If you're deciding whether or not to start trying distilled essential oils, then Tea Tree would be the one that I would recommend to experiment with first.
When entering the world of essential oils, it is recommended to purchase a reputable essential oil guide that is "non biased" and to thoroughly read all the warnings and recommended dosages. They do smell good and are used for scent but they additionally have specific therapeutic properties that affect the body.
There are warnings that truly need to be followed with special care around pets, children, pregnant women, the elderly and especially people with autoimmune disease or are fighting cancer. Introduce yourself, to one "EO" at a time and understand it well.
Tea Tree essential oil can be purchased in many grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores and on line. There are many brands available, but I mostly use the trusted NOW brand.
There are a few different kinds of Tea Tree, so be sure the correct scientific name of the plant is specifically listed on the bottle. If you see a bottle that does NOT list the scientific name, then do NOT purchase it. This rule goes for ALL essential oils. There are some oils out there that are not 100% pure and are synthetic or simply fragrances.
Tea tree can be applied full strength (neat) to the skin but its most preferred to use it with a carrier oil like unrefined coconut oil or organic olive oil. You can use other carriers like Epsom Salt or even oatmeal for a bath.
This oil, in my opinion offers the most useful benefits around the average household and is used for first aid, cleaning and healing.
More than 50 rare, natural substances have been isolated from the essence of tea tree leaves. Because tea tree oil kills viruses, bacteria and fungi, it can heal many infections, including athletes foot, a fungi that affect the nails, some acne, cuts and more.
Healing Hair Rinse - for lice, dandruff and itchy scalp.
Combine:
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of water with 5 drops of tea tree essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil.
Wash hair as normal and then use this as a final rinse. Soak hair with this rinse and let soak for 15 minutes. Either wrap in a towel or use a shower cap. Avoid getting this in your eyes. Rinse out with warm water. Repeat in 5 days if needed.
Here are some more uses for Tea tree essential oil -
Add 15 drops to an 8 oz hand soap to increase its sanitizing properties.
Add 30 drops to one gallon of water as a final floor rinse mopping solution.
Add 5 drops to a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down your kitchen counters.
Add 3 drops to 1/2 cup of dog shampoo, mix well and use for skin issues and fleas.
Add 1 drop to your dishwasher soap before turning on the machine.
Add 5 drops to 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar and use solution as fabric softener in washing machine.
Add 30 drops to a 12 oz spray bottle and use on shower walls after each use to help keep mold at bay.
Add 1 drop to band-aid pad to cover an ulcer or infected bug bite.
Use 3 drops down the garbage disposal drain to keep it fresh.
Use tea tree oil in a diffuser when someone is sick in the house to keep germs in the air at bay.
