Tea Tree Oil Benefits & Uses

Tea tree oil comes from the evergreen leaves of the Australian melaleuca alternifolia shrub. Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, is a vital oil that comes from steaming the Australian tea tree oil leaves. Tea tree oil was used as a complementary treatment in burn care, dental care, and surgery. It can kill bacteria and fungi. Tea tree oil is thought to be antibacterial when used topically. Tea tree oil is usually used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, lice, nail fungus, and insect bites. Many tea tree oil body care products are available, such as shampoo, soap, topical cream, toothpaste, lip balm, and essential oil.

Tea tree essential oil may be used for many functions, including keeping hair, skin, and nails healthy. Besides its backed benefits, tea tree oil is cheap and safe when used as directed. This post discusses many benefits uses for tea tree oil as a home remedy. Tea tree oil can be obtained as an oil and several over-the-counter skin products, such as lotions and soaps. However, tea tree oil shouldn’t be taken orally. If swallowed, it can lead to serious symptoms.

What is tea tree oil used for?

People worldwide usually use tea tree oil to treat acne, minor skin cuts, burns, athlete’s foot, vaginal yeast infections,  mild fungal nail infections, and lung problems. While there is little research on tea tree oil, some studies imply it is safe and effective for preventing and treating ailments.

Research on tea tree oil applications for specific conditions reveals some of the benefits:

– Acne. Research indicates that a treatment gel containing tea tree oil may be good at relieving acne.

– Athlete’s foot. A tea tree oil cream has been proven to be effective in relieving symptoms of athlete’s foot.

– Dandruff. A small study demonstrated that tea tree oil was capable of treating dandruff.

– Nail fungus. Research has not proven that tea tree oil is effective in treating toenail fungus.

– Lice. When used together with lavender oil, tea tree oil has been demonstrated to treat lice eggs.

Outcomes and results can vary because there are no standardized techniques for harvesting tea tree oil or producing products containing the oil.

Nowadays, tea tree oil is widely available as a 100% undiluted oil. Diluted forms are also available, ranging from 5-50% strength in products made for the skin. Tea tree oil has a range of chemicals that were proven to kill specific bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Let’s explore the many benefits and uses of the versatile oil.

– Heals acne

Tea tree oil can be a potent weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that it helps decrease the quantity and general severity of acne. It can be just as potent against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most frequent anti-acne medication. Gels containing tea tree oil can help decrease the number of lesions and acne severity in a range of studies.

– Natural Mouthwash

Research indicates that tea tree oil can fight germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath. One study showed tea tree oil to be more effective against plaque-causing germs than chlorhexidine, a frequent disinfectant, and oral rinse. What is more, its flavor was found to be objectionable. To create your chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil into a cup of warm water, mix thoroughly and simmer in your mouth for 30 minutes or so. As with other mouthwashes, tea tree oil shouldn’t be swallowed. It can be poisonous if ingested. Tea tree oil can easily be diluted with water to make a mouthwash, which will help fight bad breath and dental plaque.

–  Heals Cuts & Wounds

Besides preventing disease in cuts and abrasions, tea tree oil may also encourage wound healing. Research proves that tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and activate the action of white blood cells, which are instrumental in the healing process. A couple of drops of tea tree oil can be added to wound dressing whenever a fresh dressing is applied. Tea tree oil can help accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell activity.

– Antiseptic for Minor Cuts

Injuries that result in skin cuts make it simple for germs to get into your bloodstream, which may result in infection. Tea tree oil can heal minor cuts by killing germs that could cause disease in open wounds. Applying tea tree oil and coconut oil mixture can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected.

– Heal Skin Infection

Tea tree oil can help heal inflamed skin. Common skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as nickel. Exposure to the allergen contributes to red, itchy, and sometimes painful skin. Tea tree oil can offer relief from insect bite reactions by lowering the itching, redness, and swelling. This occurs when your body releases histamine to shield from the insect’s saliva. Implementing a tea tree oil mixture can help fight skin inflammation associated with contact dermatitis or insect bites.

– Heal Athlete’s Foot

You can have an athlete’s foot when the tinea fungus grows on your feet. It can also be really tough to control. One study found that although tea tree oil helped alleviate scaling, inflammation, itching, and burning in addition to antifungal medication, it was not as capable of actually getting rid of the fungus.

– Mold Remover

Fresh produce is vulnerable to developing a gray mold called Botrytis cinerea, especially in warm, moist climates. Adding drops of tea tree oil into water before rinsing your produce and drying it thoroughly. Tea tree oil contains chemicals that help fight the growth of mold on vegetables and fruits. Adding tea tree oil into the water when rinsing produce might help your produce stay mold-free.

– Controls Dandruff

Dandruff can be annoying and socially embarrassing. It occurs as white flakes of dead skin that fall from the scalp and is not dangerous. While there is little published research on tea tree oil’s effectiveness in treating dandruff, one controlled study indicates that it could help. Tea tree oil can help decrease the intensity of dandruff and enhance other symptoms.

– Heal psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by outbreaks of red, itchy, scaly skin and is an autoimmune condition. Although there are drugs that may improve symptoms, the condition itself is chronic, and there’s no known cure. Tea tree oil comprises anti-inflammatory chemicals, which, based on emerging evidence, may be useful for relieving psoriasis symptoms. To offer relief for psoriasis flares, combine 10–15 drops of tea tree oil with two coconut oil tablespoons. Apply this to the affected region 2-3 times every day, as required. A combination of tea tree oil and coconut oil can help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.

– Eliminate Nail Fungus

Fungal nail infections are very common. Even though they are not dangerous, they may be unsightly. Some medicines can treat nail fungus, though some individuals might prefer a more natural approach. Research studies have proven that tea tree oil helps eliminate nail fungus when utilized alone or in conjunction with other organic remedies. You may use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal quantity of coconut oil and apply it to the affected region. Make certain to wash your hands immediately after applying to prevent spreading the fungus to other places. Tea tree oil can be as protective against fungal nail infections as antifungal drugs applied to the region.

– Hand Sanitizer

Tea tree oil makes a perfect natural hand sanitizer. Studies prove that it kills many common viruses and bacteria responsible for causing illness, such as E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae. Furthermore, a study testing several kinds of hand wash proves that adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosted their efficacy against E. coli. It can function as a natural hand sanitizer that may help kill a range of germs responsible for colds, flu, and other sicknesses.

– Insect Repellent

Tea tree oil can help keep pesky insects away. One study found that after being treated with tea tree oil, cows had 61 percent fewer flies than the cows that were not treated with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can kill or repel insects. Sometimes, it’s as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.

– Natural Deodorant

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial effects might help control underarm odor linked to perspiration. Sweat itself doesn’t smell. But when secretions from the sweat glands combine with bacteria in your skin, a moderate to strong odor is created. Your underarm area comprises a large concentration of those glands and is mainly responsible for what’s commonly called “body odor.” Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties offer a great natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants. Tea tree oil includes compounds that fight germs responsible for body odor. It may be used to create a safe and effective deodorant.

– Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Tea tree oil makes an excellent all-purpose cleaner, which also sanitizes surfaces. It does so without leaving traces of substances you would not want your relatives or pets to come in contact with. Tea tree oil may be mixed with vinegar and water to make a chemical-free, all-purpose cleaner for your residence.

Is tea tree oil safe?

Experts consider tea tree oil to be secure as a topical treatment when applied to the skin daily. If applied to the skin in pure form, tea tree oil infrequently causes aggravation. Some people develop an allergic rash or contact dermatitis. If you’re concerned that you may develop a rash, try the oil on a small area of skin. You may also dilute tea tree oil with olive oil or coconut oil.

Tea tree oil should not be swallowed. If ingested orally, it may cause significant symptoms like breathing difficulties, confusion, loss of muscular coordination, and even coma.

Most people can use topical products with tea tree oil without any problems, but a few individuals may develop contact dermatitis (an allergic skin rash) or skin irritation on the areas of the body where the item was used.

As not much is known about its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid use during that time. Tea tree oil is not safe to take orally. It’s not recommended for use in the ears since it might damage the inner ear. The U.S. FDA ( Food & Drug Administration ) doesn’t regulate tea tree oil precisely the same way it regulates medicines.

Interactions: Although tea tree oil is frequently utilized in combination with other medications when treating bacterial or fungal skin conditions, there is currently no evidence demonstrating drug interactions.

In general, tea tree oil serves many functions and is a fantastic thing to have on hand. Tea tree oil can be useful as a home remedy for a lot of applications. It is a natural alternative to chemical-based nail and skin treatments, personal care products, and disinfectants, among other items. However, tea tree oil can be used with due precautions, as some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reaction after using it. Although tea tree oil is usually safe when used on adults’ skin, allergic reactions may occur in some individuals. Tea tree oil may be dangerous for young children and pets. Consult your doctor if you are using another product or thinking about combining one with your conventional medical treatment.