Tea Tree Oil for Breath, Gums and Sore Throats

Tea tree oil, as I’ve said in previous blogs, is proven to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. 

I’ve actually used it when I had infected gums years ago — I get canker sores easily.

For canker sores, mix 3–5 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash, gargling 3 times a day. Don't swallow, though; there are warnings about it being toxic if taken internally (click here), so be careful.

Tea tree oil is also a natural bad breath cure.

In addition, it can help clear lung congestion and sore throats.

1. Boil a pot of water.

2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil.

3. While covering your head with a towel, lean over the pot and deeply breathe in the vapors for 5–10 minutes.

There are a lot of scientific studies to support tea tree oil’s uses. For research articles, go to the American Botanical Council’s website, www.herbalgram.org, and search for melaleuca or tea tree oil. This is a great site that can answer your questions on herbs.