How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Poison Ivy

Australians have been using the essential oil of the tea tree for hundreds of years for its medicinal and healing properties. Tea tree oil is known to help reduce pain and inflammation and is used to treat a variety of conditions including dandruff, athlete's foot and nasal congestion. You can even use tea tree oil to reduce the itching associated with poison ivy and help speed up the healing process. The next time you get poison ivy, don't worry about spending money on expensive creams and lotions, just reach for your bottle of tea tree oil.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. tea tree oil
• 1/8 cup almond oil
• Soap
• Water
• Clean towel
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

• 1

  Combine 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1/8 cup of almond oil in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. You can also use avocado oil or cold-pressed olive oil in place of almond oil.

• 2

  Wash the affected area thoroughly using soap and warm water and then pat dry with a clean towel.

• 3

  Dip a clean cotton ball into the tea tree oil mixture to moisten it, and then apply it directly to your skin. Do not cover the area with bandages or tight clothing; allow it to air dry for the best results. Repeat the application daily to reduce the pain and itching associated with poison ivy and help speed up the healing process.