What are the Uses and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil ?
Tea tree essential oil is a distilled form of oil extracted from the leaves of a native plant called Melaleuca alternifolia which grows on Australia’s swampy Southeastern parts. Its popularity has increased worldwide due to its profound natural healing properties.
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, making it excellent for treating various health conditions such as acne, toenail fungus, athlete foot, dandruff, head lice, bad breath, and seasonal allergies.
It is also great for disinfecting surfaces, making homemade hand sanitizers, toothpaste, and mouthwash among many more.
Read on to learn and understand the 10 top uses and benefits of Tea tree essential oil.
1- Uses and Benefits of Tea tree essential oil to the skin
Tea tree oil has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties necessary to promote healing and soothe many skin conditions such as acne, blackheads, Psoriasis, and eczema.
Tea tree essential oil can also reduce and improve acne scars’ appearance, making your skin clear and smooth. Additionally, it can also help alleviate redness and swelling.
Psoriasis, especially plaque psoriasis, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster. It can cause red, thick, and scaly plaque on the skin, ultimately making bumpy red patches on your skin covered with white scales.
Here is a simple DIY remedy I make with tea tree Essential oil to clear acne and black heads from my face.
You will need
- 1 tsp activated charcoal
- 1 tsp Bentonite Clay
- 5 drops Tea tree essential oil
- 1/2 tsp pure raw honey
- 1tsp pure Aloe Vera Gel
- 1/2 tsp water
Mix all the ingredients to form a Slightly thick paste. Rinse your face with warm to open the skin pores and pat dry . Apply the paste and let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it dries up and Wash it off.
Tea tree oil can effectively treat Psoriasis and eczema because of its antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It can help minimize the pain and itchiness caused by Psoriasis. It can also minimize the flare and symptoms of eczema when it is applied topically.
This oil is considered safe to apply topically on the skin. However, It is crucial to do a skin patch test to make sure it is ideal for your skin. Before using the oil on your face or the affected area, make sure you cleanse your face with mild soap and pat dry.
2- Benefits to oral health
The antibacterial effects of tea tree essential oil can benefit your oral health. Studies show that it can help reduce the number of oral bacteria, relieve bleeding gums, diminish tooth decay, and prevent plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is associated with periodontal disease, which can cause problems like receding gums.
Tea tree essential oil can also be used as an ingredient for mouthwash or DIY toothpaste to kill bacteria. You can as well add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular toothpaste.
Make sure to dilute it with cold water before using it as a mouth rinse, and do not ingest it as it can be toxic.
3-Uses and Benefits of Tea tree essential oil for Infections and wound-healing .
Different studies have shown the excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects of tea tree essential oil in minimizing the spread of infections, healing wounds, and improving scars’ appearance.
According to one study, tea tree essential oil was effectively used to treat wounds and reduces the spread of disease causing bacteria.
To use tea tree oil, make sure you do a skin patch test. If you do not experience any irritations, then go ahead and use it on the wounded area.
To use it for disinfecting and healing wounds, wash the affected area under running water with soap. Add 7-10 drops of tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water, damp a clean cotton pad or clean cloth in the water. Pat dry the affected area and let dry.
4- Benefits to hair and scalp
Tea tree essential oil can significantly benefit your hair and scalp. It can substantially reduce hair loss, dandruff, and chemicals’ buildup on the scalp. As a result, your hair will stay moisturized and healthy.
Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes dry, white flakes of dead skin to build up on the scalp. Sometimes, dandruff can also cause itching and irritation on the scalp.
Different things can cause dandruff-like dry skin, oily skin, dry hair, poor hygiene, fungus, and contact dermatitis. Tea tree essential oil can be used to treat dandruff. Its antifungal and moisturizing properties make it a good cure for dandruff.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your hair oil and use it regularly on your scalp and hair for good results.
Some small studies show that tea tree essential oil can also reduce and eradicate head lice in children and adults. Tea tree essential oil can minimize the number of lice eggs and reduce the number of living lice if used with lavender essential oil.
5- Athlete’s foot treatment
Athlete’s foot, also known as Tinea Pedis, is a kind of infection that commonly starts between the toes. People whose feet become very sweaty are mostly affected by this infection.
Tea tree oil can cure athlete foot since it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. All you have to do is dab a small amount of the oil on the affected areas on the skin once or twice a day. This can help reduce the swelling, itching, burning, and scaling of the athlete’s foot.
6- Make it your hand sanitizer
Tea tree essential oil can kill some common viruses and bacteria like E. coli, H. influenza, and S. pneumonia; therefore, you can use it to make an excellent DIY natural hand sanitizer.
One research conducted to test the efficacy of different types of tea tree essential oil products, found that adding tea tree oil to antiseptic products can boost their performance against germs and bacteria.
To make a homemade hand sanitizer.
Mix half a cup of Aloe Vera gel or alcohol,2 tablespoons of witch hazel with 10 drops of tea tree essential oil, and 5 drops of vanilla essential oil. Sake thoroughly to combine the ingredients well.
7- Nail fungus treatment
Nail fungus is an infection that causes a yellow or white spot just under your toenail or fingernail. Well, it does not hurt, but it does not look attractive either.
Fungal nail infections are common these days. Well, they are not so dangerous, but they can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. Different medications have been found to treat nail fungus, but tea tree essential oil also works great to treat that.
To effectively treat toe nail fungus, mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with2 cups of warm water and soak the affected nails in it for 20-30 minutes and dry off. Take a few drops of tea tree oil and mix with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Apply on the affected area, daily and you will see results after some time.
8.Uses and Benefits of Tea tree essential oil for Seasonal Allergy Relief
Tea tree oil like most essential oils for allergies contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for fighting and relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. It can help reduce inflammation and congestion, such as a stuffy or running nose caused by allergies.
You can diffuse it or apply it directly to the skin to relieve your symptoms. But note that tea tree oil may trigger allergic reactions to some people; therefore, do a skin test before using it.
9.Uses and benefits of Tea Tree oil as a natural insect Repellant
In one study, tea tree oil contained some insecticide repellant activities in some insects, such as beetles, even at low concentrations. It was found to produce some toxic reactions to the insects though more studies are required on this.
10. All-purpose cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Many research pieces have proved its cleaning benefits; It can be used as a natural chemical-free deodorizing and cleaning agent. You can use it to make homemade all-purpose cleaner for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces such as your kitchen countertops, bathrooms, and floor surfaces.
Tea tree oil can effectively get rid of mold in the shower naturally and remove odors from drains, thereby making your house smell good.
To use it for cleaning or deodorizing, add a few drops to water and spray on the surface you intend to clean.Let the sprayed surface sit for a few minutes and rinse it off.
Final thought
Most tea tree essential oil remedies are relatively safe if used properly, but more research is needed. Make sure you apply it with care and avoid using it if it reacts or irritates your skin.
Avoid any direct contact with your ears, eyes, inner, and nose when using Tea tree essential oils as it can cause an irritating or a burning sensation.
Although medical scientists have conducted innumerable research to prove tea tree oil’s efficacy, it’s essential to be cautious when using it directly on the skin. It should never be ingested or used for kids without any medical advice.
