There are two schools of thought--those who think you need store-bought drugstore or prescription remedies to clear skin, grow hair and strengthen nails, and those who prefer home remedies and alternative medicine. In the latter community, tea tree oil reigns supreme. It's a panacea for a variety of beauty concerns. Here are 3 ones to get any beauty maven started on a lifetime of tea tree oil appreciation.
1. For Hair Growth
Tea tree oil unclogs hair follicles and nourish your hair at the root. Mix 2-3 drops with any carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut or almond and massage onto the scalp. Leave for up to 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
2. To Treat Acne
A 5% solution of tea tree oil clears up acne just as well as benzoyl peroxide and other drugstore acne solutions, according to Australian researchers. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with 20-40 drops of witch hazel, and apply to skin once or twice a day with a cotton swab.
3. To Treat Nail Fungus & Yellow Discoloration
Alternative medicine guru Dr. Weil recommends using tea tree oil to treat nail fungus. Simply apply the oil with a nail brush twice daily for two months. This is a slow process--you need to wait for the nail to grow back which may take up to a year.
