Tea Tree Oil

The other day we got an awesome care package from my sister in the States, filled with lots of fun products she picked up from Whole Foods.  It's funny to think how 10 year old me would have seen the contents of the box and thought "wtf is this crap" and the 28 year old me sees oils, soaps, and hand creams and thinks "squeeeeee!"

Anyways, I'm really bad at buying oils so I was super glad to see a bottle of tea tree oil in the care package.   Therefore, I am inspired to make a list of all the things this lovely oil can be used for.  Feel free to add anything I didn't include :D

-as a natural antiseptic (apply a few drops directly to skin..diluted with water if you're sensitive)
-inhale to treat coughs and colds. can also rub a drop or two along the outside of your nose/chest/throat
-has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal benefits when applied topically too
-fights mites and scabies
-fights acne (diluted)
-in shampoo it helps treat dandruff (add a few drops to your shampoo)
-helps treat herpes cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles blisters
-treats warts
-fights lice
-athlete's foot
-treats stretch marks
-insect repeller (15 drops + 1 quart water in spray bottle)
-ear aches (rub 2 or 3 drops along the outer ear)
-in a mouthwash (diluted..do not swallow) fights bad breath, gingivitis, plaque and inflamed gums
-gargle to help fight laryngitis (diluted...do not swallow)

Awesome huh?? But don't forget about safety when using tea tree oil.  The American Cancer Society says: "Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children."