Feet Naturally — natural steps, better health
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11
Essential oil

Tea Tree Oil

The antifungal to reach for first

Tea Tree Oil — still life

Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of an Australian shrub, and it is the single most useful antifungal in this index. Its active compound, terpinen-4-ol, is effective against the dermatophytes responsible for athlete's foot and against the fungi that discolour and thicken toenails.

Its range across this book reflects that. Athlete's foot, toenail fungus, plantar warts, cracked heels, dry feet — the common thread is that all of them either are an infection or are an opening for one. Tea tree handles the infection while the skin repairs.

It is strong. The smell is medicinal and unmistakable, and the strength that makes it effective is the same strength that makes dilution non-negotiable.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Athlete's foot soak

    Ten drops into a basin of warm water, twenty minutes, twice daily. Dry meticulously afterwards, and use a separate towel from the rest of the household.

  2. 2

    Toenail application

    Two drops of tea tree in half a teaspoon of carrier oil, brushed onto and under the nail edge twice daily. Continue for months. A big toenail takes nine to twelve months to grow out completely, and stopping early is why most people fail.

  3. 3

    Cracked heel blend

    Three drops into a tablespoon of coconut oil or shea butter, applied at night under a sock. Treats the fissure and guards it against infection at the same time.

Before you use it

  • Never swallow tea tree oil. It is toxic taken internally, and dangerous to children.
  • Always dilute. Undiluted tea tree causes contact dermatitis in a meaningful number of people.
  • Patch test on the forearm and wait a day before treating a whole foot.
  • Discard it if it smells sharp or turpentine-like — oxidised tea tree irritates far more.

Treats

Also appears in

Diabetics and Safe
Feet Naturally — book cover
From the book

Feet Naturally

The original book this guide is built from — 30 common foot problems and the natural remedies for them.

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This is natural-care information for general guidance only — it is not medical advice. For severe, worsening, or diabetic foot problems, please see a doctor.