails, it’s a sign of low levels of protein in the blood, which can be due to malnutrition or liver disease.

 10. Dark stripes running down the nails

 This is common among black people and in most cases it’s normal. However sometimes it may indicate a skin cancer that affects the nail bed, called subungual melanoma. Generally, this type of cancer only affects one nail.

 11. Red or brown little streaks under the nails

 These are usually lines of blood caused by tiny damaged blood vessels and are called splinter hemorrhages. This is nothing to worry about, but if many nails are affected, it may indicate another underlying disease.

Don’t ignore your fingernails and the health signs they indicate. Have a closer look at you nails more often to keep an eye on your health. Your nails and your overall health are closely related and offer you a window into your health.

If you suffer from toenail fungus, find here a simple and effective treatment

The Secret Remedies of Different Cultures

Each country has its own wisdom, collected through centuries. It can be wisdom regarding literature, the ways of human interaction, or about how to make the best pasta. It can also be about medicine. Each nation, each people, have their own remedies in which they put stock, and today, we bring you that wisdom, backed by some cold, hard scientific facts. Sri Lanka Coconut to battle fat A resident of Sri Lanka eats, on average, about 116 coconuts a year, and the people living in this tropical paradise have the lowest risk of obesity in the world. The reason? Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids of medium length that absorb swiftly in the body, accelerate the rate of metabolism and calorie burn in the body, and give a lasting sense of being full. A study conducted on the topic found that consuming about 2 spoons of coconut oil a day, 170 gram or 300ml, can help the person lose about 1.3 kg a month. Austria Yoga to beat insomnia The use of yoga to decrease stress is known, but in Austria it is also used to battle insomnia. According to a study by Pennsylvania University, a yoga exercise of about 20 minutes a day is just as useful as taking a sleeping pill. In addition, the yoga reduces stress, chronic tension and depressed moods within two weeks time. The reason is that the gentle stretching and controlled breathing make the body secrete the GABA neurotransmitter, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Indonesia Ginger to boost cardio health Indonesia has the highest consumption rate of ginger in the world. Locals don't just throw this tasty root into their foods, the use it to make tea, candy, bread and other foodstuffs. They see it as a plant with great benefits for the heart - and are now backed up by science. Researchers from Stanford claim that half a tablespoon of ginger a day will reduce risk of clogged arteries by 27%, and it is also twice as efficient as aspirin at preventing dangerous blood clots. India Turmeric to stabilize blood sugar levels In India, the turmeric is not only a tasty spice, but a medicinal material used to treat high blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that the active ingredient in turmeric - curcumin - reduces and stabilizes the levels of sugar in the blood, as well as helps the pancreas secrete insulin when the blood sugar levels rise. One must take at least half a teaspoon a day for results. Japan Mushrooms to control cholesterol levels Edible mushrooms are considered food in Japan, but even more so as medicine. The average Japanese woman consumes about 8 kilograms (17 pounds) of mushrooms a year. Adding mushrooms to your daily diet can help reduce the levels of cholesterol by up to 30%, according to a study by Pennsylvania University. England Mustard to battle muscle pain Soaking in a hot bath with mustard seeds is a traditional English remedy for muscle pain. The unique build of the mustard causes the body to secrete toxins through the skin pores, improve blood flow, relax tense muscles and help heal damaged tissue. Germany Chamomile tea to battle gas This is an old German remedy that now has science backing it up. Stanford University researchers found that sipping 2 glasses of chamomile tea a day can reduce that bloated feeling as well actual gasses in the digestion system.   The chamomile reduces the secretion of cortisol, a hormone secreted during times of stress and causes stomach cramps.  Russia Garlic vs. Viral infections Russians use garlic when they need to battle colds, the flu and most other infectious diseases. A study conducted by the University of Florida recommends consuming one clove of garlic a day. According to the study, garlic contains organic composites that help fight viral infections, and consuming one clove of garlic a day can decrease the risk of infection by 43%. Finland Coffee to battle depression The Finnish are among the biggest coffee consumers in the world - each of them sips, on average, 1,640 cups of coffee a year (that's more than 4 cups a day). When coffee first arrived in Finland in the 18th century, it was sold as anti-depression medicine. Drinking 2 cups of coffee a day can reduce depressed moods by 34%, drinking 3 - by 42%.  According to the study, the combination of caffeine with the antioxidants found in coffee, energizes the brain and causes it to secrete anti-depression hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. New Zealand Honey to battle sinus and throat infections. Unpasteurized honey is a very common remedy in New Zealand for taking care of inflammation in the sinuses and throat. According to researchers from the universities of Illinois and Amsterdam, the natural antibiotics and the enzymes in the unpasteurized honey destroy almost 100% of germs and viruses - including those that cause throat ache and sinus inflammations. Egypt Coriander vs. food poisoning Coriander is one of the oldest spices in the world, and a traditional Egyptian medicine for stomach problems. Now, a study published in the farming and food chemistry journal shows that the seeds of the coriander hasten the healing process after suffering from inflammation of the bowels and other stomach problems. Coriander kills the bacteria responsible for stomach pain, including E-Coli and Salmonellae, by creating holes in the outer shell. So next time you have a really upset stomach, mix one spoon of coriander powder in hot water and soak for 5 minutes. Drink 3 glasses of this a day until you feel better. Posted by: Sun seeker

15 Home Remedies to Reduce Cholesterol

 15 Ways to Naturally Reduce Cholesterol and Lower the Risk of Heart Attack - Plus Cholesterol's Role in the Body and Side Effects of Statin Medication

Clockwise form top left – strawberries, magnesium salts to make magnesium oil, nettle and fish oil.

Under the new guidelines issued by the American Medical Association, roughly 1/3 of all adults should consider taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs to control their cholesterol levels.  Many healthcare practitioners already feel there is an overuse of statin medication in the United States.  Statins may cause serious side effects, which I’ll get to in a bit.  Also, 50% of people who die suddenly from heart attacks do not have high cholesterol.   In this post we’ll discuss 15 home remedies to naturally reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attack, the role of cholesterol in the body and side effects of statin medication.

 15 Ways to Naturally Reduce Cholesterol and Lower the Risk of Heart Attack

Home Remedy for Lower Cholesterol

#1 – Increase Your Magnesium Levels

In The Magnesium Miracle, Dr. Carolyn Dean explains how magnesium acts as a natural statin, limiting cholesterol production so that it covers necessary functions but is not produced in excess.  Foods that are high in magnesium include:  kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds, cashews, molasses, brewer’s yeast, buckwheat, brazil nuts, dulse, filberts, peanuts, wheat grain, millet, pecans, English walnuts, rye, tofu and dark chocolate.  Many wild plants are also high in magnesium, such as burdock root, dandelion, chickweed and nettle.  It may be difficult for people to get enough magnesium through diet, so applying magnesium oil topically can also be helpful.

#2 – Get More Vitamin C

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation.  A 2008 study showed a significant decrease in serum LDL cholesterol and tryglyceride concentrations with the supplementation of at least 500mg/d of vitamin C.  Some good sources of vitamin C include:

citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes

kiwi

papaya

strawberries

pineapple

cantaloupe

sweet bell peppers – green or red

cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale

sweet potatoes

#3 – Drink Some Green Tea

Catechin, a major constituent of green tea, has been shown to reduce oxidized (damaged) low-density lipoprotein.  In a 2007 study, volunteers consumed the equivalent of 6 to 7 cups of green tea daily and experienced a significant change in plasma LDL concentration.

#4 – Add Some Vitamin K2 to Your Diet

In the book Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox, the author explains how vitamin K2 packs a one-two punch when it comes to heart disease.  While K2 can lower serum cholesterol, more importantly, K2 reduces atherosclerois, i.e. plaque accumulation in the arteries.  This plaque is the deposits of calcium, fatty substances and scar tissue that together cause “hardening of the arteries”.  With plaque build up, the arteries either clog up and reduce or stop blood flow entirely, or get fragile and have a blow out.  Vitamin K2 is not the same as vitamin K1, which is abundant in leafy greens and great for bone building.  Vitamin K2 works in concert with calcium and vitamin D, making sure the calcium gets where it’s needed – in your bones, not your muscles and arteries.  In addition, vitamin K2 can remove calcium build up in the arteries after it has formed and help restore arterial flexibility.  The best source of vitamin K2 is natto, a fermented soybean concoction with a stringy, slimy texture.  Other sources of vitamin K2 include goose liver pate, hard cheeses (such as gouda), soft cheeses (such as Brie), egg yolk, butter and chicken liver.  Most people in the US are low in vitamin K2, although regular cheese eaters tend to far better than the general population.

 #5 – Eat Your Oatmeal

As the much publicized commercials for popular cereal brands note, the soluble fiber in oats helps to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.  Go ahead and enjoy a nice warn bowl of oatmeal (soak overnight for quick morning cooking and easier digestion) or sneak some oatmeal into your snacking with fun recipes such as these cranberry-walnut power balls.

#6 – Make Sure Your Thyroid is Functioning Normally

Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) often correlates with high cholesterol levels.  Talk to your health care provider about checking your thyroid.  Improving thyroid function may help to naturally reduce cholesterol levels.

#7 – Get a Cat

University of Minnesota Researchers studied more than 400 people for 10 years and found that cat owners had their risk of heart attack reduced by 30%.  Of course, this tip would probably not be helpful if you are a cat hater like my father-in-law.  This may be related to a cat’s ability to purr.  In the article “The Cat’s Purr and Sounds That Heal“, the author states that “The type of frequencies that are found in the cat’s purr are good for healing muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries, as well as for muscle strengthening and toning. They are good for any type of joint injury, wound healing, reduction of infection and swelling, pain relief, and relief of chronic pulmonary disease.”

 #8 – Eat some Blueberries

A recent study concluded that “blueberry intake acutely improves vascular function in healthy men in a time- and dose-dependent manner”. Blueberries are high in anti-oxidants, which reduce inflammation.  Learn how to grow your own blueberries.

#9 – An Apple a Day Really May Keep the Doctor Away

My grandmother Catherine always loved to say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. It turns out she was probably right. A 2011 study by researchers from Florida State University found that older women who ate apples every day reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 23% within six months and increased HDL cholesterol levels by 4%. The apple eating women also lost an average of 3.3 pounds.

#10 – Choose Coconut Oil for Lower Cholesterol and a Slimmer Waist

In a 2011 study, woman consuming about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day experienced increased levels of HDL, decreased LDL/HDL ratio and reduced waist circumferences.  For a sweet treat that includes coconut oil, cocoa (for magnesium) and walnuts, check out our No Cook Coconut Oil Fudge recipe.

#11 – Enjoy Some Garlic

A study published in January 2012 analysed 26 clinical trials and found that garlic was more effective than a placebo in reducing cholesterol levels, specifically total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  Garlic did not appear to have a significant effect on HDL and LDL.  Garlic is also anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal, and may help lower blood pressure and improve liver function.  Fresh garlic packs more punch than cooked.  Learn how to grow garlic.

#12 – Supplement with Fish Oil

Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is a nutritional powerhouse that reduces inflammation and clotting, lowers triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol.  Make sure to choose a quality brand that has been tested for mercury and other contaminants.

#13 – Get a Little Nutty

Walnuts, like fish oil, are also high in omega-3 fatty acids.  Nuts are also high in magnesium.  In an unrelated note, getting a little silly to reduce stress is also very good for reducing inflammation and improving overall health.

 #14 – Ditch Transfats, Don’t Smoke, and Eat Less Processed Food-like Products

What you shouldn’t eat is as important as what you should eat.  The FDA has *finally* admitted that transfats are bad, after allowing them to dominate the market for years.  Of course, manufacturers are likely to come up with some other modified gobbledegook that is equally as nasty.  When choosing fats (and other foods), look for less processed options.  As the saying goes, I trust cows more than chemists, which is why I eat butter.  Shop around the edges of the grocery store, looking for items that are minimally processed – real vegetables and fruit, fresh meat and dairy.  Learn to bake your own bread.  You can check out our Recipes page for a wide assortment of homemade fare.

#15 – Exercise

Although exercise is very good for many reasons, promoting circulation and strengthening the body, it’s not a magic bullet when it comes to cholesterol.  Cleveland Clinic states that “Exercise has the greatest effect on triglycerides (lowers them) and HDL, the good cholesterol (increases it). Exercise does not have much impact on LDL unless combined with dietary changes and weight loss.” Start out slowly and gradually increase your activity levels.

I hope this post has helped you to realize just how important cholesterol is for our bodies, and how many side effects statin drugs can have.  Remember that oxidized (damaged) cholesterol is more of a problem than high cholesterol.  Look to reduce inflammation so that your body doesn’t need to produce excess cholesterol to fight inflammation – don’t attack the firefighters for trying to put out the fire!

Related Posts :July 17, 2014 by Laurie Neverman 54 Comments