Tea tree oil is a clear essential oil -- it's also referred to as melaleuca oil. It is hydrophobic and has a pale golden color and holds a fresh woody, earthy odor. Tea tree oil has long been used for medicinal purposes. It is proven to hold antiseptic and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil has strong concentration and is generally diluted with water, essential oils and various creams for its many uses.
Water
Tea tree oil should be diluted with filtered or distilled water. It can be diluted with three parts tea tree oil and one part water or one part tea tree oil and one part water. Three parts to one part produces a 75 percent concentration. One part to one part produces a 50 percent concentration. Tea tree oil diluted with water is beneficial for acne, warts and thrush --- a yeast infection of the mouth.
Water-Soluble
Water-soluble solutions are also ideal for diluting tea tree oil. Water-soluble solutions include grain alcohol, vegetable glycerin and aloe vera gel. When tea tree oil is diluted with these solutions it is used for topical application to burns, cuts and athlete's feet. Two tablespoons of tea tree oil to 2 tbsp. of vegetable glycerin will, however, act as a douche or mouthwash. Two tablespoons of tea tree oil to 1 tbsp. of clear vodka produces a 65 percent concentration.
Oils
Oils that are diluted with tea tree oil are referred to as carrier oils. Common carrier oils for tea tree oil dilution include olive, apricot, almond or avocado oils. Two tablespoons of full-strength tea tree oil to a 1/2 cup of any carrier oil produces a 20 percent concentration of tea tree oil. Tree tea oil diluted with carrier oils offer anti-fungal relief for personal uses.
Creams
Tea tree oil can be diluted with almost any cream. Tea tree oil diluted with cream is beneficial for yeast infections, cold sores and scabies treatment. Creams can be mixed at one part, nine parts or 19 parts. For example, one part of tea tree oil to 19 parts of cream produces a five percent tea tree solution. One part of tea tree oil to nine parts cream produces a 10 percent concentration. One part of tea tree oil to one part cream creates a 50 percent tea tree solution. Three parts of tea tree oil to one part cream produces a 75 percent tea tree solution. A 5 percent solution is beneficial for cold sores and scabies treatment.
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