10 Amazing Health and Beauty Uses For Tea Tree Oil

As a natural herbal oil, tea tree oil has been widely used for your health, beauty and around the house. It’s particularly beneficial to skin health, people use it to treat many skin ailments, such as acne, pimples and psoriasis.

While the benefits of tea tree oil don’t stop here, keep reading to find out more reasons why you should keep it in your medicine cabinet.

1- Relieves arthritis:

The oil helps reduce the pain related with arthritis, simply mixing 10-20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of a carrier oil you like, massage it into the affected areas 3 times a day.

2- Clears acne: 

Tea tree oil can improve your skin and cure acne naturally. Add 20-40 drops of tea tree oil to your face wash makes an effective remedy for acne.

3- Helps get rid of bad breath:

Normally the cause of bad breath is the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, thanks to the anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil, it can prevent bad breath by wiping out the unwanted bacteria. Gargle with the solution of 3 drops of the oil with a cup of warm water, do it twice daily and also do not swallow.

4- Helps relax the sore muscles:

When you feel tired, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the warm water in your bathtub, it will relax your tight muscles.

5- Treats eczema:

Coconut oil is useful for eczema,  Tea tree oil works well too! Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon coconut oil and massage it gently into the affected areas, do it 3 times daily.

6- Soothes sunburn:

The mixture of tea tree oil with coconut oil also helps with sunburn. Mix 1 drop of oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, apply it to the sunburned area.

7- Repels mosquitoes and also gives relief from mosquito bites:

There are several essential oils that naturally repel insects, tea tree oil is one of them, the smell of it deter mosquitoes and other insects. Mix 20-30 drops of the oil with enough water in a spray bottle, use it when necessary. For relieving the pain of the mosquito bites, use a drop of oil directly to bites for an relief.

8- Helps get rid of dandruff:

Add 20-30 drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and massage into scalp. Leave it for some minutes and then rinse.

9- Treats sore throat:

Add a drop of the oil in a glass of warm water, gargle with this drink 2-3 times a day, remember to spit it out. Tea tree oil helps fight off the infection to relieve the pain of a sore throat.

10- Helps remove makeup:

Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with ¼ cup of canola oil, use this mixture as a makeup remover, the anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil makes it a good agent for cleansing the skin.

Sources: theessentiallife.org/backdoorsurvival.com/ keeperofthehome.org

By Heidi Kristoffer

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/10-amazing-health-beauty-uses-tea-tree-oil/

A healthy lifestyle comes down to more than just diet and exercise.

We can fill ourselves to the brim with clean water, organic produce, and high-quality superfoods, but if we’re slathering our homes in toxins and laundering our clothes with chemicals, we’re doing ourselves a real disservice.

Some of the most dangerous toxins out there reside in our cleaning products, and we're putting our health at risk by exposing ourselves to them on a daily basis. The formulas in commercial household cleaners can:

• Aggravate allergies, skin conditions, asthma, and other respiratory conditions
• Induce allergic responses in children
• Increase our risk of cancer and disrupt the endocrine system
• Harm animals and the environment when flushed down the drain

Fortunately, there are many natural disinfectant options that won't threaten your health. Here are a few of my favorites:

 

1. Tea tree oil

This essential oil is incredibly antibacterial and antifungal—it really keeps those germs at bay. Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of tea tree oil, then use it to clean your kitchen and bathroom. It will work well on that disgusting mold in the corner of your shower!

2. Peppermint oil

Similar to tea tree, peppermint has plenty of antibacterial properties. If you love the smell of peppermint, add a drop or two to your mop bucket before you clean the floor and your whole house will smell minty fresh.

3. Vinegar

This is one of the quintessential natural cleaning products. Yes, it’s a little smelly, but the odor disappears quickly once you combine it with essential oils. Vinegar helps eliminate household germs and has been shown to be effective in protecting against the flu. Bonus: It also cuts grease!

 

4. Lemon juice

Another natural disinfectant, citric acid can actually combat salmonella and norovirus, particularly when used to wash produce. It’s also a perfect stain remover for counters and cutting boards. Plus, you can rub lemon juice on kitchen surfaces to eliminate bacteria and fill the place with a yummy, lemony scent.

5. Baking soda

No need for Scrubbing Bubbles when you’ve got this one lying around (and most of us already do in our pantries!). Baking soda is a popular deodorizer, and its coarser texture helps scrub grime away without leaving scratches in its wake. Mix it with warm water and vinegar for the best effect.

6. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic alternative to chlorine bleach, and it has proved effective at killing germs in hospitals and operating rooms. You can use it to clean surfaces and produce, but you must dilute it to a 3 percent concentration first.

Once you switch to nontoxic cleaners, you’ll have a hard time going back to the hard stuff. But don't pour those chemical-based products down the drain just yet—ask your city’s waste disposal department where you can drop them off to be disposed of responsibly.

by Meghan Telpner

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24677/the-only-natural-home-cleaners-youll-ever-need.html

3 Non-Toxic Tricks To Kill Mold In Your Home

Mold growth should not be tolerated in our homes! There is wide variability in how different people are affected by mold exposures. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone.

Mold can be dangerous to your health, even if you aren’t allergic. Many people react to mold by getting tired and even depressed. Try to stay on top of moisture and mold as soon as either arises. Dry out anything that is damp, such as basements (use a dehumidifier) and carpets. Fix leaks in plumbing and roofs. Wipe up spills. Make sure water doesn’t escape from shower curtains. Vigilance will pay off!

The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:

-infants and children

-elderly people

-individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies or asthma

-persons having severely weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients).

These three tricks will help you to kill mold and mildew. One of these you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard.

Vinegar, grapefruit seed extract and Tea tree oil (an essential oil found in most health food stores). There are pros and cons of each, but all three work. Vinegar is by far the cheapest. Tea tree oil is expensive, but it is a broad spectrum fungicide and seems to kill all the mold families it contacts. The problem is that it has a very strong smell, but that dissipates in a few days. Grapefruit seed extract is also expensive, but has no smell.

Vinegar Spray

Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add essential oils for a more mellow scent.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract instead of tea tree oil for killing mold is that it is odorless.

-20 drops grapefruit seed extract
-2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes about 2 cups, lasts indefinitely.

Tea Tree Treasure

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

-2 teaspoons tea tree oil
-2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes about 2 cups, lasts indefinitely.

http://www.naturalhealingmagazine.com/3-non-toxic-tricks-to-kill-mold-in-your-home/

7 Essential Oils: Are Their Healing Powers Fact or Fiction?

Despite their name, essential oils are not in fact oily, but rather clear and less slick than their name implies. Not quite watery, but not oily either. When blended correctly, essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted before applying directly to your skin.

Separating Fact from Fiction

Many time you may hear many claiming that essential oils can cure everything from diabetes to cancer to HIV.

Quite the contrary, it is the absence of any proof of discoveries made by these ancient civilizations that essential oils could cure major illness that leads me to believe they are excellent for treating and not curing. Given that they, after all, were unencumbered by the FDA, big Pharma and health insurance CEOs whose pockets aren’t bulging if we don’t buy their small and large biologics, is what leads me to believe that if essential oils could cure cancer, for example, such a discovery would have been made hundreds of years ago and surely one of the biotechs would have exploited this by now.

A practical person, I am left to believe that essential oils can, however, safely and effectively treat symptoms associated with the following:

Anxiety
Nausea (both general and associated with chemotherapy)
Insomnia
Treating colic in babies
Dental pain
Fatigue
Arthritis
Stress
Allergies
Asthma
Cuts
Wounds
Inflammation
PMS
Headaches
Digestion problems

7 Power Packed Essential Oils Having Remarkable Medicinal Properties

Eucalyptus

It contains anti-septic, germicidal and disinfectant properties making it the go-to for respiratory, chest, cough, throat and sinus issues; it thins mucus, acts as an expectorant and relieves coughs, fevers and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus also soothes muscles, nerves and joint pain. It relieves urinary/bladder symptoms and infections. This e.o. is stimulating and energizing when inhaled.

Lavender

It is soothing, eases depression and calms the nervous system. Its relaxing and rejuvenating benefits make this a perfect addition to your bath, diffuser or massage oil. Relieves headaches, migraines and nervous tension. Lavender is anti-bacterial, and therefore, great for skin and scalp issues including open wounds, cystic acne, insect bites, burns, dandruff and skin/hair care products. This e.o. decongests the sinus and respiratory systems. Lavender is popular for its pleasant fragrance and optimal for meditation given its association with the sixth chakra/third eye/pineal gland.

Peppermint

Peppermint boosts energy and mental alertness; it is especially helpful if you are trying to eliminate caffeine or sugar as it will give you that natural boost of energy you’re accustomed to receiving. It also relieves headaches. Peppermint is anti-bacterial and assists with food poisoning, IBS and other digestive ailments. Use this potent e.o. for tooth and gum infections as it kills bacteria.”

Rosemary

It is an optimal e.o. to keep in your office as it stimulates mental alertness. It’s also renowned for improving memory. Rosemary assists the adrenal system and helps with asthma, bronchitis, headache, arthritis and gout. It can increase intuition. Rosemary stimulates hair growth, promotes scalp health and reduces cellulite. Studies have shown rosemary e.o. effective in fighting ovarian and liver cancer cells among others.

Castor Oil

A castor oil pack is placed on the skin to increase circulation and to promote elimination and healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. It is used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
Castor oil packs are a traditional holistic treatment for a range of conditions, such as: cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder), poor eliminations, epilepsy, various liver conditions such as cirrhosis and torpid liver, scleroderma, headaches, appendicitis, arthritis, incoordination between assimilations and eliminations, colitis, intestinal disorders such as stricture and colon impaction, incoordination between nervous systems, neuritis, and toxemia.

Lemon

Lemon supports the sympathetic nervous system. It is naturally high in vitamin c and antioxidants. It supports the elimination of internal parasites. Externally, lemon e.o. lightens liver spots and facial pigmentation; it also works as a natural astringent. It is anti-bacterial and anti-infectious: a diffuser can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in 1 hour, staphylococcus aureus in 2 hours and pneumococcus bacteria in 3 hours (Valnet).

Tea Tree Oil

It has anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic and anti-septic properties, making this oil the top choice for practically EVERYTHING! It regenerates skin tissue, and so it is ideal for burns, lesions, insect bites, deep wounds, acne, cold sores, fungal infections, dry scalp, lice, eczema, psoriasis and athlete’s foot. For yeast/bacterial infections, you can make your own natural vaginal suppositories by mixing 3 drops tea tree oil into 1 tsp coconut oil and keep in the refrigerator to harden until ready for use. Tea tree e.o. also fights toxic mold when used as a spray or in a diffuser.

Have you had any success using essential oils? Please leave your comments below.

Reference and sources:

http://podbay.fm/show/789935889/e/1429748090?autostart=1

http://www.offthegridnews.com/alternative-health/essential-oils-are-their-healing-powers-fact-of-fiction/

http://donegalpages.com/essential-oils-separating-fact-from-fiction/

By Andrew

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/7-essential-oils-healing-powers-fact-fiction/