When deciding what to put in our first aid kits and cleaning cupboards, natural products are often overlooked in favour of well known chemical-filled products. However, nature has a handy way of producing products that are better for both us and the environment. Tea tree oil has powerful antiseptic properties that can help clean your kitchen and bathroom, care for that annoying cut on your toe, clear a blocked nose or even repel unwanted, pesky insects!
Personal care
A great antiseptic for minor cuts, blisters, boils and scrapes, simply clean the area well and apply a few drops of the oil directly onto the wound. If a bandage is needed, allow a few drops of the oil to penetrate a cotton ball, then lay it face down on the wound with a bandage on top.
Insect repellant
We love the warmer weather in the summertime, but unfortunately, so do insects! Create your own natural insect repellant by mixing a few drops of pure tea tree oil with water.
Personal insect repellant: Add 15 drops of tea tree oil to 2 cups of water and use to spray the body (patch test on a small area first).
Household insect repellant: Use the same mixture above and spray into cupboards and corners of your home.
Household cleaning
As pure tea tree oil is a natural product, it is not harmful to our environment and can act as a powerful multi-purpose cleaner to help disinfect all areas of the home, clean all surfaces, and clear all types of mess.. Combine 2 teaspoons of pure tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend and use for household cleaning tasks.
For tougher areas such as a the bathroom and sink, combine 3 teaspoons of pure tea tree oil, 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
WE LOVE
Thursday Plantation 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil
RRP $17.50 (25ml) and $27.70 (50ml)
Available from pharmacies, health food stores and selected supermarkets.
For more information, visit www.thursdayplantation.com.
Images / Main (Flickr.com – Sid Mosdell)