Take a walk around any health food store, and you're bound to come across Tea Tree Oil. An essential oil that's steam distilled from a plant native to Australia, Tea Tree has long been revered by Aborigines for its medicinal properties and used as a topical treatment for minor skin problems. The oil is a natural antiseptic, bactericide, and fungicide, making it worthy of any first aid kit. While you should always check with a doctor for professional advice concerning Tea Tree oil, here are a few handy uses for this all-natural multi-tasker.

1. Loosen chest congestion: Came down with a cold? Add a drop or two of Tea Tree Oil to a vaporizer and allow the oil's camphoraceous aroma to loosen chest congestion.

2. Remove musky odors: Soak a few cotton balls in Tea Tree Oil, and store them away in a plastic baggie to have on hand when foul odors strike; the oil's powerful fragrance will help fight funky smells from cooking, mildew, and mold.

3. Clean your home: Fill a spray bottle with water, and add one or two teaspoons of tea tree oil to create an all-purpose cleaner that's both cost-effective and all-natural. If you wish, also add a drop or two of a fragrant essential oil — lavender, for example — to give your home a pleasant aroma.

4. Treat insect bites: Dab a few drops of Tea Tree Oil directly on bites to ease itch and help promote healing.

5. Soothe sunburn: Combine one drop of Tea Tree Oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut grapeseed, sweet almond, jojoba, or olive oils) and massage into sunburned skin.

· Tea Tree Oil [WebMD]
· 20 Great Uses for Tea Tree Oil [Care2]
· 25 Uses for Tea Tree Oil [Keeper of the Home]